Carol Lee Hopkins

I made this in felted black wool(plaid) for my DIL to wear in Paris next week. She loves it.
I used a decorative serger stitch on the outside edge all around, and am very happy with it. I think this piece would have been too thick if turned on the edge.

I got so many compliments when I wore my coat to work – from other teachers AND from students so its appeal crosses generational lines! I just got some wool/cashmere fabric from Mood (by mail) and it is so lovely I might cry a little. I am planning to make another in the next week or two.

So, before I get cracking, is this what a flat felled seam should look like from the outside? I’ve never done one before! This is not ironed and seam allowances weren’t measured, just having a test! Thank you.

Sorry to hear that that seaming went so slowly, @sanitystitches. I pressed mine and then sort of fiddled with the fabric as I sewed, so I didn’t need to baste. But different fabrics may respond differently, too. And your finished coat looks terrific!

@artscience, definitely shorten and the shorten line. Anything else will give you a different…[Read more]

@sanitystitches Congratulations! Wonderful job! First one done or at least posted! What a pretty color.

p.s. and good tip re: using a different basting color thread. Thank you!!

Cat

@sanitystitches Congratulations! Wonderful job! First one done or at least posted! What a pretty color.

Cat

Thank you so much, Liesl. This is fantastic. I originally got the pattern for the dress but I happened to have one of the amazing wools you suggested (the Carolina Herrera salmon-beige-orangeish color – it is very unusual color). So I really want to try the coat (it is cold in NYC!) and am happy you are doing a sew-along. But I am a few steps…[Read more]

I think the wool melton I used is a TINY bit too stiff but I am still happy with it.

I have sewn up a quick muslin.

I am on the petite size. If I want to take the length up an inch or two, am I better off doing so at the lengthen/shorten line? My initial marking on my muslin would seem to indicate that is the case.

I have a lovely Italian Merino wool double face knit and really want to have the bugs worked out before I cut my…[Read more]

Posted this in the wrong spot before. . .

Soooo. . . . it is going to take me longer than 3 days. I had a heck of a time flat felling the shoulders/neck – but I finally succeeded. Definitely baste first (and if you can stand it, use a different, easy to see, thread color so it is easier to remove later). I still have to attach the sleeves and h…[Read more]

And the final day of the sew along has now been posted. Enjoy!

I know this pattern specifies wool, but is anyone trying it with fleece? I just picked up the pattern today.

Hi everyone! I’m out of town at a conference, so apologies for the slow replies. @dubhels2003, I think you mean easestitching? It’s a basting stitch that you can remove after you finish the seam. Easestitching allows you to shorten an edge slightly without causing puckers or gathers. How is everyone doing so far? I’m wishing I had packed my coat…[Read more]