This coat started life as a blanket. I think it started that life quite a long time ago. It was made in the Albany Woollen Mills, now no longer there. I don't know when they closed down but I am imagining sometime in the 80s. I like that this coat has had a long life before and that it was originally made relatively locally. I cut the label off the corner of the blanket and hand stitched it into the coat.
And here's the coat. Ta daaaa......
I made the this pattern from Burda Style 10/2012. I made my usual size 12 (38) and it seems to fit pretty well. I left out the inseam pockets as I thought that some on the front would look better. I'm still planning to put in some welt pockets as I keep reaching down to put my hands in them only to find I haven't made them yet! My excuse is that it was very cold and I just had to start wearing the coat. I also brought a couple of buttons as I planned to put one or 2 on to hold it together rather than just the belt. I still haven't put them on as I wasn't sure I wanted to have a big button hole (or a snap) on the collar when I didn't have it fully buttoned up. My compromise is a kilt pin.
I hand stitched the blanket stitch all the way around, using some tapestry wool I got for $1 at the market. It was quite therapeutic really and a just took me a couple of evenings in front of the TV. I'm actually really pleased with it. It kept me warm at the same time too. Initially I had planned to do 2 or 3 rows of running stitch just inside too but in the end I didn't want to overdo the crafty-ness of it.
I think though that the fact that it does still look quite like a blanket is what has got me so many compliments about it. I thought it was reltively ordinary but I guess its quite unusual and the fact that it does look handmade does make people comment on it. I have even had a couple of requests for copies.
Its not lined as you can see so its a relatively easy make. I did flat fell seams, with a raw edge where I could and I like the rustic look of these.
It was a warm sunny lunch time when I photographed this but its been a wonderful coat for the chilly mornings and evenings. So with the sun shining, a cosy coat for when it isn't and at a total cost of $6 for materials I really have nothing left to complain about!
Can't believe you used a blanket! That is a great idea especially as thick fabric would've cost so much for the amount you needed .... it looks so warm and cosy! Fantastic job, esp the blanket stitch -so neat... mine was not so evenly spaced. Hahaha.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, infact I only just squeezed this out of a single blanket as I had to cut around some dirty bits! Thanks for the inspiration to get it finished and to do the blanket stitch. I might try a sort one next.
DeleteHello, Lucy! I've just started making this same coat from Burda Style and am already having a big problem. The collar part and the neck edge don't match at all! The collar edge is way too short to stitch to the neck line. How did you do yours? The pattern should include seam allowance, though...
ReplyDeleteHi Ryann, the patterns don't include seam allowance, you have to add them. This might explain why your collar is not long enough if you didn't do this. You could add a strip at the back of your collar to correct it and make it bigger, maybe make a feature of it, or if its on the big side add a seam down the centre back?? Did you put the dart in at the front where the collar and neck meet, that would help reduce the size of the neck too. Hope this helps you. Good Luck Lucy
DeleteOh, no... Just as I suspected... The magazine indicated that its insert patterns include seam allowance and I just followed the instructions... But thank you, Lucy for your quick response and a great advice!
ReplyDeleteRyann