Sometimes you just see what you want to see.I had this gorgeous piece of light blue boiled wool in my stash for a few years, and its time had come.
The coat was extremely simple to make. If you can pull off this style, there probably isn't an easier coat pattern out there. I made it in one day- I kid you not. However, then the problems began. I realized that I had a styling problem with this coat, when I put it on, and felt that it looked like an old woman in a light blue bathrobe. All I needed was curlers in my hair. So, to remedy it, I decided to chop off 9 inches of the bottom of the coat.
It now hits me at my mid-thigh. Because it is a bulky fabric that doesn't ravel, I left the bottom unhemmed. I don't think anyone will know but me, (and now you, of course).
I used silver magnetic snaps at the top, although they are hidden. I love magnetic snaps- they almost fasten themselves when the magnets get close enough.
But, alas- this coat isn't for a real winter. And, I'm sorry to say, we have had a REAL WINTER this year! The wind just whips right up those big wide sleeves, not to mention the fact that it is completely open below the snaps.
Practical, this coat is NOT. Pretty it is. Comfortable it is. I think I will get more use out of it once it is a little warmer.
And the lining is an aqua silk charmeuse- as luxurious as you can get. I'm sure that this coat would cost a pretty penny had it been in a designer shop.
Here's the back. Me looking over our recent snow, wondering when the snow plow will ever come down our street.
So, to summarize-
1. Difficult style and color to wear without going "old". Must style carefully!!!
2. Not practical in a real winter, due to wide sleeves and no closures.
3. Easy to sew.
4. Comfortable to wear.
That's my two cents. Occasionally, I wish that I would have waited for another pattern for this fabric, but it's growing on me. I haven't worn it out in public yet, so I will have to see how I feel after I've ventured outside of my back yard in it for the final verdict.
Happy Sewing!
Ann
It's very pretty!
ReplyDeleteSorry about losing your mom.
Thank you- on both counts.
DeleteWell, I think it looks very pretty and stylish on you. But i see what you mean about the sleeves.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diana! It will be a great coat for non-windy days.
DeleteI love your coat!! It was made...for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vanessa!
DeleteI love it!! The pattern wasn't right, but you make it work perfectly. The fabric is gorgeous. The coat looks very pretty and stylish on you :-)
ReplyDeleteGroetjes, Collie
I love it! I'm looking for the Burda issue. I will also be shortening it and choosing accessories very carefully.
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane. It is a good issue- I think you'll like many other things in it as well.
Deletedon't we all look at the lovely young model in the pictures and forget we are somewhat older hmmmmm been there done it and got the tshirt. However I love the blue and it looks lovely on you and I think you have styled it perfectly. Hope the snow plough comes toon.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Yes, the snow plow came, but someone still left the air conditioner on- it is -5 this morning.
DeletePretty! I love the color!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenny!
DeleteLovely! I wonder if you could do an inner sleeve with elastic to stop the wind coming up? I saw something like that in Threads once.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vicki! I thought about that too. Maybe even detaching the lining from the sleeve, and making a casing at the lining bottom would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteHi Ann! Could you tell me whether you reinforced the sleeves with something like fusible tape? I'd love to make a coat like yours, but have never used boiled wool before! Any advice on working with boiled wool would be appreciated!!
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't, but I do think that would be a great idea! I think it was pretty easy to work with- just extra thick, so I used a longer stitch length when sewing. Good luck!
DeleteGreat! Thank you, Ann!
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