Inspiration...Suede Coat

This inspiration is probably more for someone who can either sew really fast or wants to plan ahead to the fall season ans sew ahead of time:

Thisi s the 100% Suede Leather Coat Limited Edition from Zara.  Price tag: $759.00.  Description:  100% Suede Leather (goat), lapel collar, long sleeves, front patch pockets, front button closure, bound buttonholes.

This is such a fabulous coat.  I am sure that is heavy because it is leather.  Really the price is not too bad for a leather product.  A faux suede would be wonderful.  Not as warm as the leather but it would still be nice and you would not need specialty cleaning.

Here is a pattern idea that could give a similar look:

This is the Bay Coat by Seamwork.  It would give a similar feel even if it is not exactly the same as the inspiration photo.  You would need to remember to separate the pattern so that the pieces would give the illusion of leather and top stitch.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Scarf Coat

 I found this interesting coat and was kinda shocked by the price.  Here you go:

This is the Reversible Double-faced Cashmere Coat & Scarf by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $4,298.00.  Details:  crew neck, concealed snap front, long sleeves, side pockets, hem hits around the knee, a-line fit, cashmere, scarf with fringe.  Length 37 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem.

Can you believe that price?  I have a pattern for you:

This is the Ivy Unlined Scarf Jacket pdf pattern by Seamwork.  The basics of the inspiration photo are here.  The closure is different and the scarf ends are different but you certainly get the look and feel.  

I even found double-faced cashmere at this site.  Honestly, I do not know anything about that site but if this is the look you are going for, it would be worth your time to investigate it.  The jacket & scarf take 4 yards of fabric.  The fabric at that site is about $80 per yard and look at all those colors.  Now, if your a little hesitant to purchase from someone so far away, Etsy also has some double-faced cashmere.  It is a different price point.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Acari Trench Coat....

 Itch to Stitch has a trench coat pdf pattern just in time for spring.  It is call the Acari Trench.  Here is the line drawings:

The Acari Trench is a pdf pattern that can be printed at home or sent to the printer to print on a large scale.  The pattern has the following features:

• Regular and full bust options for a personalized fit
• Double-breasted front for classic style
• Buttons single-welt pockets for a polished look
• Two-pieced sleeve for enhanced shaping
• Back vent for ease of movement
• Fully lined for a professional finish
• Optional details:  gun flap, storm flap, epaulettes, and sleeve bands
• Designed for non-stretch woven fabrics

Sizing is 00-40.  See the size chart for measurments.  The sewing skill level is advanced.

To celebrate the release, the pattern will be 20% off through February 12, 2025.  Plus you can stack the savings with the volume discount  - 15% off over $20+ or 20% off over $30.  That is win when you check the other patterns.

Please note, I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate and if you use any of my links above to purchase, I will get a small commission. Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Stitching, Stitching, Stitching...Working on the Love Notions Octave Coat

 I am slowing getting my planned projects going for fall/winter.  The next project is the Love Notions Octave Coat.  The pattern and instructions have been printed.  Next, will be taping the pattern together.  That is the down fall of a pdf pattern but you can print it as many times as you need which is a plus.  I noticed this past week that the pattern had been updated.  As far as I can tell the change is adding a new lapel.  Then, I saw that there was a new class for the Octave Coat available.  So it was a yes please, I will take that class.  Another benefit is that by taking the class you get instructions for making a zipped version of the coat.  

This will probably be a slow sew for me.  I never seem to get things done quickly any more.  Even when it should be a quick project.  Just does not happen.  However, the weather has decided to cool off and I really meant for this to be done before that happened.  I am not planning for this to be a heavy coat more like an intermediate coat as the fabric is a suiting weight.  This will be the first coat that I can remember making.  I hope it goes well.

