Thursday, September 22, 2016

FABRICISTA CHALLENGE, WEEK 2 SUBMISSION: Not Sew Traditional Trench Coat.



When I received the email for the email for the 2nd Challenge I was perplexed for a moment.  I have made several summer/spring coats, but never have had a need for a full coat living in Central Florida.  In late December early January through mid-February the temperature can go as low as 30 degrees, but those days are far and few between.   The last couple of Christmas’ have been in the mid 70’s to 80’s and we here in sunny Florida are still wearing shorts, straight through the winter months.

After reading the email I immediately went on line to read up on the history of the Trench Coat and too look for inspiration.   I knew I didn’t want the traditional Trench Coat as I am top heavy and all those buttons on the traditional Trench freaked me out.   I also knew I wanted something in darker denim, something I could wear on a cool winter’s night to the movies, or to work on a casual Friday.  So I found these three designs that I absolutely loved:




So armed with my inspiration pictures, I hunted for a pattern that had at least a few of the details in my inspiration pictures.  I chose McCalls 6442 which had the basic design features I was going for.  I really liked that it had darts both front and back to bring in the silhouette a little.   View C had a full Label and the perfect length which was a requirement for this challenge.





My Trench is fully lined and inset pockets with some beautiful whimsical cotton fabric I found at Walmart.  I purchased the whole bolt.  The fabric has a really cute French City Part theme.  I thought it was a perfect contrast to the darker denim I used for the Coat. Also fully serged all seams on the inside of my coat. I omitted lining the Sleeves to prevent bulk in the arms.  I also added ties at the wrist to give it a Trench feel.  The bottom half of the Trench has a lot of fullness which I love because it hides a lot of my imperfections in the lower half of my body.    

I am extremely excited about Week 3’s project and hopefully I make it to the next round.  Happy Sewing! 

14 comments :

  1. Your lining is so cute Melanie, and I think you did a good job fitting your jacket. The lapels look sharp on you!

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    1. Thanks so much Elizabeth. I am so glad you are still doing your thing, wish you much luck my friend.

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  2. I love your coat. You have lots of style. Janie

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  3. I really like your coat. I agree that we busty gals should stay away from that double breasted look. I think it is an excellent interpretation of the challenge that works for your life (and weather) and is so flattering on your figure.

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    1. Thanks so very much MizzSmartyPants. I loved your coat as well, and I am so happy for you. Keep moving forward and good luck with the rest of the competition.

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  4. Melanie, This is a beautiful trench coat. The wrap style is very flattering on your figure. The collar is a lovely detail. Happy Sewing!

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  5. Very beautiful! You did an amazing job and what a great pattern!

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IT'S MELANIE DARLING // BLOG DESIGN BY CHIC PIXELS