Hey y\’all! As part of my first Social Sew, I challenged myself to make that most springy of wardrobe builders–the trench coat. I picked (with the help of instagram!) Burda 12/2011 #118. I liked its clean, minimalist lines: no topstitching, no million buttons, but still definitely recognizable as a trench coat.
Instead of buttons, it closes with snaps–I used some of the leftover gold snaps from my pink coat. I am all about the snaps for two reasons: 1. no buttons to make the front of your garment look too busy means I can add bows, and 2. no making buttonholes.
The pattern has a half-lining and I was planning on doing that and then binding my seams with this pretty bubblegum pink binding, but I had forgotten that the wrong side of this fabric is like, swamp green. A full lining (in lavender, with a peek of that pink bias tape) was an easy alteration.
I definitely needed the constraints of the Social Sew to inspire me to finish this… I don\’t often use burda patterns because the instructions can be confusing. Most of the trench construction was fairly straightforward, but the collar instructions gave me some trouble, I ended up reinserting the collar twice! Also, I couldn\’t find any completed pictures of the back of the coat, so I wasn\’t sure what was going on back there either. It basically has a deep pleat down the center, the top of which is covered by the flap at the shoulders. Although the front of the trench is flat, the volume of the pleat will allow me to wear my full skirts underneath.
Finally, I sewed my first set of welt pockets–they are far from perfect from the inside, but they do look great on the outside! I\’m pretty pleased with myself for tackling them even if they won\’t be winning any awards.
I\’m hoping to spray this coat down, not to make it entirely waterproof, but to add at least a bit of water resistance. Have any of y\’all ever scotchguarded or otherwise waterproofed something you\’ve made? How did it go?
There\’s still time to join the very first Social Sew!
The theme is \”Spring Showers\” and we would love to have you…
Not sure what to make? Check out my inspiration post.
xoxo,
allie
shopstyle goes here!
ps: the next social sew begins may 1–the theme is \”me made basics\”… just in time for #mmmay16! 🙂
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Love it. You've totally convinced me to go for that pattern
wow! you made another coat! it looks wonderful on you. I haven't sprayed anything to make it waterproof. Have you thought about using Otter Wax? It would be greener. If you have leftover scraps of fabric you could experiment to see how it looks. I did end up with a decent homemade recipe that looked great on even black canvas with little to no cracking look.
And by the way I really like this style on you. It is totally a trench coat but it does have a modern twist.
The coat is beautiful! Great job. I heard recently that dry cleaners will waterproof your coat for you. You could ask your local dry cleaner for tips.
Love that coat! Especially the flap at the shoulders and the fact that it is buttonless – such a cool look and one you don't see it all the time.I actually managed to sew my wool cardigan (yay!) and am now waiting for an opportunity to photograph it. The temperatures recently dropped to 2°C (35° F) around here and the weather is really living up to the April Showers theme 😀
In my opinion a trenchcoat is the ultimate sewing project and you mastered it – it looks fantastic!
That's such a beautiful trench coat. I love the minimalist design. I have a RTW trench with snaps instead of buttons and it definitely a go-to raincoat for me. I'm sure you'll get a lot of wear out if this one.
Great coat! You have far more patience than me, I still haven't got around to making myself any outerwear – I keep getting distracted and making dresses! x
This is so lovely! The clean lines make this such a classic piece. I bet you'll be wearing it for years!
Thank you! It was a great pattern (bad instructions, but good drafting).
thank you! i think i'll test some otter wax on a scrap, good idea 🙂
Oh, that's a good idea!
Thank you so much! I'd still like to do one of the traditional looking ones with all the bells and whistles eventually!
Thank you, Tanya! I've been using it lots since I've finished it even though it's not a very good raincoat yet… haha
It's always nice to have a new dress though!!
I hope so!!
Thanks so much for linking up your cardigan! It looks super cozy and warm 🙂
I made a coat that I had the dry cleaner waterproof. They do that when they clean them. Haven't road tested it yet, though.
Gah I love this! I'd love to make a trench coat but the labour intensity of it just puts me off. I love how this one looks simple but still trench coaty if you get what I mean 😉
This looks terrific – love the clean lines and simpler shape of this pattern. I'd love to have a go at one for myself.