Coat Update

When I first posted about my coat project, I said I intended to make this my main project for February and indeed, I have been working on it consistently since the beginning of the month.  Never having made a coat before, it seemed like a big project to me, so I decided from the outset to break it down into small chunks.  I've even been keeping a little journal of all the work I've done on it.  And you know what?  It's really not very difficult - it's just that there are a lot of steps.

The first thing I did - very uncharacteristically - was to read through the instructions.  And I have to say, I think the instructions for this Burda pattern are pretty clear.  I'm glad I took the time to read them:  it was a real confidence-booster.

Last week I officially got started:  I traced out all my pattern pieces, then cut out my outer fabric on another day.  (I decided to cut the lining when I get to that point, since I'm running out of places to keep cut-out pattern pieces!)  I even got myself a set of fancy new pattern weights for the event:

Nine bucks at the hardware store!  And I love them better than my expensive shot-filled pattern weights from JoAnn's!

I also recently bought Sunni's whole pattern tracing system:  medical exam paper, double tracing wheel and wax tracing paper.  Up to this point, I've made all my patterns on Swedish Tracing Paper, but it gets expensive, especially for patterns I don't foresee making more than once or twice.  The initial outlay for these materials was significant, but they'll last much longer than a roll of STP.  It sure felt different though - it's going to take some getting used to!

On the same day, I tested out my favorite marking tool, Dritz Mark B Gone.  The ink from this tracing paper is supposed to fade within 48 hours, and it always has for me.  But I wanted to make double sure in this case.  The marks did fade, but I ended up using water soluble pencils instead because my tracing wheel left perforations in the fabric that I found difficult to remove.

By the way, that tracing wheel is one I stole from my mom's sewing basket years ago - sorry, Mom!  I love it though because it was hers, and also it's pink and says "Queen" on the side!

On Saturday I really only meant to make my markings and apply the interfacing.  But it ended up being a sunny day, so I decided to take advantage of the light and start sewing.  I got a lot further than I'd thought I would.  It's really starting to look coat-like!

{front}

The top sections of the sleeves are attached to the shoulder first, and then the side panel and undersleeve are attached to the body.

{shoulder to sleeve seam}

{side panel}

 
Since the coat is fully lined, I don't have to spend time finishing any seams!

I didn't set up my cutting layout to arrange the pattern in any way.  Since the darker roses form a rather linear pattern, I wanted to keep everything random in order to break the lines up.  The patch pockets and collar will help break it up more too.

{back}

I'm really pleased with how it's coming along.  I've tried it on at this point and the fit seems good.  I'll admit I was a teensy bit nervous about that even though I did measure the flat pattern, and it's a generous shape.

I'm also happy I chose to start with this pattern.  I think it's a great first coat.  I'm still kind of mystified by things not addressed in this project, like interlining and pad-stitching, but I'll cross those bridges when I get to them with my winter coat next fall!