Before I took a break, I started a long, rambling post about Fall Sewing, listing all of the things I want to make for the fall season. And it was an over-ambitious list, as usual. So when it came time to finish up the post after my blogging break, I thought I’d be a little more realistic about my sewing plans!
Instead of listing a dozen things I want to make, but deep down know I won’t have time to make, I’m going to list the number one project on my Fall sewing list. I have LOTS on my imaginary wishlist, but here’s what I really want to complete…
A coat!
Time to test out the Tailoring book! I’d like to make a knee-length coat, very classic and pretty. Out of this fabric! It’s too pretty to sit around in a closet. It deserves to be worn and loved!
I have trouble with store-bought coats, if there’s a back vent or pleat, it tends to stay permanently open! Buttons don’t always button all the way down, which means I end up leaving my coats unbuttoned. Or buying a size that’s too large through the bust and shoulders. I’m always looking for the perfect knee-length coat, with just the right shape of lapels and a flattering silhouette!
So that’s the number one project on my personal sewing list. There will be plenty of Sewaholic Patterns-related sewing, but if I can finish this one project just for me, I’ll be happy! (Think of all the lovely, luscious knitted accessories that could go with this coat too! Chocolate brown, vibrant teal, winter white – oh the possibilities!)
Of course, if I get a little extra time, I’d like to finish the O dress, sew the Strictly Ballroom Dress and make a couple of solid skirts.
What’s on your list for the next season? What’s the number one project you’d like to complete?
Good call. A classic coat is a must-have for the fall/winter… I *was* going to sew a bunch of dresses in season-appropriate fabrics, but a coat… hmmm… I just may follow your lead! I have broad shoulders, so I’ve always had to go up a size (making it loose everywhere else)… and somehow I usually end up ripping the back seam of the lining! Bahh!
@Stephanie: I’ve done that too! Especially if there’s no pleat in the back lining for wearing ease. I like the idea of a bunch of winter dresses too though!
Lovely choice in fabric. I find when purchasing coats the colour options aren’t great either. Lots of black or colours that are more extreme than I’m comfortable with in an investment piece. I think the colours and accessory options will keep that feeling fresh and happy on the gloomiest of winter days.
My priority is going to be Rooibos. I bought the pattern for the sew a long, I have fabric picked out, but Sencha seemed more summery and now I have to make a gift for a friend. But Rooibos is next.
@Seraphinalina: Agreed – I look washed-out in black, yet that’s the most popular coat colour. Have fun sewing your Rooibos!
I love your fabric, it’s gorgeous. It makes me think of Burdastyle’s January issue with the retro coats. I’d love to attempt a navy blue peacoat, but I cannot find a pattern. My sewing machine probably couldn’t handle all the thick layers anyway.
@Karin: Try this one, it has pea coat elements and a forgiving cut!
@Heather: Ok, the link would help, wouldn’t it: http://butterick.mccall.com/b5685-products-14757.php?page_id=872
@Heather: Cute pattern! I like the shape of the collar.
@Karin: A peacoat sounds great! I never really think of the impact on my machine that heavier fabrics have, or think about whether my machine can take or not. So far, it’s been able to get through everything – sometimes with a little help from the hand wheel.
I thought of this pattern but it’s more trenchy than peacoat-y:
http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5525-products-8074.php?page_id=911
Lots and lots of blouses and skirts, including the new Jasmine pattern from Colette patterns. I seem to only make dresses, and it’s just not practical as I mainly wear separates! I also have lots of winter knitting I want to do.
I’d love to make a coat but I’m a bit intimidated. I’m thinking about sewing a cape though, somehow it seems easier (less fitting, probably).
@Kathryn: A cape is easier and faster than a coat, for sure! Way less fitting, although, think about how long you want it to be and where it will fall on your body. I made a cape that I think is too short and hits at a wide part of my body. Just something to think about!
Separates are super practical – good plan! Yay for winter knitting, too!
What else scares you about sewing a coat, besides the fitting?
