I'm Jumping off this Train!

Lady Grey Coat, size 10

I made a quick and dirty muslin of the Lady Grey Coat in a size 10.  There were many fit issues that needed to be addressed, yet I couldn't work up any enthusiasm.  The style, though lovely in the abstract makes, me feel frumpy.  I am going to consider the effort I have made so far a sunk cost and move on.  I have always had wide hips.  Fifteen years ago, I would have felt that the peplum hid them. Now, I feel the peplum accentuates them. 

I should hasten to point out that the Colette Pattern was very good.  A true premium product with excellent instructions and attention to detail.  If there is ever a style that I think would suit me, I would not hesitate to buy it.  


Just to show that there are some women out there who look great in this coat, here are some stunning examples.  How cute does Tasia look in hers?  Heather looks smokin' hot in hers, too.  Seeing these two women's versions was part of what made me want to join the sew along and make this coat. 


Meanwhile, thank you, thank you, thank you everyone who urged me to appreciate Muslins last April.  Making this muslin saved me a lot of disappointment, and even helped me to use up some ugly fabric and last bits of thread on bobbins.


Finally, Pam at Off the Cuff is about to start a series of blogs about tailoring while she sews herself a McCalls jacket.  If you've found my obscure blog, you're almost sure to have already found Pam's, but I mention this just in case.  Pam really knows her stuff and her tutorials have been a big help to me as a beginner.  She has an August 30th post sharing a hassle free way to home shrink your wool as well.

Jumping on the Band Wagon

I will definitely be joining Gertie's Lady Grey Sew Along.  I already have the pattern and have just got together the fabric and the lining as well as the thread, so I am pretty much ready to go.  

I chose an inexpensive suit-weight red wool for the shell and a cheap lining fabric for the lining.  I have never sewn a coat before, so I thought I should keep the expenses down until I am confident that whatever I sew will be wearable!  I also think that my little sewing machine would struggle with a heavier fabric like a wool melton.  

I realise that red is a pretty obvious choice, but I don't already own a red coat and it will be nice to have a classic red one.

I haven't bought the interfacing/interlining yet.  Reading the pattern, it calls for lightweight fusible interfacing.  I suspect that once the sew along gets going, people may suggest different, possibly better options.  So I am waiting on the interfacing.