How has your sewing been going?  Have you made a coat before?  How did it turn out?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Single Button Jacket

 This single button jacket feels more like a coat to me:

This is the Single-Button Pick Stitch Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $2498.00.  Details: features pick stitch detailing, 37-inches long from shoulder to hem, notch collar, single button closure, long sleeve, hem fails mid-thigh, straight silhouette, polyester/elastane, quilted lining with thermo lining.  

Judging from the description it is definitely a coat and not just a jacket.  It seems to be meant for cold weather.  Here is a close up of the pick stitching:

As for patterns, that lapel is going to be hard to locate unless it is a vintage pattern.  Here is one with a narrower collar that would be nice:

This is The Classic Coat by The Maker's Atelier.  This designer has a lot of tutorials on lining and interlining the coat.

This is Know Me 2001.  The coat has the big lapel but no button.  There is a bonus with this as you pant pattern as well.

That is all I could find for similar silhouette.  If you find another pattern that would work, let me know.

Happy Stitching!

First Planned Project For Fall/Winter 2023...

The sewjo went missing for a while so I started planning projects for fall/winter.  You know I did not look toward the stash for the fabrics.  The pattern has been stashed for a while.  Here is the pattern:

This is the Octave Coat pattern by Love Notions.  When this pattern was released, I was very drawn to the jacket with the faux fur collar.  I have decided to do a relatively lightweight coat/jacket.  I have a coat for extreme cold which does not last long here.  I do not have a coat for mild weather.  I can make my own.  Here is the fabric:

This is a loopy polyester/rayon fabric.  I was very happy when this fabric arrived.  It would be great as pants/jacket/skirt.  No visible right side either.  I am considering using a solid fabric for the collar.  This is one that I recently purchased on a whim:

This is a vegan leather.  I have one yard and I do not know if that is enough for the collar.  It might work and it might not.

Here is the lining fabric:

I was sad to find out that the company that made my favorite lining is no longer in business.  This fabric is the Sunline Anti-Static Lining Fabric from JoAnn.  I purchased 2 1/2 yards.   Care is Machine Wash Cold, Line Dry.  I have not used this lining before.  Hope it is good.

I guess the next step is to do a muslin of the pattern.  I think that I might have some bits and pieces of canvas hanging around from other muslins.  I am mainly concerned with the bust placement and the sleeve size.  I want the coat to have enough ease that I can wear a sweater under it.

One thing I know for sure is that the coat muslin will not get started until I finish my summer clothes.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wrap Coat

 I was not intending on making a coat this year but sometimes you find something that says maybe you should.  Here is the coat:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Joella Whipstitch Cashmere Coat.  Price tag: $2,498.00.  Details:  31" from shoulder to hem, wrap front with self belt, long sleeves, side pockets, relaxed silhouette, cashmere, whipstitching.

Here is a closer look at the whipstitching:

I think that the whipstitching really makes this jacket.  It does not take long to complete.  Here is how to whipstitch - here.  When I zoom in on the stitching, it looks like a blanket stitch to me.  Directions are here.  If I actually get around to making this jacket, I will do the blanket stitch.  Remember to use a thicker thread so that the stitch shows up.  Here is a pattern that is similar:

This is the Fabrics-store dot com Faye Linen Duster Pattern.  The price is right on this one as it is a freebie.  Changes that I see are removing that band, change up the pockets, and the sleeves.  

If you look closely at the inspiration photo, you will see that it has a two-piece sleeve.  This type of sleeve is a little easier to fit.  There could be other patterns available.  If you think that there is another pattern that would work, let me know and I will check it out.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Coat

 When you live in a cooler climate, you definite need a nice coat.  Here is one for thought:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Marabela Elite Italian Wool-Cashmere Coat.  Price tag: $1798.00. Details:  Notched lapel, one button, long sleeves, welt chest pocket, flat hip pockets, relaxed silhouette, pin-stitched detail, about knee length, approximately 39" back length.  

This is a very expensive coat and it is all about the fabric and pin-stitching.  Here is a pattern that is very close to the silhouette:

The is the Chaval Coat pattern by Liesl & Co.  With this pattern, you would need to add a chest welt pocket and maybe remove two of the buttons.  If it were me, I would leave all of the buttons for added warmth.