Fantastic – I can’t wait to see your finished coat. I would like to try a coat when I am more confident (and patient!). I will be making a jersey top, a cardigan and a skirt, maybe also a denim Crescent skirt!
@Sewingdina: Fun! Sounds like a good mix of warm, cosy separates!
What a nice fabric! Looking forward to your coat-project – especially because it’s on my sewing list too (Fabric is waiting for three years now…). There are six more things I want to make: They aren’t a “Mini-Wardrobe” but complete and fit to my clothes: skirt with plaids (it’s nearly done already), Beignet from Colette, a shirt (blue knit combined with a black elastic tulle), black jeans and a trouser suit (!!!). Furthermore I promised my family to sew things for them as well… And there’s of course the risk (or better: fun) to find a pattern or fabric and all plans are upset.
Ida
@Ida: That makes me feel better, my fabric was last year’s christmas present so it hasn’t been lingering too long then! Ha, the same thing happens to me – shiny new fabrics call my name and disrupt all of my plans.. it’s not such a bad thing though!
Ohhh…three of my fall colors! Love that fabric! Oh my…I don’t think I can choose just one thing! I desperately need to finish my Gatsby dress–so that will be at the top of the list!!!
@Debi: Ah fun! Happy sewing, and I bet it will be gorgeous!
My fall essential-and next challenge-will be pants. I’ve made skirts, dresses, and blouses, but I’ve not tackled pants yet. I’m using BurdaStyle 9305, and I’m going to reference the sew-along that Sunni hosted last year. Hopefully, I’ll learn some new skills and techniques to fit them well. I’m still on the lookout for the perfect touser pattern for a pear-shape though, so I’m hoping Sewaholic will be coming out with one soon :)
I do love the colours of your fabric-teal is one of my favourites and I find I’m mixing it in new ways these days-so you accessory options should be wide open.
@lunachick 265: Oh fun – pants certainly are a challenge! One day, the perfect pattern for pear shapes will be out there! That’s definitely in the plans for future – I love the idea of finally making pants that fit.
Teal is my favourite colour too! It looks great on just about anyone too.
Number one, grade A, top project is my daughter’s Halloween costume. She wants to be a peacock! Are you just dying from the cuteness? No? Maybe it is a mom thing.
Like everyone above, I love the coat fabric you’ve chosen. Are you going to line it? I just love unexpected coat liners like a hot pink or maybe a fun plaid!
@Janice Bear: That is cute! And creative, too! I’ve definitely going to line it, I like that flannel-backed lining that adds a bit of warmth. So that’s probably what I’ll use here!
That will make a very cute coat!! A denim Crescent skirt is high on my list as well as a blazer and more tops are high on my priority list.
@Shawnta: Oh fun! The crescent is great in denim! A blazer sounds perfect for fall as well!
My #1 sewing priority for fall is a dark brown skirt. It will go with so many tops I already own, and will be great with tights. Simple, and satisfying! :)
@Stacy aka Stacybeads: A brown skirt would be great with this coat fabric too! Great fall staple item. :)
I love the fabric! Can’t wait to see what you do with it. My fall sewing ambitions are long (possibly too long?) and mostly separates as I want to build my me-made wardrobe. Not this year, but at some point, I have designs on Colette’s Lady Grey coat. I have the pattern but not the fabric or confidence yet…
@Vicki Kate: My sewing ambitions are always too long! I’ve made the Lady Grey coat – the instructions are well-written so as far as coats go, it’s not too tricky! Gertie also did a Lady Grey sew-along full of useful tips.
That is some seriously gorgeous fabric! My fall project is pretty similar to yours: a wool jacket. I have some lovely plum-coloured melton wool, chocolate bemberg lining, and a repro 1930s hip-length jacket pattern that I’m hoping will all come together to make a great fall jacket. I wanted a jacket option that would fit between my lighter fall jacket and my wool coat to wear during late autumn; something nice to wear before the Canadian winter sets in.
