Sticking with the Sew Over It theme for the week, I decided this weekend that for the last snap of winter we’re having here in Virginia to sew up the new Chloe Coat from Sew Over It! I’ve been a huge admirer of this coat – it was a class that Sew Over It taught in London, but it hadn’t been released as a pattern. When it was released earlier this winter as an online class it went immediately into my cart and I ordered all the supplies from Sew Over It.
I loved Lisa’s hot pink version and decided to make the same version. I opted for the zippered version instead of the snapped version.
Guys — this is by far the hardest garment I’ve ever made. Talk about a test of patience! I could not have done it without the help of the online class.
I’ve never sewn anything with a lining and never “bagged” out a pocket or a lining before. While I did have some issues seeing all the steps in the video – the video is zoomed out at some of the more difficult moments, or Lisa’s hands are in the way – having her talk through the steps and show them as you go was so helpful.
The part I had the most trouble with was the zipper installation on the facing. I could not get this right to save my life. I made really close friends with the seam ripper on this one. I think one improvement that the pattern/online class could make was the use of pictures in the instructions itself. The pattern that is included in the class is just a series of instructions with no visiuals and then the online class is video steps. Other online classes I’ve taken, including the Ginger Jeans class, have pictures in the instructions which helps if you’re trying to understand something further or if you wanted to make the pattern again without the videos.
So now on to the finished product – the coat! I am so happy with how this turned out – there are some mistakes in there, probably more than some – but I am so glad I made it and I know it’ll get worn a lot!
My favorite detail is the shape of the coat. My mom has worn the J Crew Cocoon Coat the past couple years, and while I have always admired it, I have never taken the plunge on it. This coat is very similar to that Cocoon coat but even better because it’s me made!
My other favorite detail is the Liberty of London lining. I bought this Liberty Poplin last year from Mood and I still have enough to make a top with it. I felt like this coat needed a really pretty lining – and this was the perfect fit.
I got to try out a lot of new techniques in this coat including all the lining techniques, using ice wool around the sleeves and all the tailoring construction techniques that aren’t present in a lot of the other garments that I sew up.
As my first foray into outerwear, I can’t say enough good things about the pattern and the workshop. Lisa’s patterns are amazing and the videos were so helpful in taking each step in small segments. I’ve taken the other online classes from Sew Over It and this was by far the most helpful and the best. I think it had the most videos and truly walked you step by step.
Although I’m not crossing it off my #2017MakeNine, if I don’t end up making the Clare Coat I think the Chloe Coat is a great replacement! But now I feel like I have the confidence to tackle that coat come the fall!
Have you made a coat before? Which pattern is your favorite?
It looks so good! The Clare coat is on my “someday” list…but I can’t commit to a color! Love this coat though, and lucky youfor sewing a new coat before this deep freeze…gah! The weather is insane!
Was thinking of buying the online course sas it’s discounted this weekend but maybe it’s not worth it if some of the steps are not visible. Your coat is totally gorgeous. The colour is lovely on you. It looks a great fit and easy to wear.
Thanks so much Sue! Yeah, I was a little disappointed that not all the steps were easy to see, but I do think it took some of the mystery out around my first coat. Also, I really wanted to make the coat and the only way to get the pattern was through the course (which obviously makes it an expensive pattern!). I also really love the Clare Coat as well from Closet Case Patterns.