This coat is made from a heavily interfaced, vintage double knit that I found in the thrift store a few years ago. I made it using a self-drafted pattern. I started naming my self-drafted patterns for fun and ot keep track of them This one is called the Louisa Coat. :)
It is fully lined, and features a large collar, puff sleeves, welt pockets, topstitching and fabric covered buttons. It’s complete with my own tag and a hanging loop inside. If I’d had more fabric, I would’ve added a detail in the back like a little buttoned belt. Oh well, I’ll add that to my next version.
The coat design is based on a well-worn and well-loved coat that I’ve had for several years (included in the project gallery). Rather than make a complete copy of the coat, I changed some things. The size of the coat is a tad larger (the store-bought one was an extra-small), the collar is much larger, the placement of the welt pockets is different, the pocket openings are wider (the store-bought coat had such small openings that I could barely fit my hands in them), some of the seams are topstitched, and the sleeves and armholes have more wiggle room for additional layers.
Technically, this is a muslin, but I hope you’ll agree this is a very wearable muslin. I love it! I plan to make a few changes to the pattern and make a few more coats. The biggest thing I’ll change is the size of the sleeves. I overcompensated a bit in adding room to the sleeves, so I’ll shape the sleeves a bit more for my next coat. I’ll also add a little detail in the back, like a bow or little buttoned tab.
If you are interested in more photos and details about the project, please see this post and this post. Thanks for looking! :)
Editors' Pick
This collection will make you shine in front of the camera!
Member Project of the Week
Get inspired by this lovely coral dress with ties and bows!
DIY to Try
Make yourself a lovely hair band this spring!
Editors' Pick
Join the summer party this season and make one these colorful styles!
Pattern of the Week
This pencil skirt is perfect for everyday wear! We love it in floral.
Dec 16, 2012, 07.08 PMby Melissa Lynnette
This is very cute! You did a great job. :-)
Nov 20, 2012, 07.25 PMby lucyuk
I logged in especially as I had to say WOW!! Gorgeous coat!! It looks lovely on you!! I love it!!
1 Reply
Dec 11, 2012, 01.49 PMby aur0ra
Thank you! You’re so sweet!
Nov 17, 2012, 09.31 PMby asperge11
Wow! What a great coat! I love it :)
1 Reply
Dec 11, 2012, 01.49 PMby aur0ra
Thanks! :)
Nov 15, 2012, 10.54 PMby Mary Athey
its so gorgeous and its lovely on you. i think you did a smashing job xx
1 Reply
Dec 11, 2012, 01.50 PMby aur0ra
Thank you so much! I’m glad you like it.
Nov 15, 2012, 08.21 PMby chased-away
It looks great and definitely wearable! And I like your photos! :)
1 Reply
Dec 11, 2012, 01.52 PMby aur0ra
Thanks for saying that! Also, I appreciate the comment on the photos. They were taken in various places around the outside of my house. It was the perfect time of day and year for taking photos. :)