@mala_14: Sounds lovely! Plum wool, chocolate lining – now I’m hungry! :) I love the warm, rich colours of fall – sounds like a great fall sewing project!
That’s such a beautiful fabric! I’m looking forward to seeing your coat. I’ve been vaguely contemplating a Lady Grey, but not this year as I’m still breastfeeding so my bust measurement is all out of whack.
I have, however, fallen foul of the temptation to make a ridiculously over optimistic list of autumn sewing for myself (http://lifeinlists.typepad.com/blog/2011/09/falling-over-stacks-of-fabric-palette-challenge.html), never mind the lists to sew/knit for my boys.
I’m pretty new to dressmaking but have happened across a short mac pattern that I’m gonna give a whirl! Need a bit of help with fabric selection however – is there waterproof (ish) fabric that isn’t oilcloth!
oh i love your coat material.
I would really like to make a rain coat using oilcloth/laminated cotton but I really need to finish whats on my sewing to-do list first before i think of starting anything new.
Well, I am delighted to say that my plum tree is festooned with snowy-white blossom, which can only mean that you lovely Northern hemisphere-ites have kindly donated your warmer weather to us – and that means I have all manner of plans for skirts, probably a couple of Pendrells (my Lonsdale is good to go and I just have a couple of things to finish up on my Crescent skirt) and a cute 70s sundress, which will be my first foray into a true bias-cut skirt. I’ve been looking forward to making that dress and have some gorgeous swirly teal cotton lawn, so I couldn’t be happier!
I love that fabric, I think it’ll make an amazing coat!
First up for me is an autmn skirt out of some fab grey/white/yellow fabric I found in the bargain bin at the local fabric shop (don’t think they’ve heard that it’s the latest ‘must have’ colour combo lol) and then a skirt out of some beautiful Liberty corduroy that my mum bought for me (and I’m a little afraid to cut into at the price it was). I also have a hankering to try a boat neck long sleved jersey top, and someone just posted a link tonight to a great shop with a sale on in stripey jersy, I think it was fate…
So pretty! Are you working on a Sewaholic Jacket pattern?????? hmmm, might be popular oh Vancouverite!
Tasia, I think that fabric will make a beautiful coat! I am hoping to make a jacket for myself this fall: http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5759-products-7945.php?page_id=115, perhaps in denim? I’m not fully decided yet. I also want to make a Crescent skirt in either an ikat or tie-dye print. Unfortunately, it seems like my fall always gets taken up by Christmas knitting (which has already begun! http://ellamadethat.wordpress.com/2011/08/25/christmas-already/).
Like you, my #1 project is a coat, but i won’t make it alone, i will take this project to my sewing class and i hope that will the help of the teacher, i will make something that fit perfectly!
Love your fabric by the way!!
Great fabric! I love it when people make coats that aren’t just plain boring colors. :)
Honestly, I’m torn between three projects as my #1 must-have for going into the fall/winter. I’ve already decided to put one of them on hold until later in the season–I just got fabric to make myself a much-needed cold-weather raincoat, and I need to research things like what to underline it with and how to keep it actually waterproof. (I’ll certainly be going back to your own raincoat posts!) Aside from that, I really want this to be the season I finally have success in making jeans, and I’d also love to make myself a jacket– I already have the corduroy/lining/70s-inspired pattern in the Burda magazine. So yeah….either jeans or a jacket. Once I get through a couple of things with deadlines.
My #1 project to finish is also a coat! However, I’ve already been working on it for a year and I’m almost done, so I’m hoping to get a few more things finished as well =)
It has been a slow make, this coat, with many, many hours put into it. But I still think it’s worth it! Like you, I never can find a coat in the stores that acutally fits, and fitting the pattern was the biggest problem while sewing. Narrow and short back, straight shoulders, full bust and full hips… There was more than one toile involved.
I’m sure you’ll finish yours a lot faster than I’ve done mine, and I’m looking forward to reading about this great adventure! =)
Have fun tailoring!
