Lest you all thing I’m obsessed with boobs (ok, I am a little obsessed), I have also made some other things as of late. For example, this coat. The cheap wool coat I’d gotten at Old Navy several years ago had gone south. The cuffs were frayed and worn, you know how that goes, so I’d put it in the Goodwill box. I decided that I’d try and make myself something truly warm for braving those late night walks with the dog. I wanted a pattern with loads of room in it so that I could double up on the layers. The Simplicity pattern (link above) seemed to have all the requirements – a stand up collar (I loathe lapels), wide sleeves, and room to do my own thing. I had some tweedy wool left over from an earlier project and a fabric binge at www.fashionfabricsclub.com. I cut one layer of wool, one layer of cotton batting left over from a quilt, and silk for the lining. I figured that three layers of natural fibers would do well for keeping me warm.
Then I went on the quest for a zipper. I’d really wanted a shorter one, but neither Jo-Anne’s or G Street carried metal separating zippers in any lengths shorter than 20 inches. I was annoyed, but I went with the 20-inch zipper. After all, it’s been effing frigid here and I needed the damn coat. I also decided against putting pockets in it, mostly out of laziness.
So, it is what it is. The silk lining and the cotton batting keep the itchiness from seeping through to the skin. It is a little snug – the batting ate into the ease – but other than that, it keeps my neck warm and I can’t complain. See? I make more than just stuff to address the perpetual issues associated with the girls.
January 6th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Do you ever wonder who reads your posts (:
What a nice jacket. Yet, I would NEVER wear it.
When you talked about cold and layers and dogs I pictured North Face or Carhartt.
My oh my how “dowdy” you would think I am (:
I thought thermal lining and a windblock shell.
My dogs work sheep and sometimes cows and I have never been further east than the Grand Canyon.
But I think I know when clothes look good and when the person is “wearing” the clothes and not just a hanger to display them. I think I could pick out clothes that look good on someone.
If we ever pasted on the street you would roll your eyes… but I bet if we ever talked we would be on the same page….
This comment is just for fun… to let you know your post is enjoyed.
January 6th, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Not dowdy at all. I’m not a big fan of messing around with looking cute and risking frostbite. In any case, the coat wasn’t made up in hot pink and bright purple. It’s a very demure black and cream tweed. Anyway, “cold” in DC is slightly different than “cold” on the plains. My sister lives in Alberta and I know about the kind of cold that freezes your nose hairs together when you breathe… This isn’t a coat for that kind of cold.
I’m also quite certain that I wouldn’t roll my eyes if we passed on the street. And I already know we’re on the same page: we talked about my jumper issues.
I never did make that jumper….
Stay warm!