corduroy coat
November 5th, 2009
At the beginning of fall I made a list of the things I wanted to make for my family, but I didn’t want to post it because I was afraid I wouldn’t get any of it done, then I would feel guilty and get crabby and nothing would get done. But shockingly, I am slowly crossing things off. The purple pants and skirt, a little red riding hood cape (for her birthday), and now this coat. I was very nervous when I wrote “a coat for each” on my list, but this came together relatively simply. I bought the pattern ages ago at a thrift store for ten cents and it was super easy. Raglan sleeves, baby. They make everything easier. The only thing that tripped me up was the collar, which I had to rip out three times before I got it right and I’m glad I did. Normally I would just say screw it and push on, but I was feeling extra patient for some reason. Plus it has to stand up to be handed down now that he has a little brother.
The very best part of the coat, though, is the lining. It’s made from a felted cashmere sweater and holy crap does it feel nice. I was lucky enough to find an XL cashmere sweater (for 5 bucks!) right when I was looking for a lining and it was just, just enough. Lining a coat is super simple: right sides facing, sew all around, turn inside out and sew up the opening. The sleeves are a little different, but that shouldn’t deter you. You too can make a coat for your kid! I feel like clothes are getting more and more expensive as they get more and more cheaply made.
Okay one more thing about the coat and then I’ll be done. The buttons. They are beautiful. I was going to use up whatever matched from my button jar, but a friend told me to go to Gayfeather, which if you are local know is a beautiful fabric store, but I bet you never noticed their button cabinet. It’s awesome. I love the burnished look of them and that everyone is different.
After all the swearing and unpicking of seams, it’s just feels ridiculously good to see him always choose this coat to wear. Now I have to figure out how to make the one his sister has been asking for.
It’s gorgeous, and it’s great that he loves it. You did a beautiful job and yes, raglan sleeves are great, aren’t they? It is absolutely beautiful and lined with cashmere, wow!
meg, this is pretty incredible.
snap, meg. that is kind of awesome. AND he likes it. lucky girl.
what about the scarf…?
What a great idea with the lining!
Beautiful coat.
Wow–it’s gorgeous. I really love the lining–such a cool and unique way to use a felted sweater. Neat how it was right there when you needed it, too. Beautiful work.
That is a lovely coat and a great job, the collar especially — it’s my nemesis too. Cashmere sweater lining — brilliant touch! — and those buttons really do make it.
Wow! That is a great coat! You did a wonderful job. It’s always so nice when the LOs agree too, isn’t it?
That is such a great coat!!! You’ve inspired me to give it a try at some point. I agree that clothes although getting more expensive are falling apart faster, are all made in China, and they seem to be useless. Plus I have a really skinny and tall toddler, so I am learning all about pants!
What a lucky boy, my goodness.
Seriously awesome! I love all of your loving touches. I have been toying with the idea of making my girls’ coats…probably next year. Thanks for honestly sharing your process.
Gorgeous!! What pattern was it?
What a beautiful coat. You did such a wonderful job.
Oh, it’s beautiful! Good job!
What a lovely job you’ve done – I love raglan sleeves too! Now I am inspired to try something similar.
Oh my goodness!!! Seriously, what an awesome little coat. I think the cashmere lining completely genious.
This is beautiful! Simple and rugged. I don’t have kids but if I did they’d be wearing this
Holy wow! Gorgeous and causing me baby pains… Awesome score on the sweater – it finished off the coat perfectly and looks very professional. He’ll be warm and stylish!
That is beautiful. It makes me want to do something radical. Like sew.
The coat looks so comfy and warm, no wonder he always chooses to wear that one. I’m impressed, a coat is nothing to joke around with, serious semstress talent, swearing or no swearing!
Gorgeous coat. Looks very stylie and comfortable. I love the lining idea. Cam will need a new coat next winter, so I may have to follow your example with something similar.
That coat it so gorgeous – I want one for me!!
I am totally inspired to finish getting my sewing room in order and make the capes I started for my daughters last year. No more excuses!
The coat is gorgeous and the lining is brilliant. I never would have thought to use a sweater, yet it makes perfect sense now! And that butterscotch color just speaks to crisp autumn air and total coziness!
This looks absolutely amazing – the colour, the fabric and those buttons are the icing on th cake. Let’s hope your kid can wear it for a long, long time. And well, when it’s time to hand it down – I’m sure there’ll be a long queue.
it looks cozy, like the kind of coat you want to keep on when mommy and daddy carry you in sleeping from the car ride home.
you rock. that’s a gorgeous coat! I would never have thought to make one myself.