The wool/cashmere coating is fairly easy to find and there are lots of colors/patterns to choose from.  Even at $35.00 a yard, you could purchase enough for a muslin and still be a head.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Button-front Jacket

This jacket would a great every day type jacket.

This is Lafayette 148 New York Nidia Travelers Cloth Button-Front Jacket. Price tag: $598.00.  Details:  Spread collar, button-front, long sleeves, yoked seamed back, relaxed silhouette, straight hem, bemburg lining, cotton.  This is a pre-order.  For a closer look, go to the Neiman Marcus website.  This seems like it would be a spring jacket.  It is suppose to ship mid-December.

This jacket is a classic shirt jacket.  I was unable to locate a similar pattern in the big 4 patterns.  Pendleton has re-released a 1949 jacket pattern that is a similar silhouette.  I believe you have to call to order the pattern.  You could get a 1950s vintage pattern or perhaps a 1970s pattern.

Let's make a jacket and save some money.  Hope your inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Oversized Coat

I found this lovely coat and just had to share.  It is just about perfect in my eyes:

This is Lafayette 148 New York Lebell One-Button Luxe Cashmere Coat.  Price tag: $1998.00.  Details:  Notch Collar, single button front, oversized silhouette, knee length. 

The price on this coat is way outside my comfort zone.  As much as I love the collar, I could only see myself wearing it with black or gray.  However that is the reason we sew, so we can create things we love in the color we want.  Here's some pattern thoughts:

This is Vogue 9289.  It has the oversized collar but it would need to altered to have a single button front and remove the excess fullness.

This is Simplicity 8798.  This silhouette does a much better job matching the inspiration photo.  Unfortunately, the collar isn't a good match.  Maybe the collar isn't that big of a deal. 

If you know of a better pattern for this silhouette, please let me know.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Over-sized Coat

I really like a coat that is big enough to go over your winter clothes.  This does just that.

Now, I really like the look of this coat and could probably even handle the fact that is is pink but this coat is far outside my comfort zone.  This is the Filipo Long Two-Buttoned Cashmere-Wool Coat by Isabel Marant.  Price tag:  $1310.00.  Aren't you glad you can sew?

As for the pattern, I could only find pattern that was similar.  This one:

This is the Marcelle Jacket pattern by Republique du Chiffon.  Although this is a French company, you can purchase some patterns in English. The lapel is a little different but I think that is okay.  Changes would be leave off the lower buttons and change the patch pockets to welt pockets with a flap.  Easy-peasy.

Hope you inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Coat

There isn't anything better than a coat that you can wear your warm clothes under.  It seems like a long time since I seen a coat that fit properly (obviously, my opinion).  For several years, I've had to purchase larger coats by 2 or 3 sizes just so I could get a long sleeved in the sleeve.  Okay, I'll admit my arms are a bit chunky.  Here's the coat that I've found:

This is the Plaid Wool Blend Coat by Polo Raphen Lauren.  Price tag: $698.00.  This is perfect for the season with the muted glen plaid in grays.

Here's a pattern that could work:

This is Simplicity 8797.  It is described as a loose fitting coat which pretty much is the inspiration coat. 

Hope your inspired to sew.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Coat

While looking at coats, I found this lovely one:

This is such a simple design and the fabric really does make it.  This is the Tindra Single-Breasted Degrade Animal-Print Wool-Blend Coat by Elie Tahari.  Price Tag: $798.00.  It can be found on the Neiman Marcus website.

I'm not sure we can find this type of lovely fabric in the home market.  However, the color is really nice and I bet we could locate a similar color fabric. When I saw this coat, I immediately thought of the pattern:

This is the Dakota Duster pattern by Serendipity Studio.  Yeah, there are differences but the basic shape is there.  We can add our own patch pockets and concealed buttons, right? 

Happy Stitching!