I know I’m being controversial, but I’m close to being fed up with Christmas with 3 weeks to go. Which is why I am a bit in two minds about this project. I do feel a bit Santa Claus-y all wrapped up in this big piece of red wool. And that is definitely not a look I’m going for here. But it was quick and easy to make, it’s fairly warm AND the fabric was from Oxfam, nuff said! Too bad I don’t get to wear it until spring, this is definitely not a winter coat, my friends!
Anyway, how did we come about this lovely garment anyway? Well, it’s mostly because I’m a wuss, i.e. not really owning up to making a real coat, with lining, interlining, buttons, the works! I have had Clare coat printed and ready to go since it came out. In 2015!! I have had this fabric since February last year, and 5m of real wool take up a lot of freakin’ space!! And I just sat on all of that! Because making coats is hard, because I could not bring myself to start, because it takes a long time and well, my existing winter coat is absolutely fine! So this coat thing was not happening anytime soon and I really really want to start making a dent in my stash. And especially a dent in this particular fabric.
So, I thought I’d start with an easier option. An unstructured coat. I turned to Pinterest, as you do, and started gathering inspiration. And then I started looking for patterns. And settled onto Lisette’s B6244. I really like Lisette patterns, one of my TNT patterns is the Traveller, the designs are really nice and they come together well. Plus there were some nice versions out there that filled me with confidence. So I ordered it and off I went.
Pattern
Lisette Butterick B6244, size 10
Fabric
It’s a medium to heavy wool melton cloth, with a lovely felt-like texture, which I got from Oxfam online. In case you didn’t know, they do have a huge online shop and among a lot of other things, they also sell fabric and yarn. Visit the store here.
Alterations
I removed 10 cm from the bottom hem, it felt too long on me. I think I might consider taking a bit of volume from the front, feels a bit too overwhelming.
Construction
The only difficult thing about this coat is the collar. There is a sew-along on the Lisette website, which I do recommend looking at before you attempt the collar. And I would also say to trust the pattern, it will eventually come together. I made the mistake of cutting stuff out as it felt it might be superfluous, but when finishing the flat-felled seam, it turned out you do need those pieces. I now have small triangular shaped little holes at the corners of my collar. Oh well, I’ll know for a potential next time.
The biggest divergence from the instructions was that I left the edges completely unfinished. The fabric does not fray at all, so it wasn’t required. I might go back and test some hemmed finishings, but for now, it stays.
Verdict
We like! But I can’t actually testify to its qualities until I have worn it more than for a photoshoot in the park. Which will have to wait until Spring.
But I’m still a happy camper so long as I get to have fun in the sunshine
————- DON’T MISS A SINGLE POST —————
Ohhh looking gorgeous in this, Alex! Red really suits you! And I can’t believe you got that fabric from Oxfam, what a score!
Author
Thanks Sally! Yes, they do have nice fabrics from time to time.
I feel your pain when it comes to making a coat. It’s such a huge commitment of your precious sewing time and an expensive project. It took me a year to finally finish it but worth it! your red coat looks fantastic!
Author
Thank you! I do hope I will endeavour soon, I’m not worth my seamstress salt if I don’t make at least one coat at some point 🙂
I actually don’t think the front looks too overwhelming! It’s dramatic and I think it looks great on you!
Author
Thank you so much! I think a proper wearer trial will tell in the end. I’m reserving judgement until spring 🙂
Looks smashing! I recently made this pattern and added side pockets for warm hands and lined only the sleeves and the back(so it doesn’t hang up in the derriere region). Very wearable piece that receives many compliments. Achievable with not too much time investment! Happy Holidays!
Author
Thank you for the tips! I did think of lining the sleeves and back as well, but couldn’t figure out how to resolve the collar. How did you do it?
Just gorgeous and it doesn’t make me think of Christmas or Santa at all! It’s got just the right level of drama and I’m sure you’ll be getting a ton of wear out of it when the weather is right. Now where’s that pattern wishlist of mine, time to make an addition… =)
Author
Thank you, Helene! I really like Lisette patterns, so hope that you will enjoy it too and your coat will end up looking gorgeous!
That shade of red is fabulous on you!!!
Author
Thank you Sarah!
Gorgeous colour and excellent outfit!
Author
Thank you! I still have 2.5m left, so it might end up featuring again on the blog 🙂
Lovely coat , don’t touch it ! Also don’t hem the edges it will make them stiffer and poke out I think . It’s lovely . I have every confidence in your coat making abilities . Just practise the components first . Like making the bound buttonholes and the pockets etc .have fun !! 😄
Author
Thank you! And thank you for the vote of confidence, I will sure give it a go at some point. I have some more fabric left.
No way you look Christmassy wearing it. Red is definitely one of your colours. And courage! Give a coat a go. (Look who is talking I’ve got two coats I started years ago and almost finished them and then stopped. Well one was just finished last week and worn a little already! So worth it.
And I have seen a Clare coat for real and now I want to make one so bad hope Santa hears me! 😉
Author
You know what they say about red and gypsies, ha ha :)! I will make a Clare, maybe over Christmas, start slowly slowly… Can’t wait to see your coats!!
Very pretty! I bet it feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket!
Author
Thank you! It does look like that, but it’s been very cold here lately (for London anyway) and it was definitely not up to keeping me warm enough :). Spring wear it will be!!
Perfect for autumn. Great idea to leave the edges unfinished;it gives a nice crisp edge.
Author
Thank you! It did get a lot of wear this year.