Sunday, June 14, 2015

Red

Elsa has wanted a red trench coat f o r e v e r!
Finally, it was her turn on the rota.
So I made her one.
After trawling through my vintage patterns she decided she really liked the look of this little number.
But with straight sleeves and epaulettes.
We used a beautiful heavy textured red wool and lined it with heavy de-lustered with the two-as-one method used in the instructions.
In retrospect, a bagged lining would have been so much easier and less bulk.
The collar was very well cut, a two piece bias under collar, interfaced on the bias with a straight grain section cut for the neck roll.
After sewing the collar facing in place and trimming, turning and pressing, the garment is tried on, the collar roll is established and safety pinned in position and then hand basted to keep it there!
It sits so nicely!  
At Elsa's request, I hand sewed all the facings in place.
It certainly kept me warm as I stitched it.
The centre back is cut in two pieces but I decided to cut the lining as one and added a generous vent.
I was completely won over by the back neck darts. Such an elegant detail.
The buttons are vintage, silver filagree. I didn't like them but I am very pleasantly surprised with how well they work.
I ran out of cloth and had to piece the tie in three. Elsa did not want a buckle and the joins don't bother her a jot.
They do bother me, exceedingly.
It also bothers me that I over pressed the hem creating a crease.
I want to steam that out but I need to pry the coat off of her.
Because she loves it.
The pockets are fully lined with the purple satin.
Elsa was away on work experience when I sewed this up.


Yes, that is a big a#se python and a cute monkey.
And I completely forgot to add the epaulettes in construction.
Elsa really wanted them so I made up four 'arrows' and hand sewed them in place.
I think we got away with it.
Thanks for popping by!

xx N

22 comments:

  1. Stunning as always Nicole. I am in awe of the love and effort you put into sewing for your family.

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    1. Thank you Jane!
      This one was a biggie, but she loves it, and that makes me happy.
      xx N

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  2. Very nice! Funny how the little things that irk us are passed over by the wearers. Just gotta go with the flow hey. She looks great and it's a perfect fit and beautifully sewn.

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    1. Thanks Shelley. Elsa is pretty matter of fact. I was fussing and faffing about and she was very calm and perfectly happy!
      xx N

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  3. Beautiful work Nicole, looks wonderful (I was hoping for a close up of the buttons!)

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    1. Thank you Colette.
      I will go back and add one for you.
      xx N

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  4. It looks great on her, nice job N!

    ... If all work experience involved a big ole snake, I'm sure I'd never leave the house. What is she interested in pursuing, vet sciences or wildlife rehabilitation?

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    1. Thank you Christine.

      At present she is keen on an animal science degree. She regularly volunteers with a group that travel to schools with endangered animals. I think that would be her dream job, she is excellent with children and utterly fearless with animals. As well as completely nonfussed when she is bitten, scratched or poohed on!
      xx N

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  5. Such a wonderful red trench for your pretty daughtere! I admire really your well elaborated makes! SaSa

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  6. Elsa looks smashing in her new red coat, I really love that lining too. I enjoy seeing all the love and effort you put in your sewing.
    The snake is going to give me nightmares *shudder*.

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  7. Thank you Britters, sewing for teenagers is a roller coaster ride.
    xx N

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  8. Beautiful coat! She is sure a lucky girl :)

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  9. Wow! What a gorgeous red coat! I am so very impressed with your tailoring skills. The purple lining is the perfect touch. Your children are so lucky to have you for their mother!

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    1. Thank you Karen, that is so kind of you.
      I was lucky enough to receive a smallish magazine type publication with a lot of tips on sewing collars. It was serendipitous indeed!
      xx N

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  10. It's a lovely shade of red and very pretty on her!

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  11. Ah that answers my previous question! She has got nerves of steel, that snake would terrify me.

    A gorgeous coat, and well worth all the work.

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    1. It was not what I expected when she sent me a photo titled, 'New Friend', Katy. ;)

      Thank you, I need a coat sewing break now.....
      xx N

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  12. Absolutely stunning coat!
    I think I would wear their wardrobe in a heart beat - seriously timeless and chic pieces :)
    That python does look scary (and she looks so relaxed !). Way to go Elsa ;)

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  13. Thank you Ana Sofia.
    I hope she wears it, she is rather taken with Zara's Moto jacket now.... ahhh, teenage girls.
    xx N

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