purple ruffle coat
January 26th, 2010
This coat has been a long time coming. I started it right after I finished making my son’s coat–high off success I suppose–but it stalled soon after when she tried on the rough draft (umm, what do you call the outer shell of the coat, a mock up?) and said, “ewww, I don’t like it.” So it sat in a pile for a loooong while. Then I started looking around for something to line it with and couldn’t find anything big enough to line the whole coat which bummed me out, so it sat some more. I decided to hell with it I would just patch together different sweaters to line it even if it makes it look extra handmade.
Really I probably shouldn’t have lined it. I wanted to just use fabric from my stash (because seriously the stash has to get smaller) and everything is, but the coat doesn’t hang right at all. The pattern is from Carefree Clothes for Girls, which I was really excited about, but I’m not super happy with this pattern (I combined the short coat shape with the long coat length). It’s raglan sleeve, which I love, but it different from the other raglan sleeve things I’ve done in that it has a seem down the top of the arm. So there are four pieces for the sleeves and they are sewn separately to the front and to the back and then the front and back pieces are joined by sewing down the top of both arms. I think this takes away the ease of raglan sleeves and gives the coat extra bulk it just doesn’t need. Oh and I added in seam pockets, which doesn’t help with the bulk issue either, but they’re handy.
Because I didn’t really like it, but didn’t want to abandon it I slapped on some ruffles a la j.crew so I would like it more. And it worked. My daughter was anxious for me to finish it, but damn if those sew on snaps don’t take forever to sew on. While I was sewing on all those snaps my daughter danced around excited for it to be done, then she tried it on and hated it. It is a little big and hangs weird, so I don’t really blame her. But still. Maybe next year she’ll like it more. Until then she’ll wear it to church because her mother will make her.
This is absolutely GORGEOUS!
Oh, that is so sad that neither of you love it. I think it’s pretty cute, and there’s a good chance that she’ll grow into it or it’ll grow on her for next year. I agree that the raglan sleeves sound quite strange. Bravo on pulling it out time and time again to get it done!
I know exactly what would make that coat perfect. It needs a beautiful brooch like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/34284687@N04/3591192065/ on it xxx
Don’t you just love it when you put all that time into making something for your kid and they hate it (even though they were sooo excited while you were making it) and it sits on a hanger?! Yeah, I make my girls wear ’em anyway sometimes, too. BTW, that purple color is awesome!! I love your blog; you crack me pretty much every post! Thanks…being a mama of three little ones myself, I can so relate.
You are so talented. She looks divine.
that stinks. all that time and effort and it just doesn’t work for her or you. i do like the idea of using old sweaters to line a coat. a great way to reuse.
Awesome that you are using up your stash. I have a big case of that right now. Just want to get rid of it, like a rash or something, stash-itis, maybe. The coat is cute! I like the ruffle & maybe she will grow to love it, too :)
i am in love with the coat!! wish i could sew like you!!
It is adorable. You are being too hard on your self! She will grow into it. The ruffle adds a great touch!
Exactly, don’t be too hard on yourself. It looks lovely and there’s a good chance that in a few days your daughter decides she loves it after all ( aren’t kids known to be changing their minds often?) and… if you do decide after all you’re not entirely happy with it, it’s a pity, but you’ve learned a lot doing it and next time you’ll make something you’ll be so proud of, I am sure. By the way, the raglan sleeves on the pattern I made also have a seem down the top of the arm. I have no idea how to get rid of it.
I love this ruffle! I am sure in time you daugher will tell you its her favorite coat.
i love the ruffle coat! the arms are great too! nice work!
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