Pattern Description: (from Pattern Envelope) Simple, A-line coat with hood. Inside patch pockets, snap buckle strap closures, below-knee front curved hem drops to mid-calf in back. Wrong side of fabric will show.
Pattern Sizing: XS - XXL. The sizing, as with all Sewing Workshop patterns IMO, runs large. My measurements put me at a S bust, and the large end of M at waist & hips. I cut a Small, and shortened both the sleeves and the length. (I'm short!)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Except for my changes, and the fact that my fabric is unusual, yes indeed!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
If you just follow the instructions and don't make any changes, it's SO easy. A lot of bang for the buck on this one!
The instructions, for the most part, are very very good. The only thing that threw me off was the unusual shoulder seams, which are basically a V-shape (dart) cut into the front pieces between the hood & the rest of the front (the hood & front are together in one piece), and how the shoulder seam is attached to the back. Just read through the instructions for this area carefully, and don't be confused by the fact that some stay-stitching around the dart is shown along with instructions to stitch a seam. Do not do what I did, and stitch the dart together. It isn't really a dart. It's the shoulder seam. Have I confused you? Good, now I have company. }
The first step you do is sew on the pockets, so you need to know where you want them right off the bat. I had shortened the length above the pocket placement line by 1", but I still raised the pockets by an inch.
You also need to know where to place the buckle, or closure, if you follow the pattern. I chose not to use their closure method, so I skipped this step.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Absolutely love the lines of this coat! I think it's flattering for many body types, and versatile, because it lends itself to easily using a variety of fabrics. I made a robe (review is Here), and may still make a heavier coat using wool.
Fabric Used: A pleated nylon/poly something or other. The pleats are crazy - running in all different directions, so it presented some challenges working with it, but I love it! I devoted a whole blog post about working with the fabric.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the length - in part because the pattern was simply too long for me; in part because the pleats in the fabric relaxed a bit. I also did some additional top stitching along the sleeve seams and hood - this was mainly a fabric issue; I wanted to flatten down the pleats and keep them from stretching. The only other change was in the closures - the pattern calls for a self-fabric strip and one buckle closure - I made up my own form of strip and loop closure with 2 buttons - Picture of Closures
Front of Coat, Hood Rolled Down
Hood Flattened Down
Hood Up
Side View
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I've already made it twice, and would consider another version - I highly recommend this pattern!
Conclusion: There really isn't a whole lot to add about pattern anomalies or construction details; the patten itself is really that good! The simplicity of it lends itself to easily making design changes if you want, and the basic lines of the pattern are so nice.
I have lots more pictures and details on my blog post here - please feel free to stop by and visit!  |
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Just beautiful! Thx for the very helpful review.
12/30/12 5:14 PM
Spectacular! Thanks for the closure idea, I'd like to try that.
12/30/12 5:30 PM
A stunning raincoat is amazing fabric! Tricky to sew but a fabulous result. The toggle closures are a great idea. You'll be singing in the rain ;)
12/30/12 5:35 PM
Wow! You made such a cool coat out of such a plain pattern. This fabric is so unusual and your closure details really make it special. Really nice - and I love the color!
12/30/12 5:38 PM
Rain or no rain, I wouldn't take it off. The fabric and closures make a simple pattern into one amazing coat.
12/30/12 7:00 PM
Very, very beautiful! The color, fabric, your workmanship and creative detail....all fabulous. It's always great to see your projects!
12/30/12 7:04 PM
Love your innovative closures!
12/30/12 7:26 PM
What a fabulous snuggly coat!
12/30/12 7:53 PM
Beautiful! Love the fabric.
12/30/12 9:06 PM
Gorgeous coat. If it were not hot right now where I live I would run out and buy that pattern. I might do anyhow just so I have it when I need it!!
12/30/12 11:11 PM
I love the creative flair you added to your coat. It's beautiful.
12/31/12 0:34 AM
You've really made this Soho Coat distinctly your very own, look'in good. And twice- pretty amazing the cozy bathrobe with the nifty buttonhole you made previously is the same pattern. Just wear the imperfect/perfect coat any time; don't wait for rain. Wonderful creative process to work with a tricky fabric for a great result. Bravo!
12/31/12 2:39 AM
beautiful coat - love it
12/31/12 3:36 AM
Wow! I love this coat in this fabric. Where did you find it?
12/31/12 8:07 AM
Such a distinct coat in its design and fabric. As unique as it is it will be a classic. Beautiful work!
12/31/12 8:58 AM
Wow - such a great coat. It would make me hope for rain! Your closures are unique and perfect for this look.
12/31/12 9:14 AM
this is such a beautiful version of the soho. I love my version (made in navy cashmere), but to be honest it does look a bit like a bathrobe. Yours looks just plain elegant and expensive.
12/31/12 9:25 AM
Fabulous coat! And of course, the fabric is to die for. I have been wanting to sew this pattern for years but it has been on the back burner. You have inspired me to start thinking about it again. Thanks for the excellent review. I will definitely refer to it when I start my project.
12/31/12 10:46 AM
Thank you SO much, everyone, for your comments - they really put a big smile on my face :D
12/31/12 3:07 PM
VivianZ - I got the fabric at Fabrix, a discounted fabric store/jobber in San Francisco. I got it over a year ago, so it's long gone from there. :(
12/31/12 3:09 PM
Your fabric is gorgeous. It makes this coat really special.
12/31/12 7:28 PM
Great coat - great fabric - great review!
1/1/13 10:54 AM
Great coat - great fabric - great review!
1/1/13 10:54 AM
This is stunning, and the color spectacular. I really love your craftmanship, which makes this a real show stopper!
3/23/13 10:45 PM