Sorry (not sorry) but I just can’t get over my excitement with this one… a freaking COAT! I’m so so sooo happy!! Every time I see it I grin like an idiot for ages… way longer than is appropriate actually… like I’m actually a bit obsessed with my coat.
Anyway.. PICTURES!!!
The moment I saw Waffle Pattern’s Pepernoot Hooded Coat I was just besotted – I thought about nothing but this coat for a few weeks till I could get the fabric and start prepping it and by that point I knew exactly what I wanted!! Black and white print and faux fur so when I was Birkenhead’s Abakhan fabric shop I was on the search for all I needed to start sewing! I originally spotted a gorgeous large black and white houndstooth wool and I thought ‘this is it’ but it was not meant to be – there was only 2.5m left on the roll – I always say ‘everything happens for a reason’ so I wasn’t downhearted I just continued my search… then this art deco-ish diamond soft wool jumped out at me, actually at a mere £5 a metre it practically jumped into my lap! I have enough for a matching mini skirt or shorts too – ooh get me! 😉
The fur was also from Abakhan – in the remnants bin – I got about 2m for £12 and have loads left over – I’m thinking a matching hat and some cushion covers but please send me ideas… what would you do with 1.75m of black faux fur?!
The amazing bright red quilted lining was ordered online from Minerva Crafts and is a the most expensive part of my coat at £10.99 per metre but it’s so worth it because it’s just perfect (the hair match is spot on!) and so so warm!!
All the other bits and bobs were also from Abakhan and everything goes together so well!
Now this coat isn’t perfect – the lining is a bit wonky and majorly bunching up the right hand hem – my mum suggests to unpick the hem and just have a few catch stitched to let it hang… what do you all think? I’m a bit loathed to take out ALL that hand stitching as I have usually shied away from doing it and was so proud to actually slip stitch the whole hem, facing and sleeve lining. The bunching up doesn’t bother me but I am such a non perfectionist maybe I owe it to my coat to sort it out… 😉
When it’s all zipped up and my hood is up it is like being in the cosiest sleeping bag – yummy! I actually couldn’t wait for it to get cold this year just so I could wear it all the time and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing – every chance I get this coat is on my back. I think I will have to make a habit of making a new winter coat each year so that I can enjoy the novelty of going out in the cold in my new coat!
Oh and THE BUTTONS!!! I was overcome when I discovered two of these beauties in the pile of gorgeous vintage button ‘swatch sheets’ my amazing fiance gave me and saved from being chucked out- the crazy thing is that nearly all the buttons have just one of each but this sheet had TWO – matching red diamond (well square) red plastic buttons that match the lining SO well – it was truly meant to be.
The pattern is my biggest sewing achievement to date – I took my time with it- in fact unlike everything else I’ve sewn up so far I purposely did this slowly, making sure I did everything to the best of my ability throughout. I worked on it a few hours most days so it was made over the course of a few weeks and I learnt so many new techniques from it. There were a couple of head scratching moments with the instructions especially around attaching the lining and facings but it got me to use my common sense and all that I’ve learned so far to work out my next move and that was actually so satisfying. Other than that this pattern is brilliant. The PDF came together so well and the diagrams help so much.
Obligatory back/goodbye shot!
I LOVE MY COAT (just in case you didn’t pick up on that!!)
Lots of love to all you fantastical people for getting all the way through this mega happy with myself post. I do worry that my excitement may come over a little strong at times but I want to share my love of sewing to inspire others to start/carry on making things – that is why I blog – I want you to know just how good it feels so you can have that feeling when you wear something you just made with your own hands too!
Yay!
wow Gabby this is gorgeous!! love the red buttons for the added pop! X
Wow! I want one. It looks amazing Gabby-what size needle did you use (guessing a heavy-duty/denim needle)? I’ve not worked with heavyweight fabrics before so think you are very brave to try this. I do feel I should have a go as need a coat…if I start it this side of Christmas, it might be finished by Easter!! Lovely blog and your enthusiasm is catching. Thanks for sharing x
AMAZING! You are so talented. I would love to be able to make my own coat and what a beauty that one is! I especially love the buttons and matching lining.
H.
This is SO cute! The res lining is genius!!
gorgeous coat. and hate to say it but your mom is right. and the lining catching has happened me before, so when I line coats, I now just hand sew the lining and it really does not take long. I have the coat inside out on the dress form and I pin the lining in place, and after I put the coat on to make sure. I use a quick slip/whip stitch and its done. the other thing I still have to do on a coat i just made (and wore anyway), is get a clapper and steam to the end of the hem………..
Love it! That lining was definitely worth every penny, it finishes it perfectly
It’s amazing!! Congrats on a super coat – so cosy 🙂
Oh wow oh wow! I love the style and that fabric! Such a great make
Hannah x
Thankyouuu and sorry for late reply!! Xox
That is a most awesome coat – love the fabric/s and details. Pictures with that dress and lining and tights and hair are fabulous ;o) Making a coat or jacket is going to be my new year’s resewlution for next month (I’m on the bottom of the world so I have some time before I’ll need one!)
Thank you Colette and sorry for late reply! Looking forward to seeing your coat! Xox