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Saturday, June 11, 2016

Berlin Coat for ladies

I've been wanting to sew a coat for myself ever since I was a beginning seamstress (Five years ago already! Time goes so fast when you're having fun!) But somehow coats frightened me. I sewed up some childrens versions already, but kids don't have those difficult lady-shapes :) So when I started Project Sew It in January, I knew a coat for myself would be on the to sew list for 2016. And here it is! Started in April, finished in June. A Berlin Coat for myself!

Berlin Coat

Berlin is a pattern by StraightGrain, designed for winter and for kids. The little rebel in me decided to make a summer version for ladies out of it! I chose the biggest size (12yo), skipped the batting and lengthened with 8 centimeters. Omitting the batting created extra space on the inside so I didn't have to widen anything.

Berlin Coat
Berlin Coat

I chose for Berlin because I love the lines! I added piping to accentuate them.
Berlin Coat

In the original pattern the pocket flaps are just decorative. But I like real pockets, so I added some under the flaps. I used a soft voile (leftover from this dress) and a snap for closure.


Berlin Coat

And now: some details! I added little bows at the sleeves (adopted from the Jackie coat pattern) and lined them with the same voile.

Berlin Coat
Berlin Coat

Belgian summers can be quite cold and windy. Therefore I wanted to add some warm details! Invisible, hidden under the sleeves, is a piece of ribbing, which makes it quite impossible for the wind to fly into my sleeves.

Berlin Coat

The hood is accentuated with some piping and lined with beautiful texture fabric, al leftover I bought from Mieke
Berlin Coat

Berlin Coat

The original pattern has a box pleat in the back. But the piping I used all around made the pleat 'stand out' a little, so I decided to close it at the bottom. Actually, I prefer this finish over the pleat! 
Berlin Coat
It's my first ladies coat, and it's far from perfect. The sleeves aren't tight enough for me and the buttons could have been placed better too. I was a little disappointed at first, until my mom told me: "Eva, don't be so hard on yourself. This is your first time, you can't expect it to be perfect. It's beautiful, even with those mistakes. And you can start practicing from now on!" 
Berlin Coat

She was totally right. Moms are for life lessons. And even with the imperfections, I still like it!
Berlin Coat

Now I'll wait 'till someone takes me on a citytrip to Berlin. A Berlin Coat in Berlin, wouldn't that be perfect?
Berlin Coat
Outer fabric: pale pink felt wool
Lining: mini stripes aqua pink - Nosh Organics (won here gewonnen, used here)
Pattern: Berlin coat by StraightGrain - size 11/12 yo
Voile (pockets): Wildfield in Cherry voile - Free Spirit - leftover from this project
Hood inner fabric: bought from Mieke
Scarf: Betty Blush - La Femme Garniture (sold out)

4 comments:

  1. Your mom is right - it's gorgeous! Great job!

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  2. What a beautiful coat! It looks gorgeous on you! Only you know about the imperfections! Nobody would ever notice, it looks perfect!

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  3. Just a few hours ago I was still wondering if this size will be too small for my soon to be 12 years old daughter. Looks like I don't have to worry about that anymore!

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  4. What an amazing coat !
    I love this so sweet color <3
    Cam
    @desideesparmilliers

    ReplyDelete

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