Leopard Velvet Trench

Size_chart

Description

After long coveting a leopard print trench and never finding one that even came close to fitting, I took matters into my own hands. I made a custom pattern using Schnittvision software, which worked great and gave me a perfect fitting pattern on the first try! The coat is has welt pockets, a belt just above my natural waistline, and is lined in burgundy satin. The photos aren't very good; I'll try to take some better ones soon.

New skills learned: using pattern software, sewing a lining, making a belt

Tips for others: When ironing the burgundy polyester satin lining, I was shocked to find that the fabric turned rust brown where the iron touched it. I tried lowering the heat, but the fabric continued to singe, and the seams wouldn't iron flat at the lowest setting. After resigning myself to having a patchily-colored coat lining, I found that the fabric returned to its proper color after it cooled off. If this happens to you, don't panic :)

Materials

Jaguar print velboa (short pile fake fur, similar to velvet), burgundy satin lining

COMMENTS (15)

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    nayantara    Ï Posted 7 August 2007 at 4:08 PM
    http://miseryandco.tumblr.com/

    Wow this is terrific! Isn't it great, being able to make something yourself if you can't find it in a store! Where do you get access to that software program?

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    elainemay    Ï Posted 7 August 2007 at 4:26 PM

    Hi Nayantara- thanks for the compliment! I had a feeling that queston might come up :) I bought the CD (has 22 different garments on it, all very classic) from schnittvision.de and it is wonderful. It's all in German- the instructions on how to take your measurements for the software, how to print and troubleshoot the patterns, how to sew the garments, etc. so it might be difficult if you're not proficient in German sewing terminology :) But on the website, it seems to imply that an English version may be forthcoming. I recommend it for people with some experience under their belts- the instructions are not illustrated and not nearly as detailed as one would find in American patterns or in Burda. More along the lines of "Sew front pieces. Sew back pieces. Sew side seams. Make flap pockets. Sew shoulders. Set sleeves. Sew lining. Attach lining. Sew hem." Much prior knowledge (or the possession of a good reference book) is assumed. But the patterns are fantastic and if you're a hard size to fit like I am, it's a godsend!

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    Stephanie    Ï Posted 7 August 2007 at 5:46 PM
    Loving my design class! Stay tuned!

    Lovely Coat!

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    nikkishell    Ï Posted 7 August 2007 at 7:10 PM
    making a father's day present

    Roar! HOT!

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    lauriana    Ï Posted 8 August 2007 at 1:35 AM
    way too busy for loads of sewing

    It's great!!!

    By the way, there is similar software in English, it's called 'patternmaker', I think. I don't have any experience with it, but some ladies on a Dutch sewing forum I visit, are really happy with it.

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    MarmotaB    Ï Posted 8 August 2007 at 3:43 AM
    working on a secret crochet project

    Awww! That looks so great! Obviously, the simple pattern suits the leopard print very well.

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    majnets3s    Ï Posted 8 August 2007 at 3:46 AM
    Pregnant and veery happy

    Very beautifull coat!When you really like something do your best to have it!Congratulations!

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    Zozowahine    Ï Posted 8 August 2007 at 6:28 AM

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    Ben^    Ï Posted 8 August 2007 at 10:06 AM
    Marié!

    merci pour ton commentaire sur mon bustier... mais j'ai encore beaucoup de chemin à faire pour arriver à la même qualité de travail que toi. La coupe du manteau est vraiment sympa, très jolie. Quel talent !

    thank you for your comment on my long-line bra... but I have still much path to make to arrive at the same quality of work as you. The cut of the coat is really sympathetic, very pretty. What a talent!

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    sunnyb64    Ï Posted 8 August 2007 at 2:21 PM
    taking a short break from jackets

    Great coat-- it looks like you put a lot of thought and detail into it, and it looks very professionally done!

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    elainemay    Ï Posted 9 August 2007 at 1:08 PM

    :) Thanks for the nice comments, everyone! I'm starting on another coat now, so hopefully I'll have something else to post in a few weeks.

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    MarmotaB    Ï Posted 15 August 2007 at 5:13 AM
    working on a secret crochet project

    Haha, I know how fabrics change colour under the iron! One of my hoodies does that and now a thrift store sweatshirt I want to use for my next creation did that as well... but I was really scared too, when it happened for the first time!

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    JJ    Ï Posted 29 August 2007 at 8:12 AM
    sewing summer clothes.

    You are the coat queen. I have never done any coat before, it looks very hard to sew bulky fur fabric.

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    mellu    Ï Posted 19 November 2007 at 4:11 AM
    working on a quilt

    Oh wild :) I like the fabric!

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    LYBU    Ï Posted 14 January 2008 at 6:32 AM
    has her sewig mach. in reparation

    This is really lovely. Nice fabric.


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