Butterick: 5685 (Misses' Jacket and Coat)  - Type:Coat/Jacket  | | Viewed 599 times
| 6 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 7 people | | Reviewed by: | RebeccaMarie | 
 | About RebeccaMarie | | DC | | Member since: 5/5/12 | | Reviews written: 44 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 36 people | | patterns reviewed: 44 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/20/12 4:13 PM | | Last Updated: | 11/22/12 1:32 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Butterick Pattern InfoMore Info provided by RebeccaMarie | | Pattern Rating: | Pattern OK, but did NOT work for Me | | See other patterns in this category: Coat/Jacket Outerwear | Available for sale on PR: $14.21 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Velveteen [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| More on my site, including additional views, close-up shots of some of the details, and some helpful links to coat-centric tutorials. Also, there's a lot of grousing about how this coat was supposed to look boho-hippie-chic and turned out bad-upholstery-roadkill-chic instead. Ooops! Win some/lose some  .
Pattern Description:
Fully lined, double-breasted women's jacket/coat features a a fitted bodice with custom cup sizing, a flared bottom cut to one of three lengths, and a dramatic variation on a shawl collar.
Pattern Sizing:
B5 (8-10-12-14-16) or FF (16-18-20-22). Bodice pieces for A/B cup, C cup, or D cup. I made a size 8 with the A/B cup pieces.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Not really -- but that's the product of poor fabric choice and deliberate modifications. Between the too-stiff-and-heavy fabric, the ill-conceived attempt to narrow the waist, and the RIDICULOUS faux fur, I've created a monster. I said it over on my blog ... this thing looks like the psychedelic pimp coat lovechild of the magic carpet from Aladdin and a yeti.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
IMPORTANT: If you decide to make this coat, do NOT -- I repeat, do NOT -- bother with the instructions. They're crazy. Too much slip-stitching; too much bulk in the waist seam and along the collar. I really, really suggest reading previous reviews of this pattern for excellent tips on assembling this pattern -- which, despite the absurd instructions, is exceptionally well-drafted.
A few of the other reviews have some very helpful tips, but I think washer_woman's probably has the clearest explanation of an easier way to assemble this thing.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The collar is what initially caught my eye with this pattern. I'd been wanting to sew a dramatic, fur-trimmed coat for a while -- the kind of thing you'd picture at a winter Woodstock -- and I thought the big collar would lend itself nicely to the look.
I was wrong.
Obviously, I wasn't wild about the instructions. I also found that, despite using the smallest cup size, the coat was wayyyyy too wide through the waist and ribcage -- even though it fit quite well through the shoulders. A rather strange fit before alteration...
Fabric Used:
Cotton velveteen from Fabric Mart for the shell, a quilted lining fabric from Wawak.com (BEST NOTION/SEWING SUPPLY SITE EVER), and a long pile faux fur from Fabric Depot.
The velveteen is lovely in person but much stiffer and heavier than I expected. I could've skipped the interfacing on it altogether and wish I had; I think the front of the coat would've laid better that way.
I love the quilted lining and definitely recommend it if you're looking to make a medium weight coat and want to cut corners/save time by skipping an interlining.
As for the fur? Meh. It looks exactly like what was advertised and wasn't nearly as hellish to work with as I expected, but it just looks ... weird. Thank God I made the collar detachable. Otherwise, I really don't think I'd ever wear this thing.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I took the coat in along the sides quite a bit but could only do so much without interfering with the arms. I drafted a detachable collar and sewed on cuffs as well. (The collar's actually easier for a relative newbie than you might think! Coletterie offers a fabulous tutorial.)
Also, because I hadn't yet declared defeat and thought this could turn out well at the time, I did bound buttonholes. This was a great learning experience and awesome way to make your sewing look fancypants professional, so I don't regret it, even if the hard work will likely never see the light of day. Great couple bound buttonhole tutorials here and here.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I won't bother with this again. It didn't fit me very well and looks to distinctive for a second incarnation. I'd tentatively recommend it though -- but stick to standard coating fabrics. I'd look at the other reviews and check out the fabrics they went with, as those seemed to look a lot better.
