Finished in time…

My goal in making a Spring coat for myself was to get it done in time for Easter. That almost didn’t happen, because I almost gave up. I used BurdaStyle 7072. It was exactly what I wanted my coat to look like. The only thing is I had a little trouble putting one section together. The side-panel and under-sleeve piece just about did me in. I followed instructions, but as sometimes happens with Burda, the instructions seemed rather skimpy in this area. As a result, I never could get it to go together exactly right. Fortunately, I knew what it was supposed to look like, so I did the best I could and actually hand-sewed the fabric pieces together rather than use the sewing machine. By the time I did the lining, I think I figured out what the instructions didn’t say and that went together by machine pretty easily. In any case, I’m happy with the result (and happier I stuck with it). Usually around here (in the Washington, DC area), Spring, if we have one, can be very short before we go right into summer temperatures. So far, Spring has been exceptionally and unusually cool. 

Anyway, the coat is made from a polyester fabric and the lining is a silky lining fabric. I had both of these in my stash so I was glad to get some use out of both of these pieces. I have enough left to make a skirt so I may do that at a later date.

Otherwise the coat went together very smoothly with no other issues. This is something that I’m not sure I would make again, just because the style is pretty distinct. But I do like it very much.

Completed McCall’s 6172

Okay I did it. I finished the jacket I have been putting off making for a few years now. I only started this last week, but I’ve had the pattern for a few years now. I really liked it, but I was afraid of giving it a try with the welt pockets, the fit, etc. You name it, I made excuses for it. Anyway, I used some fabric I had at home (sort of a linen blend). I’m really happy with the results AND it wasn’t difficult to make at all. I must say that I am a person who will follow directions when making something that I’m either unfamiliar with or am having trouble with. I did what the instructions said and got great results. Even the welt pockets turned out great.

And with the added flap:

I said I would challenge myself this year and so far I have and things have turned out pretty well. The things that haven’t turned out have been “learning experiences”. I do want to make another jacket like this one in another color, but I’m not sure when it will happen. There are so many things I have planned in my head to sew… I’m really trying to get the things done that I will get the most use out of before tackling some other things.

Spring is in the air…

I’ve been trying to gear up for some spring sewing even though winter has tried to hang on. But now that it seems that the seasons might really be changing, I have a few things planned. I read the Spring fashion edition of InStyle Magazine and got some ideas. One article featured coats which I really liked.

 Then, I found this pattern from Burda Style which I think I’ll try.

In the meantime, I’m working on a navy blue blazer. I still have to attach the lining. So I hope everything goes well for the rest of it. I made really good welt pockets for the first time in my life, so I don’t want to screw-up now!

The goal is to finish this weekend, so I’ll see how it goes.