Monday 14 July 2014

A New Vintage Coat

 
A few years ago I bought a length of grey and white tweed with the intention of making a coat, but never seemed to find the right pattern.  Last summer I found the perfect pattern on Pinterest - Simplicity 6311 from 1965. 

Trust me to fall in love with something that probably went out of print over 40 years ago.


 A few searches on eBay though, and it didn't take too long to find the pattern in my size (from an American lady with a Scandinavian name).  Before I chopped up the tweed I thought I would use denim fabric I also bought years ago but I can't remember why.  So, if it was a disaster it wouldn't matter.  Thankfully, it wasn't a disaster.

 
I cut out the coat last summer and like many more projects it got packed away as sewing with pins and needles isn't particularly child friendly.  One night a few weeks ago I decided I need to finish it so I worked into the wee small hours.  Hand finishing and the covered button has been done when I could grab a few moments.
 


 
It has white and red spotty lining: 
 
 
Altogether, it was a fairly straight forward project with no button holes, no inside facings and the fit is perfect so I didn't have to make any adjustments.  The only thing I might change is to add facings and hidden buttonholes on the next one as it swings open.  The only fasteners are the button and a placket at the other side of the neck - things that swing open doesn't really work here in the Shetland winters due to the prevailing winds.  I might also lengthen the sleeves as these are bracelet length and although it looks good and is fine on a summer garment, I think a winter coat would be better with slightly longer ones.
 
And - just in case you were wondering, the brooch is one of my newer designs, which will be available online with a whole new range of vintage inspired floral brooches in the Autumn.
 
Yay! - another FO I can now tick off my list!