Conclusion:
At least I won't need to scramble to find a costume next time I'm invited to a heroin addict theme party?
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22 Comments
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I actually like it. It's cool, in that funky Pam Grier/Foxxy Brown way I love.
11/20/12 4:44 PM
I think it's pimptatstic, and I meant hat in a good way. I'm too shy to wear it out in public so I understand, but this is quite a sexy coat, you have to wear this with some attitude and some big old heels.
11/20/12 5:29 PM
You are too harsh to your creation.. I actually like the fabric you chose! Do you have any pictures without the fur? By the look of the picture it does fit you and I would totally wear it.
11/20/12 5:51 PM
The velveteen is gorgeous, and the coat seems to fit well - I, too, would like to see a photo without the fur. You really did a good job on this coat.
11/20/12 7:17 PM
It's hilarious and crazy fun...you'll find the right time to wear it I hope. Fabulous!!
11/20/12 7:39 PM
How else can a garment be described as road-kill chic and pimptastic at the same time and not be fabulous? Thanks for the great review!
11/20/12 8:47 PM
I reall love your coat! Fun and cute. I hope you change Your mind.
11/20/12 9:46 PM
I thought Yeti fur was protected...
11/20/12 11:54 PM
I think your coat is AWESOME! Anyone that makes a coat like that has to wear it. Thanks for the fun to read review!
11/21/12 5:15 AM
Your reviews always crack me up! I think it could totally work with some tweaks. The velveteen is beautiful- very retro chic. I would love to see pics of it without the yetti. I bet it's lovely just as is with a self collar. Have you thought about scouring vintage shops for some real fur for the cuffs/collar or maybe contrast velvet?
11/21/12 8:12 AM
You're way too hard on yourself. I think it's actually a fun coat. Wear it--it's one of a kind.
11/21/12 9:13 AM
Crazy fabulous review! Just like your coat :)
11/21/12 9:25 AM
Put that white flag away girl, that coat is fantastic! It's one of those garments that needs the total look going on. You've got the boots, how about a really curly updo in your hair? Obviously, you've got the personality to totally rock this look. Go for it!! Thanks for a great review.
11/21/12 10:35 AM
I love the velveteen, but the fake fur...not so much. Is it possible to replace the fur with a solid velveteen, a color that is already in the body of the coat, then you would have a winner.
11/21/12 11:40 AM
A well-written fun review. I want to see the coat without the collar. It seems to fit you really well in the photos. You look like a 1960-70's Marianne Faithfull or Michelle Phillips from the Mamas and Papas. Live it up and wear your jacket around town. It's unique and retro! Show off your work.
11/21/12 12:49 PM
Have to agree that this coat is awesome!! Love at first sight when I clicked on the picture, then I read "ok but did not work for me," ??? then I read your hilarious review. However, you totally rock this coat!! Looks perfect to me. I am sorry the velveteen was much stiffer than you thought, one of the pitfalls of buying fabric online. But you did a great job with it!!
11/21/12 2:54 PM
I have to agree with MNBarb. You coat does look just like the era you were aiming for. It looks like it fits (of course the amazing collar does obscure things a bit). I'm not sorry to disagree with you, I rather like it. It doesn't look like it's wearing you, it suits you. Put it in the closet and let it mellow. Perhaps the enormity of it will dissipate. (You know you want to wear it!)
11/21/12 4:30 PM
too much fun, especially for DC !! just keep rockin', no matter what - oh, the coat: so much talent ... What's next???
11/22/12 3:57 PM
I too, like many reviewers, love your coat. I am wondering if you'd like it better with different buttons? Just wondering. Wear this wonderful coat with pride! It is adorable! I have this pattern so I appreciate the honest review. :)
11/22/12 7:44 PM
LOL! Great review. Thanks for the laugh. I hope you find somewhere to wear your coat after all your work.
11/23/12 4:20 PM
Great, even though in a heroin addict kinda way ;-) The lines of the coat are very nice.
11/24/12 8:29 PM
your review made me laugh out loud - I made it the coat in deep red (see review above yours) and it ended up looking like a dressing gown - you win some you lose some
1/12/13 6:35 PM