November 27, 2006
The Built by Wendy Coat
As requested, here's the Built by Wendy coat in action.
Specs:
Pattern: Simplicity 3966
Fabric: Wool coating from Mood. Note: because wool felt is not woven, I could have gotten away with less than the pattern requires.. like 2 1/2 yards rather than 2 7/8.
Lining: Woven wool plaid from Alfred's Fabrics.
Buttons: Basic peacoat anchor buttons
A couple things I'd change if sewing this pattern again: Cut a smaller size and maybe move the pockets forward. The pockets are in the side seams, but feel like they are further back. The coat is big on me; it could go down a size or two. It has no shaping, but it could be a good pattern to try out added shaping.
Sewing this was pretty straightforward, but the thick fabric was tough for my lightweight sewing machine. I broke 2-3 needles in the process.. all on sections where sewing through many layers.
anchor buttons
back pleat detail
The lining is my favorite part. except I forgot to match up the plaids at the seams. This is easy to do, but I didn't remember until after the fabric was cut out.
Note on the lining: I shortened the sleeve and body linings by about 5/8" before sewing them in place. The pattern should have specified this, but maybe I missed it..? Before shortening the sleeve linings, they kept wanting to fall lower than the sleeve cuff.
Comments (24)
love the coat! it looks like a difficult piece to sew, thanks for your thoughts on this project. i may one day make a coat myself. i love the little swing coat by wendy as well.
Posted by blossom | November 27, 2006 10:16 AM
Posted on November 27, 2006 10:16
Beautiful, Diana!
Posted by caitlyn | November 27, 2006 12:00 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 12:00
Looks fantastic! So stylish with that plaid lining :).
Posted by grumperina | November 27, 2006 12:41 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 12:41
Your coat looks sooo good! Even though you think it's too big, I think it looks great - plus you'll have room for your winter sweaters underneath when if it ever actually decides to actually get cold in the city this winter. Stylish!
Posted by lekkercraft | November 27, 2006 1:23 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 13:23
Thanks for posting the picture and more details. It really does look fabulous. How cool that you can shop at Mood. Wish there was a fabric store like that in my area!
Posted by Cyndi | November 27, 2006 1:24 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 13:24
That looks so good on you, you did a really great job. Thanks for the extended entry!
Posted by Megann | November 27, 2006 1:45 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 13:45
wow, I'm so impressed by that coat, it looks awesome!
Posted by Steph | November 27, 2006 2:19 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 14:19
oh dear, it's fantastic! i love it and am super impressed.
Posted by kris | November 27, 2006 2:19 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 14:19
I am baffled. Your coat is amazing! When did you learn how to sew? How did I not know this?
Again: wow.
Posted by Veronique | November 27, 2006 2:26 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 14:26
Wow! Nice job, Diana. I like the larger sizing of the coat, it seems very current. Love your outfit, too!
Posted by Kelly | November 27, 2006 2:32 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 14:32
That's beautiful, and looks totally professional, even wiht your caveats. Nice work!
Posted by Valerie in San Diego | November 27, 2006 2:52 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 14:52
Awesome! It looks great. I'm still in awe!
Posted by yaiAnn | November 27, 2006 3:42 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 15:42
Simply fabulous. I love the details and your thoughts on the project. You make it sound like it isn't scary at all. I'm not sure I'm convinced!
Posted by Stephanie | November 27, 2006 3:50 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 15:50
Beautifuly done! Lovely details. You are a talented seamstress!
Posted by Kirsten | November 27, 2006 4:21 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 16:21
I'll admit it - I haven't stopped by your blog since the summer - those coasters had been your last post for a LONG time. But I was thrilled to check in today and see your November posts - the sweater that you posted a bit ago and the coat you made are fabulous! We miss you on Tuesday nights!
Posted by sulu-design | November 27, 2006 5:26 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 17:26
SO awesome! I'm totally jealous that you bought your fabric from Mood! Are we going to be looking out for you on Project Runway in another season or two : )?
Posted by Annie | November 27, 2006 6:29 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 18:29
So stylish and beautifully made. Lovely details.
Posted by erin | November 27, 2006 8:47 PM
Posted on November 27, 2006 20:47
That looks great - I really love the lining and the anchor buttons - so authentic!
Posted by stacey | November 28, 2006 9:52 AM
Posted on November 28, 2006 09:52
It looks beautiful! You did a really great job.
Posted by seedlessgrape | November 28, 2006 12:59 PM
Posted on November 28, 2006 12:59
Your coat looks great! Good job. The finishing touches really make it loos spectacular.
Posted by Miss Twiss | November 29, 2006 9:38 AM
Posted on November 29, 2006 09:38
i think it looks and fits great. and since it's a little bigger it's great to layer nice warm sweaters under too!
Posted by melissa | November 30, 2006 12:06 AM
Posted on November 30, 2006 00:06
This is awesome! It looks fantastic on!
Posted by BrownPants | December 15, 2006 11:19 PM
Posted on December 15, 2006 23:19
I LOVE it! I have the Sew U book but must get all the simplicity patterns too.
Posted by nichola | January 8, 2007 1:38 AM
Posted on January 8, 2007 01:38
Does anyone know a person or place in NY with custom felt where I can order a blanket that mimics moss with all the subtle variations of texture? I need a FELT CRAFTER!
Posted by Caroline Woolard | January 16, 2007 12:34 PM
Posted on January 16, 2007 12:34