Hello Readers,
Today I am sharing a coat that I made for my daughter, Kezia, who will be 8 in January, using Vogue 9043.The fabric for the coat was purchased from (local to me) Linton Tweeds. I have mentioned this before, in the Linton Tweed show room they have pre-cut 1 metre skirt lengths that they sell off at considerably less than the price from the roll. So this coat cost £20 for the Linton Tweed (2 skirt lengths), as opposed to the £52 – £60 it would have cost if I had bought two metres in a continuous length off the roll.
I don’t know what the composition of the fabric is (they don’t seem to label the composition of the fabrics in the show room), and is definitely a mix of fibres, including something very…sparkly, which is hard to capture in the photographs. For a Linton Tweed this fabric seemed fairly densely woven so I decided not to block fuse or underline the fabric, but chose just to interface the upper back (in lieu of a back stay) and all the hems. I also knew there was a fair chance that Kezia would complain about the scratchiness of the fabric next to her skin, so I chose to cut the upper collar and inner collar band from a cotton velvet.
Let’s talk about the pattern. This is a wonderful pattern with some fantastic details. It was a pleasure to sew. As ever, there is a full review below, but I wanted to point out the beautiful flared shape at the back of the coat, the two piece sleeves, the two piece, bias cut undercollar and the pockets which are incorporated into the front curved seams. Also – and this is something new to me – the pattern instructions have you make sleeve heads from gathered net to support the shape at the top of the sleeves. A brilliant little detail to use somewhere else when the need arises.
I have decided to enter this coat into the Sewing Pattern Review Outer Wear Contest, so head over to look at the other entries and cast your vote.
Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
Lined, fitted jacket or peacoat (slightly flared) has collar variations, princess seams, side-front pockets and long sleeves with gathered sleeve head. A, C: Peter pan collar and single-breasted. B: Contrast pointed collar and double-breasted. C: Purchased trim.
I made view B
Pattern Sizing:
Size 2 – 8.
I cut a straight size 8.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, I think so….except my sleeves don’t seem to have any gathers. Don’t know why this is: perhaps due to my fabric?
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes:
- LOVE the flared shape at the back of the coat.
- Love the two piece sleeves
- Love the way the pockets are incorporated into the curved front seams.
- Love the two piece, bias cut under collar
Dislikes:
- Some of the notches (particularly on the sleeves) don’t seem to match, although it didn’t make any difference to the finished coat.
- Whilst the under collar does seem to take in to account the turn of cloth, the collar band doesn’t: I removed 0.25 inch from the collar band.
Fabric Used:
The fabric for the coat was purchased from (local to me) Linton Tweeds. In the Linton Tweed show room they have pre-cut 1 metre skirt lengths that they sell off at considerably less than the price from the roll. So this coat cost £20 for the Linton Tweed (2 skirt lengths), as opposed to the £52 – £60 it would have cost if I had bought two metres in a continuous length off the roll. The exact fabric composition is unknown and comprises mixed fibres.
The coat is fully lined in a polyester (?) lining from my stash.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The fact I was working with two 1 metre lengths was challenging in terms of pattern layout but I did it without having to do any piecing. I do wish I had lengthened the sleeves slightly, but I have to live with that.
For a Linton Tweed this fabric seemed fairly densely woven so I decided not to block fuse or underline the fabric, but chose just to interface the upper back (in lieu of a back stay) and all the hems and also the inner edge of the front where you have to clip to form the pocket.
I knew there was a fair chance that my daughter would complain about the scratchiness of the fabric next to her skin, so I chose to cut the upper collar and inner collar band from a cotton velvet.
I shaped with shoulder seam using twill tape.
I added a small back pleat to the lining.
I bagged the lining out by machine.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don’t know if I will sew this again, but I highly recommend if you are looking for a beautifully drafted classic little girls coat.
Conclusion:
My daughter loves her new coat and that makes me happy. This was a pleasurable sewing experience and I know I am biased, but I think she looks like a little princess wearing it. Of course, if I was so inclined to make a matching one for myself, I think Vogue 9040 is a pretty good adult match. But, nope, not going to happen 🙂
Kezia seemed to like the final outcome and that’s the main thing. Now, can I get back to just sewing stuff for myself please? 🙂 Have a great week ahead.
That is beautiful!
Thank you mary
Beautiful coat and daughter!
Thanks Catherine
Such a lovely coat, your daughter looks very cute
Thanks Marian
That’s gorgeous Manju, as is your daughter.
Thanks Sam!
Very pretty. And the coat too!
Thanks mickey
Your daughter looks fabulous in the coat. Perhaps if her arms continue to grow you could make a matching velvet cuff?
Velvet cuff is a good idea. I was going to suggest turning the sleeve hem up slightly more so they are proper bracelet length, the get some velvet gloves (cheap ones from Claire’s maybe?) which would go nicely and look deliberate. Beautiful coat though and it does suit her.
Thanks Victoria and thanks for the sleeve suggestions.
Thanks Rachel. Yep the velvet cuff is a good idea.
Lucky girl!! and your daughter looks fabulous too.
Thank you helen
Gorgeous coat, and your daughter clearly loves it!
Thanks Gwen. Yep she’s pretty pleased with it.
So lovely ! I like this pattern very much, I have it in the adult size but I think for little girls is fantastic! Your little one looks beautiful !
Thanks cameliadb
This is such an elegant, lady-like coat. Your daughter looks like she really loves it!
Thanks freshly sewn. She is happy with it.
Stunning! What a lovely coat and the fit is perfect! I bet your daughter is thrilled to have it.
Thanks Barbara
Oh I adore your coat!
Thanks Faye.
that is a classic, so pretty, love the fabric choice and the velvet collar.
Thanks Beth.
Beautiful job on this coat and such a lovely daughter. You could extend/trim the sleeves with velvet like the collar to add length.
Thanks Peggy and yep that’s a good idea.
Love the jacket and LOVE her poses!
Thanks Amanda
This is such an amazing coat, Manju!
Thanks candice
There is nothing better than sewing a coat, I think from all sewing projects its the most satisfactory! Your daughter looks gorgeus in it and I like the velvet collar, practical and stylish at the same time!
I agree on the most satisfaction thing from coats. Thanks!
No one would believe this coat is handmade – it looks fantastic! The velvet collar is a great touch. Your daughter looks fabulous in it?
Thanks Corrine.
It’s gorgeous and she looks like she loves it! You sew amazing coats and this one is no exception.
Thanks Carolyn
Absolutely adorable…the coat and your daughter. Beautifully sewn too.
Thanks Jean Margaret
Gorgeous, love this style and the fabrics you chose, she looks lovely in it ;o)
Thanks colesworth
ahhhh she’s so cute! You did an awesome job!
Thanks Tasha
Okay…I kinda skimmed over the pattern deets as I don’t sew for children much.
BUT….I had to comment on how adorable your daughter is!!!! And the coat is absolutely beautiful!!!
Ha thanks sue. I admit I am the same when it comes to sewing for children. But thank you anyway.
We love everything about this!!! Well done.
Thank you McCall pattern company!
It’s so wonderful and your daughter is just adorable!
Kezia is ADORABLE. What a great model. I LOVE the flare of this coat. LOVE. Excellent job!
This coat is brilliant! And it looks like your daughter absolutely loves it! The flared hem is so neat, do you think adding the fusible interfacing helps to give it an even curve?