Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Taking the plunge

To quote Shannon of Hungry Zombie Couture, I decided to join the cool kids and start a blog. Mind you, I have never been cool in my life, but it would be nice to associate with the cool crowd. I have become addicted to sewing blogs in the last few years. I check my favorites almost every day and they have inspired me, taught me and brought me into a world of sewers even though I don't know anyone in real life who sews.

The Great Coat Sew Along.

I joined the Great Coat Sew Along last spring. It is now March and I finally finished my coat after a series of misadventures and delays. I started having serious shoulder problems last summer and finally had surgery in November. Then of course there was physical therapy. I finally cut the coat (after 2 muslins) in mid January. Delayed again by the need to have a summer wardrobe for a trip to Florida in January. Whew. Anything it seems to avoid making this coat. But, I finish it I finally did.
I took pictures during the construction in case I decided to take the plunge and start a blog.



Here is my yellow coat. When I first planned this, I was all set to make a camel colored coat. and decided that that was just too boring. So I found this yellow double faced wool at Manhattan Fabrics it isn't dull, that's for sure. I just need to get used to wearing something so bright!

It is oop V8306

It is a Very Easy Vogue and I do not love these very easy patterns. They leave out better tailoring details to make it easy I guess, but some things they leave out really don't make it harder.
There is a back slit in the longer jacket which you are supposed to line up to the edge. Duh. Who does that? Even a back slit in a skirt has at least a fold back facing. In a coat, it should be designed as a vent. I left it out in any case because I don't like them in what is essentially a carcoat.
The pattern has you only interface the undercollar, and facings. I added interfacing to the upper collar, the center front, side front and the upper back. I also interfaced all the hems. None of the patterns show this any more and it is an easy add and should be done on almost everything.



I added patch pockets, instead of the inseam pockets called for. I did not need any more width at my hips. I used Roberta Carr's method and it looks like the pockets are sewn from the back, but actually the lining is machine sewn (on the left in this picture) on and the pocket folded down and slipstitched on. It is much more secure.


I'll be working on a new tnt pants. I gained enough weight that the old one isn't working for me anymore.

29 comments:

  1. How wonderful you took the plunge! Welcome to blogosphere. I'm really happy we can follow your projects.
    The coat is wonderful, I know that yellow is a color that suits you very well.

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  2. AMAZING! I love your first line: To quote from Hungry Zombie couture... etc etc.

    Also, your layout is totally better than mine. I may have to give you my password and let you run wild. You artist you.

    And of course, rock out with that jacket, it's hot.

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  3. Your coat is fabulous, Nancy. Glad to see you made it to blogland: It's a busy place!

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  4. I have a blog, does that make me cool? Or does thinking it makes me cool make me not cool. Thank heavens I'm no longer in highschool. Stuff like that used to matter and make me crazy (hmm, that alone may have answered my coolness factor question).
    Anyway, I'm loving the lining with the fabric. That will be one nice spring coat. The shawl collar is beautiful.

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  5. A really nice start, Nancy!
    Welcome! I look forward to hearing lots from you, including your gardening and cooking!

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  6. Your coat is absolutely beautiful. Yellow in winter--how wonderfully colorful! Wear it and love it.

    Good luck with your blog. Mine isn't so successful. Evidently, I'm just not cool enough!

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  7. Me, again! Your feed thingie doesn't seem to be activated.
    People, like me, who *whispers* can't surf the net at work like to keep up with the blogs via RSS Feed.

    I think it's in the settings or something.

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  8. Nancy, I love this! The color is just such a breath of fresh air and I am sure in the middle of January next year you will really be loving the choice you made. You did a beautiful job of upping the tailoring, or lack thereof, of this pattern. Great job!
    Love your blog layout too!

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  9. Welcome to blogland! Love your coat - the colour is just perfect and thanks for the tips about the interfacing and "easy" patterns. I jointed the coat sew along but haven't even started yet. Perhaps I had better as it will be winter here in a few months. May come in handy =)

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  10. So happy to see you blogging!

    Lovely coat! So chic and sophisticated!

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  11. Color is gorgeous. Great style. I made this coat, version C, two years ago and it was a total wadder. Why? Because I didn't make a muslin. No longer a fool. I have learned! I enjoy your pattern reviews and now look forward to your blog. I am almost ready to take the plunge myself............

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  12. Lovely coat and the fabric is gorgeous.

    Els

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  13. I bought this pattern on ebay. I love the yellow!! Welcome.

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  14. I am so glad you are blogging now! I found your page from Lindsay.

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  15. WOW Mom, I'm thoroughly impressed!!! I also agree with ms Alex: fabulous layout (and coat of course)!!! Keep 'em coming!!! you should probably turn on "allow anonymous postings" so people like mr. S.K. can still post comments even without an account...

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  16. You are definitely going to need to get used to wearing something that bright, because it's a gorgeous coat and deserves to be worn. A lot.

    Welcome to blogland. One thing you may find is that talking to yourself here sometimes clears the fog and makes sewing issues become clearer. Not to mention all the helpful suggestions that will flood your inbox if you just ask.

    I agree re: the easy patterns. Easy is good sometimes, but taking out steps that make for a quality garment don't make it worthwhile.

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  17. Beautiful jacket and I love the Fabric Mart fabric lining!!!

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  18. Superb! Thank you for the details.

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  19. I forgot to say, "Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging!"

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  20. Beautiful coat and congrats on your new blog. Cool is a state of mind :))

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  21. Beautiful coat! Looking forward to future posts....and love the fact that your son posted a comment. I'm thrilled when my kids do the same :-)

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  22. Congrats on your new blog and GORGEOUS coat!

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  23. Nancy, I love this coat! That color is to die for! BTW, glad to see that you're blogging now!

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  24. Beautiful coat! Thank you for the tutorial on patch pockets.

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  25. OMG, knock me over with a feather, you're blogging.
    The coat is stupendous! Love it.

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  26. Your jacket turned out beautiful. I love the color.
    Congratulations on starting your own blog :)

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  27. Nancy yellow is your color! You and Erica B. both can wear it - I envy you.

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  28. It is beautiful. I love that you picked yellow and it looks stunning on you.

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