Modern Take on a Classic Trench

Here is a modern take on a classic trench.

As you may know, I have been working on some classic pieces to add to my wardrobe. This latest addition is the Angela Wolf Patterns Chloe trench. I made this using a home decor fabric (cotton). The jacket is unlined, but I did line the pockets, belt and back yoke with a lilac polyester fabric.

This is such a classic style that is easy to make. I found the sizing on this good in terms of going by my measurements. I had in mind that this would be a good springtime jacket. If I wanted to wear this over a bulky sweater though, I would definitely be more comfortable going up a size.

The pattern doesn’t call for buttons, but they could certainly be added if one chose to do so. I think snaps would also be a great addition! The jacket could also be lengthened, fully lined or made as a raincoat with the right fabric choice.

Although there are some classic design details in the jacket, I used simple, adjustable buckles for mine.

While my jacket isn’t lined and lining is not required, I finished the seams with seam binding (instructions are in the booklet so there’s no guessing when and where to use the binding). I used this hot pink since I had 4 packages of it, and I always like something bright on the inside when possible.

trench coat inside out to show front inside — *Inside front*

trench coat turned inside out — *Inside back*

Conclusion

I would highly recommend this pattern. It’s really not a difficult pattern to put together.

If any of you are interested in purchasing the pattern for yourselves, you can check it out here: Chloe trench. If you would prefer the PDF pattern, that can be found here: Chloe trench PDF. You can use the code DENISE10 (all caps) for a 10% discount off the pattern price. *Please know that this is an affiliate link and that I would get a little bit of money from the use of the code.

I can definitely see myself making more of these. And I keep thinking that this would make a great dress with a button closure!

*This post contains affiliate links

Linda Tunic – One Pattern, Three Ways

A while ago I bought the “Linda” tunic pattern from Angela Wolf patterns. I knew it would be versatile and relatively easy to make. Well, so far, I’ve made it three times using different materials and with different alterations. It is a pattern I definitely love and will be using more and more.

Above is the first version of the tunic I made. The only variation on this is the short sleeve. I used a polyester blend for this that’s lightweight so it has a nice drape to the fabric.

This went together very quickly and easily.

The second one was a dress I made using the same pattern but extending the length about 15 inches and evening out the hem (so it wouldn’t be a high-low hem).

I used cotton eyelet and lined it with solid cotton fabric since I didn’t want the dress to be see-through. The neck and arm openings are finished with binding and the collar was eliminated for this one.

Last was this yellow top made the same as the blue, but the next size up.

This is made from cotton gauze. Gauze is a nice material to use for summer because it’s a breezy fabric for hot days.

So, if you’re looking for an easy top that can be made from different materials in different ways, I would definitely recommend this top. There are so many variations that it is almost unlimited.

Until next time…

More Hacks for the Ruched-T

In my quest to buy few patterns this year, I have been working on my pattern-hacking skills. Most recently, I remade one of my favorite T-shirt patterns which is by Angela Wolf called the ruched tee. I blogged about it before in these posts here and here. After having done the RTW fast for 3 years total, I am far more inclined to make what I want than buy. But this time, I wanted to change up the sleeve a bit.

I wanted to give the sleeve a flutter look by fanning it out (I’ll show you the pattern piece in a bit). The yellow was my first attempt at doing this.

While I was happy with this one, I wanted more. So I reshaped the pattern piece again and this was the result I was looking for.

While the difference looks subtle, I got more of a full look with this one.

Top: regular pattern piece (pink top)
Bottom: pattern piece slashed and spread (yellow top)

For the blue top, I spread the slashed pieces out more and also lengthened the sleeve by 1-1/2″. Doing something like this is really easy. You just need to decide how dramatic you want the sleeve to look and spread accordingly. Cut to, but not though the top of the pattern so you can spread the pieces easily. Also make sure you have a piece of paper underneath the pattern because you’ll need to tape it down once you’ve gotten it the way you want.

That’s all there is to it. And the great thing about this is the top of the pattern stays the same so there shouldn’t be a need for additional adjustments to make the sleeve fit. This can be done on knits, like I have done, or on woven fabrics as well! Let me know if you give this technique a try. It’s an easy way to give a pattern a slightly different look.