Sewing Project: The Coat

A few months ago I mentioned that I sewed a coat for myself. I'm finally getting around to posting some pictures. I don't think the pictures do it justice, because it is a cute style and the colors are a little off (I'm still not 100% sure I actually like the color combination, although I did when I first bought the fabrics - oh well.).

This is the first time I've sewn something this tailored and involved. It was easier than I thought. I'm not ready to jump into sewing tailored shirts, but this gave me a little more confidence in my ability to make something more involved than what I've normally made. I also have to say that I hesitate to sew very involved articles of clothing because I've had too many experiences where I've excitedly sewn something only to realize that it really doesn't look the greatest or fit me that well. However, part of the reason I chose this pattern was because I had tried on a coat some one else had sewn, I liked the fit and knew it would work for me.

This was my first attempt at sewing many button holes and making sure the button holes and buttons fit. You can't see it, but the two bottom buttonholes (I figured it was wise to start at the bottom of the coat and work my way up) are a bit crooked. The buttons are a snug fit, and if it gets tedious trying to button them, I figure I can always get smaller buttons.

You might have noticed the tag on the coat. I found a stash of these in my grandmother's sewing machine. I thought I just had to put one in even though my mother didn't make it for me. I figure it works since I'm the mother in this household.

I didn't take any pictures of me wearing it because it was made according to my pre-pregnancy, almost-done-nursing measurements. And that means all of my measurements have since changed. When I began the project, I wasn't thinking that I'd be pregnant this fall and nursing this winter. So although I'll still wear it post-pregnancy, I'm not sure how well it will close since it's meant to be snug fitting. We'll see. There's always another year.

After making this one, I felt the desire to make another one, just a bit larger and in another fun fabric combination (maybe something with red this time??). But I can't really justify making a second coat. This one was made because I didn't have a nice, casual warm coat. Do I really need two? Sadly, no.