Yes, my expression is kind of weird LOL
Back in November I decided I wanted to buy a fancy, dressy, nice trench-type coat. I had looked around a few places and every coat I tried on, the sleeves were too short and the coats were way too expensive ($200-$600). I was very frustrated and then LIGHTBULB, make my own – duh! So I went searching for the perfect pattern and I already had this pink plaid fabric in mind.
I searched for about a week for a coat pattern and fell in love with the Vogue – V8346 – Misses’ Coat. I loved that it was very fitted, princess seams, double-breasted and full at the bottom. I hadn’t sewn by a pattern in about 10 years so I was a bit intimidated, but it said “easy” on it, so I figured why not?! I decided on “View B”.
Don’t they all look just so fancy and sophisticated? I wanted to look the same.
This pattern is easy but there are a few parts that I got stuck on. I don’t know if it’s because I wasn’t used to using patterns, or because I had just got back into sewing but I wanted more explanation than what the directions had. I figured things out on my own and with the help of some Googling but I think the coat came out amazing – so I’m happy! I was confused about the collar, some else online said you needed to stretch it to make it fit. Either way, I put mine in-between the fabric and lining and just sewed it up – hoping for the best! I had trouble on the hem and the lining, mainly because I had never done that part before. The other issue I had were the pockets, I just couldn’t wrap my head around how the directions wanted them to be done. So I made up my own way and it looks just fine 🙂
I didn’t make a muslin but I did measure everything, and myself, over and over. I made it in size 10 and it’s snug. I didn’t realize that pattern sizing was different from ready-to-wear sizing. Luckily 10 worked out perfect. I’d say it’s more like an XS or S in ready-to-wear. I did use the shoulder pads, I feel they help shape the coat very well. Also, I made the sleeves EXTRA LONG, oh boy do I love how long they are! I didn’t really care for how the buttons looked on the plaid print so I went ahead and made my own belt and belt loops. I am amazed at myself for making the print line up as well as it did, that was really tough!
During this project I gave myself a huge challenge: learn how to use AND thread that beast called a serger! I am very proud to say that I did and OMFG is it a pain to thread! I love how it really ties everything together so professionally. I mean, just look at that gorgeousness:
I wear this coat all the time. The fabric is made mostly of wool and the lining is the anti-static lining (but they lied – it’s staticky!). I’ve had many many compliments and it’s amazing how shocked people are when I say I made it myself. I’ve had a few people who just didn’t believe me. I view that as a great compliment, seeing as though they swear it’s store bought quality!
I want to make this again in a lighter fabric for the spring and maybe a little shorter. I did make the skirt part a little fuller than the pattern called for. It took me almost 2 months to fully finish it. I highly recommend it for anyone!
I had no idea of all the work ahead!
Front
Side
Back
Lining
You did an amazing job. How long have you been sewing? Keep up the good work.
Thank you!!! I started when I was about 6 or 7 just by hand, then my Mom bought me this handheld sewing thing and eventually a sewing machine 🙂 I stopped for a few years here and there and then just really started again in July 🙂
Hi Amy
WOW, you did a great job, I remember sewing a flannel men’s shirt for my Amy when she was a teen ager and taking on the collar, matching the pattern and doing the button holes, loved that when it was finished, my daughter could not take it off..your coat is beautiful and I know you wear it with pride. I’d love to get back to sewing now that I see your amazing accomplishment.
Thank you 🙂 Collars can be a pain! I’ve gotten to be pretty good at button holes, took me a few mess ups to really get it. I love that Amy loved it so much! You should get back into sewing, it’s so relaxing and a great sense of accomplishment 🙂
Replying a bit late but that is so nice! I am taking sewing lessons and picked out the same pattern. I’m sewing design B and making a muslin first. My instructor helped me with matching the back pieces together. When I got home I got stuck and don’t know how to match up the front pieces. The instructions are soooo confusing! Ugh!
Yay on learning to sew! This coat is a lot to take on but it’s worth it once it’s done! Were you able to figure out the front pieces? Sometimes princess seams are awkward!