Self Drafted Pattern: LL013 (Short Belted Trench Coat) - Type:Coat/Jacket  | | Viewed 395 times
| | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 13 people | | Reviewed by: | Leslie in Austin | 
 | About Leslie in Austin | | TX USA | | Member since: 1/30/03 | | Reviews written: 129 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 201 people | | patterns reviewed: 111 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 5/30/09 10:10 AM | | Last Updated: | 5/30/09 10:19 AM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Rating: | Great Wardrobe Builder | | | | Fabric: | Cotton-Lycra Woven [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| A handful of years ago, I bought a short, belted Eddie Bauer trench coat in a bad color for me, solely to copy it. Got the fabric for it a couple of years ago, and it took a trip to Portland (PR Weekend 2009, Woo Hoo!) to get me to finally sew it up. How silly of me to wait so long to have this garment in my wardrobe!
Pattern Description: Lined, hip-length, single breasted, belted trench, with front waist darts (undarted in back) collar on a stand, sleeve plackets and buttoned cuffs, bound buttonholes (12 of em!!), a hanging loop and lined inverted pleat patch pockets. (details)
Pattern Sizing: Just my size! The block for this coat was drafted from a sloper based on a draping done by the woman w/ whom I took an advanced pattern drafting class. I used Helen Armstrong's _Patternmaking for Fashion Design_ to make the coat block (or "foundation" as she calls it) and then created my remaining pattern pieces using the book and guidance from the RTW piece.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? In my case, does it look like the inspiration piece? I think so! (side-by-side comparison) A difference I note when wearing it is that mine is heavier.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Well, I kinda made it up as I went along, but used several reference books, including the aforementioned Armstrong book and Connie Long's lining book. Also checked out a few sources for techniques on the bound buttonholes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Love that I got *exactly* what I wanted, even if it took a lot of time and decisionmaking at each and every step. (see Belinda's great blog post on the topic)
Fabric Used: A warm brown cotton/lycra stretch sateen from Fabric.com, a gift from friend Mandi who had leftovers after making this adorable dress and purse. The lining is also from fabric.com, a golden and brown paisley poly charmeuse. The superfantabulous doublesided buckle is from Les bon Ribbon, and the buttons are from either Jo-ann or Hancocks.
For the interfacing, I used pro-weft on the jacket front and upper collar and cuffs and back hem. The facings, undercollars and pockets got fusible tricot.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'm sure I'll sew this again. It's a great wardrobe staple for me, a perfect fall and winter coat except on the coldest of days.
Conclusion: So glad I burned the midnight oil to get this done in time to wear it to Portland--and went to great lengths to get it there. It ended up being sunny and beautiful, and mostly too warm for a coat, but doggone it I wore it there.
(Somewhere out there is a fantastic pic of Deepika wearing this coat. Would someone post a link to it in the comments? Thanks!) | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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 Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
<< Previous Review Next Review >> | Reader Comments | | bluefly | 5/30/09 | Great review. Congrats on a well fitted jacket! | | * * * | | MelissaB in WA | 5/30/09 | And your trench is smashing - I know because I got to see it in person and try it on. You did marvelous Leslie!!! And black is my color so send me the other one. ;-P | | * * * | | khunter | 5/30/09 | beautiful coat. I love your reviews, can't wait to see what you do next! | | * * * | | Sherril Miller | 5/30/09 | Wow! What a fantastic coat. It was totally worth the effort as it is a dead ringer for the inspiration garment. Drafting your own patterns are so worth the time, once you're done. I completely understand why it took you so long, though. It's also a lot of hard work to draft patterns with a lot of decisions to be made. | | * * * | | Rosebeee | 5/30/09 | You have a really great looking jacket there! | | * * * | | maryfrana | 5/30/09 | You are an inspiration. This is so professional looking. Love the color. I admire the patience it took to make this and get exactly what you want. | | * * * | | Karla Kizer | 5/30/09 | It's absolutely perfect, Leslie. And you did your own drafting....I'm in awe. Congratulations! | | * * * | | Heatherrique | 5/30/09 | Mesmerizingly chic! You did a wonderful job of re-creating the Eddie Bauer jacket! | | * * * | | KarmenG | 5/30/09 | Leslie - That's one beautiful trench! Nice job - it looks more luscious than the original! The buckle is a nice touch. Thanks for the inspiration concerning an involved project. Well worth the effort and even more helpful that you shared your journey with us! ; ) | | * * * | | Vonnevo | 5/30/09 | Leslie, your trench is Totally Fabulous !!! | | * * * | | Olivia Sews | 5/30/09 | Wow Leslie!! It is perfect on you! I wish someone would make a pattern in that style...just beautiful!! | | * * * | | Kellie R. | 5/30/09 | Fabulous trench! You look great and I LOVE the fabric/color. Great job! | | * * * | | Sew4Fun | 5/30/09 | Fabulous trench, Leslie! Such a lot of work to draft this plus sew all the little details. Great job! | | * * * | | Barbara V | 5/30/09 | Lovely trench, great detail and fit. What a great versatile jacket it is. | | * * * | | Allie in Hong Kong | 5/30/09 | Wow you did an incredible job recreating this pattern, it looks perfect. | | * * * | | Christina Sonja | 5/31/09 | I am still in awe that you drafted that yourself. Way to get exactly what you want! | | * * * | | Leora | 5/31/09 | Beautifully done! | | * * * | | Peggy L | 5/31/09 | Beautiful! It looks wonderful. | | * * * | | Linda L | 5/31/09 | Great job!!!!! | | * * * | | blue mooney | 5/31/09 | You really went all-out for this coat. What a great learning project! Results are well worth the effort! | | * * * | | Jane S | 5/31/09 | Fantastic coat. You should be so proud of such a beautiful accomplishment, | | * * * | | Terri Smith | 6/1/09 | Leslie, what a great jacket! The color is perfect and the style is timeless. Great job and review. | | * * * | | Deepika | 6/1/09 | Not only have I seen this in person, I have tried it on too! This trench was quite famous that PR Weekend. So glad to see a review. Leslie this is too good! Thanks for sharing. | | * * * |
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