The transition from winter to spring is always very tricky in the eastern part of the United States. Some days are very cold, some are very warm and others are comfortably mild. For those mild days, it’s a challenge finding the appropriate outer wear, so I always defer to my sleeveless or short sleeve light wool coats.
The wool used for this coat was this boiled wool from moodfabrics.com that’s pretty amazing. Outside of the fact the color is simply beautiful, but it’s light weight, comfortable and cuts and sews with ease. It’s perfectly wide at 60″ and would work just as well for a skirt or trousers.
I wanted a light weight lining that didn’t overwhelm the the coat, so I choose this silk habotai from moodfabrics.com
The pattern used for this coat was this Burdastyle menswear long coat downloaded pattern with the following alterations:
-Added 10″ to the length
-Removed the panel piece in the center
-Removed the front slant pockets and added side seam pockets
-Added a sewn in heavy weight interfacing for a more structured color
-Sewed the notched together seams that connect the top collar to the lower collar
-Added short sleeves
-Removed the back seam
-Removed the vent
I absolutely love mustard yellow fabric! It’s one of my favorite colors and you’ve put this together beautifully.
How do you know how much fabric to buy when you’re altering patterns? Do you just buy a set amount of fabric, or plan ahead with your alterations before buying fabric?
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much!
When I purchase fabric, I have a general idea of what application the fabric would work well with ie: coat, dress, pants etc. and with that, I estimate the amount I purchase. 90% of the time, I have no idea what I’m going to make when I purchase fabric I simply purchase fabric I like then figure it out later. For coat fabric I usually buy 2-3 yards depending on the width and everything else 2 yards.
Wow…what a talent!!
Thank you Lora
Oh Nikki!!! Simply gorgeous!!!!! I love it!!!!
Thank you Jennifer
Your sewing projects are so inspiring!! This coat is a real style statement – love it.
Yes! I love everything you make Nikki! I gotta make one for my girls their twins!
Nikki this is fabulous! I’ve been thinking of what would be a great spring coat and you nailed it right here! Thanks in advance for the inspiration!
Shari
MyDailyThreadz
Thank you Shari
Nikki, I just read about you in the McCalls Pattern Company post about designing patterns. I must say, I was in awe, when I saw your pictures. You are not only beautiful, you are more than talented. Congratulations on the job! You are now my new role model.
I have a couple of questions, however, if you don’t mind.
1. How did you learn to modify patterns to make them look like they are hot off the runway?
2. How do you know what construction order to now follow, after modifications? Do you make a note of construction steps before you start? Or do youake the decisions as you go along?
3. How do you deal with the problem of fit during the modification process?
4. How can I learn to do this like you? Could you please recommend any courses, books etc. And if you have a course on designing patterns like you do, I’d jump at the opportunity and pay up.
I know it takes years of practice to get to your level, but I am well on my way but I have never attempted to completely transform a commercial pattern because I just assumed that it wouldn’t fit etc.
I would really appreciate your advice, tips and pointers.
P.S I am amazed that you can recall all 400 of your patterns. Amazing.
Thanks for your time Nikki x
Zeenie
Gorgeous! I just stopped by your blog directly to see what was going on. For some reason, none of your posts since Jan 2016 have been appearing in my RSS readers (feedly and bloglovin’). The last post was from Dec 29th.
Just wanted to give you a heads up!
Love this coat. I’ve got a mustard pink/beige fabric that will look stunning in this style of coat. I must get onto it ASAP.
Charlie x