A New Winter Coat, Butterick 5685

Hi all,

I made a new coat because where I live, it's cold and can be cold for a long time--like 5 or so months.  Ridiculous, right?  So, to make it less brutal, I make winter coats so I have choices when I put on a coat to brave the cold.  

I finally used the beautiful wool/cashmere blend from Mood that I purchased about 2 years ago. 

I was pretty adamant I needed to use a somewhat classic design so this coat is 'in style' for years to come.

When I fit this to me, I intentionally made the shoulders just a bit wider in the back to accommodate being able to bend, lift, carry, twist, and drive a car if needed.  

I've had this pattern forever.  Here it is for you to see: 

I'd say mine fits just like the line drawing shows.

I knew I wanted to use a fun lining and this fabric is from Fabric.com.  It's a Telio brand rayon and it is just as luscious as the wool/cashmere!

Why make a coat with a boring lining?  Am I right? 

Buttons are from my stash.  

Thanks for reading!

I hope you are enjoying the weather where ever you live.  If you have a favorite cold weather coat pattern, would you please share?  I am always looking for coat patterns that are unique, classic, or just fun.

Sue 

Wonderful wool made more special with Cashmere!

The StyleArc Livia I made earlier this fall has been playing on my mind...I simply wasn't ready to file the pattern away.


I've had a beautiful wool/cashmere in my stash for a year.

I'd purchased it while at a conference in Billings, Montana.  It was on sale but it was still pricey but so soft, and I am a sucker for a muted plaid.

It was my destiny and I knew once the perfect pattern came along, I'd be ready and it would be hopefully fabulous!  What do you think of the result?

Obviously it has changed a bit from the pattern, but that is what makes sewing so much fun!  Here are my alterations/modifications:

1.  Half-inch swayback adjustment
2.  Half-inch sloping shoulder adjustment
3.  I added just one pocket and the band is a contrast, off-white wool/cashmere purchased at the same time as the plaid and I decided to attach it so I could fringe the edge
4.  Added nine shell buttons to the front
5.  Hong-Kong finish on the inside made even better with the addition of a decorative stitch

6.  Cut out each pattern piece after matching the plaid at the seamlines--I hope this makes sense!  In other words, I took a great deal of time to cut this baby out!

I thought about lining the jacket but with my age-bracket these days, additional layers of fabric are too much for me.  :)  Those of you in the 50-plus crowd know exactly what I mean!

I really love this jacket...can you tell?  I've worn it twice now and received many compliments!  I love it when that happens!  Look how windy it was today when we were taking pictures!

Thanks for reading!'
Sue