Wildly Neutral

Well, here I am again in another coat. 

But this time it is one made from the most luxurious butter soft faux suede I have ever laid my hands on. Seriously, the softest. I am pretty sure that real suede wouldn't be as nice and it is the same on both sides too! People! Do you understand that this makes the possibilities endless, endless I tell you!

One of those possibilities is fringe. 

(Cutting my own fringe still won't leave my brain. Fringe bag, fringe added to boots, fringe skirt, fringe...fringe..fringe ...fringe!!!)

 I found it at Fabricville and it comes in so many gorgeous colors that it was difficult to choose one. I went back and forth between the navy and the berry colors...many times. Now you are asking...." So why are you wearing a camel colored coat?" I couldn't choose so I went the complete opposite to what would be my typical move. Life calls for that sometimes. It was a decidedly good move... I think.

When it came to a pattern, I chose Vogue 9069. I have been eyeing up the relaxed, oversized coats that are on trend right now and wondered if  I could pull it off myself. I decided to go for it, seeing as I had already gone out on a limb and chose the camel color.

Now, you are probably thinking that I completely copied the model garment...well, yes I did but not intentionally. In the store, I flipped through the pattern books and landed on this one but the picture on the envelope is not the same as the model online and if she is in the book...well I didn't see her in her fuzzy camel bathrobe. If I did, I would have changed my mind. Guaranteed.   

This pattern is a Very Easy Vogue and it is easy.... if your sewing machine cooperates with you! Mine didn't. It was skipping stitches like crazy when I was trying to topstitch. I knew that my machine was long overdue for a tune up so off the repair shop it went. The next morning, the shop called and Andre, (aka sewing machine guru) told me that my problem with stitching this fabric was the needle I was using! WHAT!? That's it!? I needed a larger denim needle with this fabric because the fabric is spongy and closes in on the needle before the thread has a chance to catch. Problem solved. New needle paired with the walking foot and I was back in business. 

Note to self... replenish needle stash.

I love the look of the hood but in truth, I will likely never wear it up. If you have seen the model picture, you know why. It's just not a good look when the fabric drapes like this one does.

For the lining, I thought I would really step all the way out of my comfort zone and chose an animal print satin polyester. I NEVER wear animal print. Like. EVER. What is happening to me?

Well, you know what? I love it.

All said and done, I am really loving this coat and look forward to finding different ways to style it for everyday looks. I not sure that I am finished with this fabric and may head back to Fabricville for more. Black Friday's sale would be a good reason to make another fabric purchase...right? 

**disclaimer** Fabricville gifted the fabric and pattern of my choosing for this coat..wasn't that nice?! All opinions are my own...I have many. And there are no affiliate links in this post.

Dress Coat

If you come to my house for a visit, I will always ask if I can take your coat but then I'll just turn around and hang it on the banister...wanna know why? My front closet is full...embarrassingly full of my coats. No one else's...just mine. There is no possible way I could fit yours in there. I know that I could purge the collection but then how could I call it an obsession...?  I have mentioned my coat obsession way back in year one of my blogging journey....some things never change!

Cause here I have gone and made another one. A good one if I do say so myself.... I love this fabric! 

For this coat, I  used Burda 6772.  I love the design of this coat but like many others...found the instructions lacking. I was also lacking some much needed sleep at the time so that didn't help but I did manage to get through it.

I'm not a fan of a CB seam but wanted to ensure a good fit so I did my best to print match. I'm pleased with the result.

I opted to used self fabric covered buttons and large snaps. Bound button holes would have been ideal but I desperately wanted this coat to turn out and the possibility of me messing them up was highly likely at the time. Sometimes you just have to play it safe.

I chose a black Kasha lining. I think I have mentioned my love for this lining before when I used it  in my McCalls 6656 coat. This flannel backed lining adds warmth without bulk, perfect for a dress coat.

 

Me Made IRL... so I thought that I would start sharing some pictures of how I style and wear my me mades in real life. Jeans, heels, tunic and a little sparkle.

Added Warmth in McCalls 6656

Winter has arrived.... yeah so happy about that one... but my new jacket lessened the blow of its arrival!

I made this coat using McCalls 6656. I knew that this coat wouldn't be warm enough without a lining so I added one using a burgundy Kasha lining that added a perfect amount of body and warmth.

My Review: 

Pattern: McCalls 6656

Fabric used: A wool blend in a black and grey stripe, black faux fur and Kasha lining. Kasha is a flannel backed satin winter coat lining. It adds warmth and the flannel sided sticks nicely to the inside of jacket, keeping it from shifting around.

Instructions:  I kinda didn't follow them due to adding a lining. The only time I referred to them was at the point where I had to attach the shoulders and neckline. Even then it was a little bit unclear but in the end it came together.

Changes I made: I lined it in Kasha and added buttons. I also removed the center back seam. I put it in at first but really didn't like how it looked despite the perfect pattern matching. I also interfaced the front bodice pieces for added structure and I am so glad I did.

          

Repeat worthy? It is but I probably won't make it again... just because I'll want to try something new.

This was my first attempt at sewing with fur (faux) and I didn't find it too challenging to work with. Cutting it out was a bit time consuming because you have to snip your way through just the backing so as not to cut away all the pile of fur. Then when sewing it, the fur has to be brushed and pushed in away from the edge.  

A picture reveals the truth doesn't it? The longer I had my coat on, the more I can see in the picture on the right that I need to add an inside button to keep the inside from falling below the hemline. An easy fix and it will make the coat feel more secure as well.

What the heck is going on with my hair here..?

I enjoyed making this coat and am super pleased with the result which felt so good after last January's coat fail.... I really didn't want to waste another nice piece of coating. I have a couple more pieces in my stash and who knows, I may have to make another....it's a long winter here. I might as well have a closet of nice coats!