A new coat

Posted on December 26, 2012 by straightgrain

After some extremely busy weeks at work, combined with illness and a major computer crash, I finally found some time to work on a second Winter coat for Norah. I was quite happy with the way her first one turned out, but the insulating interfacing I used was not quite as warm as I hoped it would be. So I made a new one, this time putting some nice warm fleece between the outside fabric and the lining.

While I’m still crazy about DMK’s Double Breasted Coat pattern, this time I wanted something different: a standing collar instead of a peter pan collar, and some more straight lines. So with DMK’s pattern as a starting point, I drew something new, adding some nice details (straps on the sleeves and in the back, and little faux-pockets in the front). I used some super cheap fabric (€4/m!) from the amazing Rotterdam market.

As Norah is getting more and more reluctant about posing for mommy, I organized a little leaves-gathering session in our back yard, with Mr. StraightGrain taking some in-action pics. Of course, it was only when I was uploading the pictures on Mr. StraightGrain’s computer (mine crashed, remember?) that I noticed I hadn’t closed the last button of the coat. But I assume that her superflashy boots will get away with all the attention anyway 😉

Happy holidays, everyone!

Guest post over at Caila’s

Posted on October 22, 2012 by straightgrain

Today, I’m guest posting at a wonderful blog called Caila Made. Caila is running a great Fall Patterns Series, and asked me to discuss my favorite fall pattern: Dear My Kids’ Double Breasted Coat pattern. So if you’re interested in some tips for making this coat, head over here.

Also check out the previous reviews, written by the likes of The Train to Crazy, Probably Actually, Designs by Sessa, A Little Gray, Imagine Gnats, and Caila herself!

Double breasted coat

Posted on September 22, 2012 by straightgrain

Last year, I made DearMyKids’ Double Breasted Coat for the first time, and she wore it all Winter long. But as the picture below (of Norah’s first day to school) shows, it has become a teeny tiny bit too small (no, the coat is not supposed to have 3/4 sleeves).

So a new one was due. I went to several shops and markets to find some suitable fabric, but eventually, I had to settle for something I liked, but not loved. I found it on the market in Rotterdam, it was cheap, and it smells weird.

I ironed some insulating interfacing on the fabric to make the coat warm enough. I made it in size three, so Norah can wear it all Winter. So for now, I’m folding up her sleeves, which looks pretty ugly.