Tuesday 26 October 2010

17

The Houndstooth Military Duffel of Doom

houndstooth coat buttons

The winter cold has arrived here early this year. Maia's Fairytale Coat from last winter is a bit short in the sleeve so I stole some time over the weekend to sew her a new winter coat.

houndtooth

I've had this black and white houndstooth wool in my stash since I found it on sale last year, but I was never sure what to use it for. When in doubt, make a coat. That's my mantra.

houndtooth

I used the same pattern as I did for the Sorbet Military Duffel. The wool was a bit tricksy to sew because it's a very loose weave and unravelled as soon as it was cut, so all the edges had to be serged before I started construction. To add to the masochism, the coat is lined with Polar Fleece with snuggly fleece pockets. And I got ten thousand bonus Masochism Points for an inner lining of Thinsulate. It's proper winter warm.

houndtooth

Under that hair cape is a big fat fleecey hood.

houndstooth

The six faux plackets are rather less noticeable than I'd like with all the hardcore houndstoothing. I considered coloured buttons but black ones probably make for a more sophisticated and understated toddler.

houndstooth

Thankfully, it's passed her stringent apparel control standards despite lacking even a smidgen of pink. I'm happy that I've finally tackled wool. And I also attempted another thing for the first time... sleeves inserted in the round rather than sewn in flat! Non sewers call your sewing friends right now to confirm how exciting that is.

17 comments:

  1. It's lovely on her. I have fabric ready and waiting to make my girls coats. Are you going to tackle the Lady Grey now...it is wool and has inset sleeves?! Go for it I say!

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  2. Her houndstooth coat looks fabulous! Way to go!

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  3. wow! you are so clever - i wish you were my mummy :D

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  4. That looks awesome. What a clever lady you are, x

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  5. @Millie: The fabric I picked for the Lady Grey is actually drill but I *was* pleasantly surprised by the inset sleeves. I wager it might actually be easier than flat sleeves :)

    @beachgirl, vintage violet and amylane: Thanks very much! If only I could make something similar for me :)

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  6. Maia looks so cool, I want to be like her...

    Gorgeous coat!

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  7. Looking cool! When did Maia get so old though? You know how you said that you need new babies/models ;)

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  8. @Liz and Emily: Thank you!

    @Nic: Are you offering?!

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  9. wow, that looks fabulous! Plus wow on sleeves in the round. Still leaves me sweaty and panicky.

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  10. Looks lovely Amanda....Very chic toddler indeed!
    Im desperate to make Roo a new coat but need the temperature to drop below 25 degrees first! Never thought i'd actually miss the cold (ok, so i dont miss it, but i need an excuse to sew something other than dresses and shorts!)

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  11. @Louiz: I'm normally all sweaty about sleeves too but in the round worked so well. It was much easier to match the curve and slightly ease it in.

    @Kym: Sorry, no sympathy for weather above 25deg! I'd happily swap, forevermore :)

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  12. That is one cool(sorry warm) coat. It looks great! I wouldn't mind an adult version of that. And as a sewer I know about the sleeve thing!! Well done you.

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  13. I want to gush and say amazing wonderful things about the coat. Because it's truly a lovely coat and I wish I had one in my size (minus the thinsulate for my mild winter).

    But all I can think is: look at all that beautiful, long hair! Who is this young lady sprung forth from a toddler? She's breathtaking. :)

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  14. Thanks very much, Lynn. Her hair is down to her bum when it's wet! It's longer than mine and eventy times more beautiful. She is looking so grown up, I mourn my baby :(

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  15. Fab coat! Reminds me I have one of your coat patterns I bought in the summer sitting around waiting to be sewn. And someone I know needs a raincoat that will also keep her warm. Oh, the possibilities....

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  16. So pretty!! Both coat and Maia. She looks extra grown up in that coat...

    Congrats on sleeves in the round!! I hate them and avoid them whenever possible, but there are times when they are necessary.

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