Before I tell you about my new dressing gown coat, I must thank everyone who left a message of support either in the comments or via email etc. after my last post. Knowing there are so many people thinking of us and giving words of support really does make a difference. I don't really like to focus on the rubbish stuff on my blog but once in a while it doesn't hurt to remember life isn't always a bundle of fun and we all have difficult times to bear now and then. But today this little online space will go back to being a place of creative escapism. Do you remember the expensive wool fabric that I bought way back in October? Bought entirely on a whim with the idea I would make a coat.
I loved that fabric so much I couldn't bear to to cut into it (translated as I spent so much on that fabric I didn't dare cut into it)
It is a very easy and simple pattern so I decided to adapt it ever so slightly to give it a little more interest and I added some sleeve turn ups and pocket flaps... nothing too adventerous. But still I didn't cut into the fabric!
But eventually I was brave and cut it out... ignoring the advice of more experienced dressmakers that I should consider a toile. But I have made Sew Me Something patterns before and I know they fit me well... so I threw caution to the wind!
It stitched up in no time at all as there was no need to finish off the seams and I even added some double rows of topstitching as well as some home made Yorkshire buttons on the pockets
All finished, I tried it on and it fitted well, the shoulders were in the right place, the sleeves were the right length but somehow it felt wrong. More like a dressing gown than a coat! And so it hung on the outside of my wardrobe door for two months reminding me I had made a ridiculously expensive dressing gown.
Until Saturday, when I had an unexpected trip to Covent Garden to teach a rag rug class and I decided to throw caution to the wind and wear my dressing gown to London. And amazingly no one stared at me on the train as though I was rather odd (I didn't wear my slippers and nightie... just saying) and in the end I decided I quite like my new coat
I might even wear it again!
Looks great so no wonder no-one made any remarks or stared at you.
ReplyDeleteWell that looks rather fab!
ReplyDeleteWell, I am surprised nobody stared at you and paid you a compliment! Your coat looks fabulous and if you own a dressing gown as glamorous as this coat, I am envious:-)
ReplyDeleteWish I looked as good in my dressing gown! The colour is beautiful and there's a nice drape to it. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynn... and I can promise you that I don't look good in my dressing gown!
DeleteWonderful coat!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing Gina, nothing like a dressing gown (certainly not mine anyway)!!
ReplyDeleteYou really must wear it again!
It looks nothing like a dressing gown!
ReplyDeleteBut those are my colours - are you open to offers? xx
Wear your coat with pride. It is very stylish and a gorgeous colour. Your post reminded me of the years I spent hankering for a camel hair coat with tie belt - way beyond my means at the time. The day came when I could afford one and my disappointment knew no bounds when I found it didn't suit me at all and I looked like a sack tie up in the middle!
ReplyDeleteI like it on you too and it's a wonderful colour. But I do know what you mean about getting used to it. I made an unlined coat in boiled wool from a Makers Atelier pattern and although I love the colour and fabric it does feel a bit too lightweight to be a proper outdoors coat.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful and I absolutely love the collar. Certainly not a dressing gown. Make the most of it before all that hot weather just around the corner lol! B x
ReplyDeleteI will Barbara because it is very warm!
DeleteFrom where I'm sitting it looks lovely, really lovely, and you wear it so well. Been wondering what Yorkshire buttons were since my favourite yarn shop offered a workshop to learn how to make them. Now I know!
ReplyDeleteIts beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteOh it's fantastic, really stylish, you look lovely in it. It must definitely have more outings! CJ xx
ReplyDeleteThe coat looks fab! Very stylish. And this embarrassed Yorkshire woman is going to have to find out about those buttons now...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, both the coat and you. Definitely not a dressing gown.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely, Gina - I'm jealous! And so nice to see such vibrant colours when everybody else is wearing sludge!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary!
DeleteLooks fab Gina! So much nicer than anything in the shops, which all seem to be such dreary colours.
ReplyDeleteI think your coat looks stunning. It looks soft and comfortable - probably just what you need at present. Wear it with pride, knowing how good you look.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheila, that is kind of you x
DeleteWell, I love it and the colour really suits you too! x Jo
ReplyDeleteIt and you look absolutely terrific!
ReplyDeleteFabulous job well done, and not at all like a dressing gown! I think we are sometimes too hard on ourselves and quick to find fault with our own work. x
ReplyDeleteThank you! think you are right, we are our own worst critics!
DeleteJust Wow! I love the colour and it hangs beautifully on you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that serendipity. Was reading about Dorset buttonry and meant to find a picture. Now I can see a handcrafted version. Dorset high tops sound interesting too. I wonder - must be regional differences to your Yorkshire.
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning and such a beautiful colour!
ReplyDeleteOoooh, Gina -- it's beautiful! I especially love those gorgeous buttons you've created. I love garment sewing and sometimes, when life is stressful, it really helps to have a garment to sew -- they're relatively quick and give such a feeling of accomplishment. Very Pretty!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely and the colour is beautiful, it's not a bot like a dressing gown. You can wear that coat with pride.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda x
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