We may not be ready for coat weather, but that's the thing about them. You have to sew them BEFORE it actually gets cold so you can wear them when the time comes. That's why we're doing a round of coats in October instead of waiting for the winter months.
However, outerwear can feel like a big project. It's usually more expensive fabric, more steps, and some techniques that you may not get to practice every day. But when you get right down to it, coats are glorified shirts with a bit more padding. Especially the ones we've picked this month, which are designed to be simpler – easy to fit and sew – so you can avoid "The Overwhelm"
For fabrics, we wanted snuggly coats that will keep you warm all season long. That led us to wools and flannels in a variety of textures and weights. And the colors this month just make me breath a sigh of serenity. Camel, light green, and icy grays are lighter than you might expect for winter, but they are simply breathtaking.
So, without further ado, let's dig in!
Sew Essential Box: Sanda Jacket from Merchant & Mills
A new pattern, only released a few months ago, the Sanda Jacket falls somewhere between a shacket and a chore coat. The simple lines and elegant details define Merchant and Mills patterns, and they match the cool and classic colors that we've chosen. The lightest of our three coat options, this is a wonderful choice for people who live in warmer climates or who want a more familiar sew. Let's take a look at the fabrics!
*NOTE: This box includes enough fabric for the jacket length only*
- Shetland Houndstooth Flannel - We have fallen in love and it's with the luxuriously soft cotton flannel. Mimicking the look of wool houndstooth tweeds, this fabric is yarn-dyed, with amazing depth to the weave. With a tailored drape, it holds its shape well and presses just as nicely. Brushed for softness, it will become a lovely midweight jacket, perfect for fall weather or warmer climes.
- Camel Diamond Cotton Jacquard - Mimicking the now famous look of Merchant and Mills jacquards, this cotton is a looker. In a warm, neutral beige, this layered cotton has a jacquard weave that gives it a quilted look and feel. The reverse is a gauzy cotton, there is no batting in the middle of this cloth, the inside is made up of a series of thicker yarns which gives it the quilted feel. Warm but airy, this fabric is absolutely made for this pattern!
- Eucalyptus Infinity Recycled Flannel - Look quickly, and you'd be absolutely certain this heavyweight flannel was a wool coating. With the look of melton wool, but the touchably soft feel of a brushed, cotton flannel, this fabric has everything you want for a coating fabric. Plus, the color is stunning. An sagey, minty, eucalyptus green is cool and calming. An unexpected breath of fresh air for your wardrobe.
SHOP THE SEW ESSENTIAL BOX >>
Sew Select Box: Nova Coat from Papercut Patterns
The Nova Coat has been around for a while now, but somehow we've never used it in a box. A classic cocoon shape, this is the coat version of those barrel pants that everyone seems to be making. With hidden in seam pockets, a raglan sleeve, and an open front, this jacket is ideal for transitional weather. When it gets colder, you can pair it with a nice scarf and even belt it, like a bathroom robe. Now here are the fabrics!
- Beige Basketweave Wool - A mixture of polyester and wool, this fabric is a classic camel coating. Soft and mottled, it boasts a lovely texture to contrast to its neutral color. The heaviest of the three options, it's ideal for truly cold weather (not that we want to think about that right now). A gorgeous coating fabric!
- Jade Sherpa Wool Coating - Teddy coats were all the rage a few years ago, but what about green sherpa ones? We think this should be a thing, and we're here with this lovely jade version. A polyester that mimics wool, this fabric is touchably soft with a fuller drape to show off the cocoon shape of this coat. An absolute knockout of a fabric
- Gray Scandinavian Stripe Wool Coating - All the look of a colorwork coat without all the knitting, this yarn-dyed coating is soft and brushed and oh so comfy. Very soft for wool, with almost no scratchiness, this fabric will become a warm and snuggly coat with just the right amount of heaviness. And the gray-on-gray color feels chic and stylish. A stunning fabric!
SHOP THE SEW SELECT BOX >>
Sew Indulgent Box: Oslo Coat from Tessuti Fabrics
If you want a traditional coat, the Oslo is the one for you. An oversized collar offsets a straight bodice shape for a look that is part car coat, part duster. Raglan sleeves add ease and wearablity, and shall we say, an effortless cool. This coat is simple and soft, in both look and feel. Oh, and fully lined, we might add. The only thing that could make it better would be gorgeous wools. So here they are!
- Robin's Egg Boiled Wool - Some may balk at boiled wool; it's not usually super soft and it can be quite heavy. But not this one! Its soft, pebbled texture adds visual depth, plus, the color is so vibrant and so saturated. It just screams out to be made into an uniquely colored coat. With a nice amount of drape, this fabric will match the loose fit of this coat well and it will become your go-to outerwear for cold weather!
- City Gray Wool Jacquard - *Current Subscribers Only* We're trying something a little different this month with a deadstock fabric. This fabric, an icy jacquard wool print, is designer deadstock so we only have a limited quantity. Therefore, it's available first come, first serve to current subscribers. Soft and warm, this fabric is one of a kind and ready to become a bespoke part of your wardrobe!
- Camel Brushed Mohair Coating - There's little more classic than a camel coat. Add to it the brushed, almost furry quality of mohair, and you have a snuggly, cozy coat for the winter months. The beige color is light and serene while the drape befits this loose style. Your new favorite coat is waiting!
SHOP THE SEW INDULGENT BOX >>
If you're in a sunnier place or simply don't want a coat, we're bringing back our All About Sleeves boxes from way back in March 2022. These boxes were a huge hit at the time, and they are perfect for fall weather. Or get both the new and the tried and true for a complete outfit!
Until next time. . .
Happy sewing!
-Mary
0 comments