{grey coat for grey days}

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Long awaited. The coat is done and I love it. Just what I wanted.
 A vintage feel, a neutral color, and plenty warm.

Last year I posted about this lovely pattern from Burda that I had found. I made alterations to the pattern to fit me just so, but it got put on hold for a while.

I love the poofy sleeves in this pattern, as it prevents that well known gripe of putting arms into the coat and having all of your layered sleeves get shoved up inside. These sleeves have plenty of room for layers beneath. In my alterations, I also made sure to widen the shoulders and the top of the arms since I was sick of not being able to raise my arms properly in a coat.

The high neck and collar is great, adding enough warmth that I can get away without a scarf often times, and if I add one, I can wear it on top to show it off instead.

I found the perfect light grey felton wool to use, and got some vetiver green lining.  Isn't vetiver such a great name? I opted to use hidden magnetic snaps for the pockets instead of the buttons and button holes prescribed by the pattern, as I thought I would constantly catch things on the buttons. I borrowed a technique for covering the snaps with the lining fabric that I spied on some Anthropologie coats.

The hidden button placket is a nice feature for a clean look when closed, but a bit trickier to do up the buttons in a hurry.

Being the geek that I am, I had to make my own label. I hand-embroidered my name and the phrase 'this took forever to make' on a piece of the felton wool and trimmed it with my handy-dandy pinking sheers (I love those things). I also added a reinforced bias tape loop for putting on coat hooks. I hate it when things don't have that. Of course, I put it so the loop could be tucked behind the label when not in use. I also trimmed the lining hem with lace for a little extra fun.

So there it is. I'm really pleased with this project. It may be the one I feel most proud of to date. I was really intimidated to make a whole coat, but finally felt up to it after having taken a number of commissions to re-line coats and make jackets. I have full confidence that this coat will last me for many years to come, both in durability and in classic style.

Has anyone else ventured into coat making this chilly season?

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