Thursday, December 27, 2007

Inspiration Coat and McCall's 5247 - Final Chapter





I finished DD's coat on December 23rd, but didn't get a chance to post my final review of the process until now.

Making this coat has certainly been an adventure. Last Summer, DD and I spotted this coat at the Nordstrom online store. Immediately she requested that I make it for her. I agreed, but needed to find a pattern to follow. Then to add to the challenge, I decided that I wanted to "think like a designer" and create a fall collection for myself and DD. Well, I been successful with creating DD's collection, with only two pieces to go. But as for me, The challenge was too great. I only came up with three dresses so far. Back to the coat...,


I really wanted to have the coat made by Christmas; and it was, December 23rd. My version is slightly longer than the inspiration coat. It green (loden) instead of black. DD was very happy with the results.

Over the past few weeks, I have documented my process on creating this coat on my blog. I will refer to those posts throughout this review as not to rewrite the process. There goes.

Pattern Description: McCall's 5247
MISSES’/MISS PETITE LINED COATS: Fitted coat, mid-knee length has princess seams with topstitching trim, side seam pockets, mock flaps, back button-on band and vent; coats A and B have stand-up collar; coat A has purchased trim; coat B has contrast collar and cuffs; coat C has notched collar.
Pattern Sizing:
6-22. I used a size 8.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? The top portion of the coat is similar to the original coat; the bottom is totally different. More on that below.

The instructions were pretty clear, but I ended up developing my own method of putting the coat together. I spent some time studying the pictures inspiration coat and the pattern pieces. I also studied the construction of some of my ready to wear coats to get an idea of how to attach the lining at the bottom of the coat.
Starting the Process

Fabric Used: I purchased the coating from Ann's Gorgeous Fabrics
Polyester Satin Lining in winter green from JoAnn's Fabrics.
I found the buttons at Vogue Fabrics. In the notions sections Vogue has sale items placed on the counter near the register. One of the on going sales items is a box of buttons. So the customer can fill a cup with buttons, which is provided by Vogue. Each cup sells for $2.00. Well I stood there and selected each button to go into my cup making sure I had enough for the coat.
Buckle was hard to find. So I went to the thrift store to see what I could find there. Found the buckle for $1.60 attached to a belt.




Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I started the process of redrafting the pattern the Tuesday before Christmas.
Redrafting, Fitting and Muslin

Second Fitting

Making more adjustments

Would you sew it again? I probably will not sew this particular version of the coat again. But I will certainly challenge myself with more interesting projects in the years to come. It was a great experience.

Conclusion It was a challenging experience with good results. I made my DD happy.

27 comments:

  1. That coat is too fabulous! You nailed it! I'm sure she will enjoy it.

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  2. Wowies!! That coat look so wonderful! Congrats on anthor sucessful project

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  3. Absolutely fantastic! Aren't you glad you sew at times like this?

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  4. you did such a wonderful job with coat, it look just like the inspiration piece. and it fits her perfect

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  5. Your Daughters jacket looks beautiful. Job well done. Ann

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  6. You did an amazing job on that coat and the whole wardrobe. If I were you I stand outside Nordstrom's with a picture of that coat and brag to everyone that I made it!

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  7. Wow, your dd's coat is spectacular. You did a marvelous job and it looks so much like your inspiration.

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  8. WOW! I'm sure your daughter is loving her coat. You did a wonderful job.

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  9. WOW!!! So many beauties you have made! I'm in awe of the fab garments you have whipped up--they look awesome!

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  10. Wow is right! That's a lucky daughter you have there, but I'm sure she knows that already.

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  11. Congratulations! It's gorgeous and inspiring.

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  12. Youthful, adorable - WONDERFUL! Her smile says it all.

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  13. The coat turned out really well. Great job!!

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  14. Absolutely beautiful. Your daughter is very fortunate or should i say our daughters are very fortunate. Your sewing skills are greattttttttttttt. Beautiful coattttttttttttttt

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  15. Fabulous coat and you nailed it on the head like the inspiration coat.

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  16. Thanks so much! I really appreciate your compliments. My DD has already started planning "her" spring and summer wardrobe. Can a mama get a dress, a jacket, somethin'? lol I'm really glad she can appreciate my sewing. It's a blessing.

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  17. That coat looks fantastic!!!I know your dd loves it!

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  18. I was admiring the same coat. Your version looks so good. Your daughter looks good wearing it.

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  19. Wow this is exceptional!!! YOU ARE THE BOMB. I hope to be my DD's "couturier" one day - LOL!!

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  20. this is a gorgeous, chic and very special coat! Bravo, amazing job! I also love the skirt and jean jacket made for your daughter

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  21. Great job. You go girl!!! I too sew and am a VIRGO. Congrats!!!

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