Recently I saw a coat in the window of an expensive boutique. I tried the coat on and instantly fell in love--until I looked at the price tag: $440. It might have been worth it if the coat was handmade of cashmere or some other luxurious blend, but it wasn't. So, I got the big idea in my head that I was going to make myself a coat. And this is what I did. I have a tendency to get myself into projects that are a wee bit over my head. Oh la la this coat was such a bugger to sew! Now I know why coats are priced as high as they are.
This coat is made of a lush olive velvet that changes colors according to the light. (You can see how the color is slightly different in each picture.) The back has a bit of a gathered skirt with an ample belt around the waist. The smock-look on the front of the coat was achieved by sewing lines of small strips of elastic. I loosely based the pattern on Simplicity #4403 (which can be found at Walmart). If you get the big idea in your head of making yourself a coat, watch out, you're in for some serious work. On the other hand, since I just saved myself $440, does that mean I can now buy a new lens for my camera?
19 comments:
Oh my good gravy!
that is a bee-u-ti-ful coat!
No detail left out, covered buttons, smocking, I am blown away.
Beautiful!!! How do you get the time to do such wonderful projects, and what in the world are you doing up so early blogging? Oh, I really wish I was closer!
superb. I'd been looking for a coat for 4 years before finding one in a thrift store in a tiny town in upstate new york. but this one takes it to a whole new level . . .
Everyone always thinks I'm up at 4:00 a.m. posting. Actually, since Lynne holds the account, it is set in West Coast time, a three-hour difference from me. I wish I didn't have to sleep and could make things all day and all night long...
Melissa-
I love this coat so so much! I want one just like it! I can't believe that you cooked this up in the two weeks since I last saw you!! Great work:) Now I know what I want for Christmas!
oh melissa, this is a beautiful, beautiful coat - and looks so pretty on you!! I love the socks, too! I think it is DEFINITELY new lens-worthy!!
And, where did you find that lush fabric?
Oh my GOOD GRIEF!!!!!!
I want, I want, I want that coat!
Is that you in the pictures?
Erica
xxx
what a gorgeous, gorgeous coat!
Yes, that's me. My son took the pictures. He took about 100 and most turned out blurry because the camera was heavy and he couldn't hold it steady. But in the end, he got some good ones, I think.
i love the fabric!! May I ask who the fabric is by? Lovely! You inspire me to put the knitting needles down and get back to my sewing machine ;)
beautiful!! and i agree, sleep is totally overrated. i wish i could stay up all the time doing fun things and projects. :)
The fabric is from a stash I've had for a while. I think I got it at a discount fabric store. It's quite a heavy, upholstery weight fabric.
Oh my word! that's amazing! you did a great job. and you made up the pattern just by looking at the other coat at the boutique? my jaw is currently dropping.
I really thought that those pictures were from a catalog! Not only gorgeous coat but gorgeous displays of the coat. WOW!
the button detail is amazing..worth the purchase.
http://www.theshinysquirrel.com
Wow! I honestly thought that the staircase shot was from a high-end catalogue (Anthropologie and the like) until I read your post! Impressive photography from your son! And, the coat is fabulous...I can see why it might be an expensive coat with all the gorgeous detail work...
well done!
i absolutely love this coat you made. it's just gorgeous! i also love the shoes and the purple socks!
Okay, so I found your blog from a friend of a friend of a friend...(I was zombiing in front of the computer one night-not normal, I promise). I love sewing, too, so I enjoy checking in on your blog to see what you both have made! This coat is a huge inspiration to me, I may have to try it. So, where did you get those shoes? I LOVE them.
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