/Erika
P.S. The Tailoring book is great, I have it too and it’s made a world of difference for the outcome of this project.
Oh, that fabric is lovely, Tasia, I can’t wait to see what you make! I’m sure it will be chalk full of excellent tailoring advice, as always!
I’m excited to make a few things for the fall. My must-make list includes a pair of pants (Colette’s new pattern!), a wool skirt (I think Vivat Veritas’ scalloped waistband skirt will look lovely in wool), a blouse or two, and a fall to winter dress (maybe Angela Kane’s pinafore?). Of course, I also want to learn how to knit, so I have to deal with THAT at some point…
I love your fabric choice! Go with teal accessories, please.
My number one item is to complete the Crescent Skirt. I think I’m nervous about the waist band but I just need to do it already! My fabric is a heavy cotton with a deep red which will be nice for fall.
Can’t wait to see your coat.
I know about the wish list and the real list. I still plan large but have changed my method by doing one focus per month. This is blouse/shirt/top month for me. Last month was quilt month. I plan ahead by try really hard to be realistic. If we only had more hours in the day! Your fabric is lovely. Have you chosen a pattern?
Wow! That is a popular item this year. I too am going to attempt one. I’m not sure which one though. I have a Built by Wendy 4109 that might be nice in a wool. Or maybe Colette’s Lady Grey in a Red! Ohhhh the possibilities!
Hi Tasia! Love the fabric. The multi colors look great for fall. Your coat will be smashing. Can’t wait to see the pics of your work in progress. Will it be lined?
Regarding my Fall sewing, since I live in Hawaii, I do not need Fall clothes like the rest of you in continental U.S. I have a couple of lightweight jackets (bolero-style) that I want to put together. I have a medium weight knit that I can use for one of them. But before that, I will finish a dress I started. I have a piece of olive green twill that I want to transform into a pencil skirt.
Delicious fabric choice. I can thoroughly recommend your tailoring book. I used it to make my husband’s sports coat. It was a fantastic resource!
Oh, wow, I bought the same fabric but in purple and mustard! Fell in love at first sight.
Can’t wait to start sewing it!!!
I love that fabric! You totally need to knit things to go with it. I can’t wait to see what you end up making.
My first priority this fall is making xmas gifts for others. Last year I started too late and because I was so determined on making all my gifts, most didn’t get out til the new year. I’m hoping to knit most of the things I’m giving, and I’ve already started.
My sewing projects for the fall, though… Time permitting, a plaid Linda skirt, a blouse, and a winter dress. I was thinking of a cape because I don’t think I’m quite ready for the tailoring of a coat yet, but I can’t decide if I would actually WEAR a cape enough for it to be worth sewing.
fall sewing – my boyfriend’s brother is getting married in late october, and so i’m keen to make a stunning dress for that. i think i’ll be making two or three fancy dresses, and then choosing… hopefully my skills are up to Vogue 1174!
Hello :) I’d like to sew a coat, too. I’d love to have well fitted coat at last – I’m really short (1,54 m) and all ready to wear coats are too long, have too long sleeves, pockets too low to reach them comfortably, waistline too low, etc. I have never tried to sew fall garment though, so I’de be grateful for any tips how to deal with it!
Ps. This fabric looks so lovely and cosy – I bet the coat will be thrilling!
I am very new to sewing so I am limited to what I can make. But I have my heart set on being competent enough to sew my 5 yr old son a very nice warm Robe and eventually a long dress from McCall’s pattern M6163.
I’m planning to start a wool knit Ottobre dress that reminds me of Joan Holloway from Mad Men. But number one on my list is a coming home outfit for this baby I’m baking.
The two big project I’m planning during the colder months will be a raincoat and pants, both of which I have never sewn before. The raincoat is proving difficult to come together though because I can’t find a simple trench pattern WITH a hood. Isn’t that strange? A hood is very important for the utility of the coat and for how I want to use it (to protect myself from the rain while also having my heads free), but it seems no one has this type of pattern.