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.

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.

Completed Burda skirt

This was my last project of 2010 – the BurdaStyle skirt from 9-2010, #106B. It’s referred to as the knee-length “mum” skirt. I really like this. It was easy to sew and I think it can be made in a variety of materials. I made size 42, but it was surprisingly about 2″ too big, so I made adjustments. I based the size on what the chart says in the magazine for my waist measurement. I did make a muslin first. The material I used is a small-wale corduroy; it almost looks and feels like suede. And for once, I did not have trouble inserting the invisible zipper! There is something to be said for taking one’s time and sewing slowly (not to mention being fully awake). The only thing I couldn’t get to work out quite right was the yoke attachment where the two seams aren’t quite even. But, the waist and the hem were even, so one thing improved while another still needs work. Anyway, the only thing the look needs are some knee-high boots, which I don’t have. I’m really lacking in the shoe category, but enough about that.

Now it’s time to plan on what to sew for this new year.