October 17, 2015

I JUST HAD TO HAVE A PLAID COAT!!!

...so this is what you have to go through when you JUST HAVE TO HAVE a plaid coat - the matching process!
My blogger friend Sheila CTK suggested that I hand baste first and then stitch.  That tip helped so much. And Rachelle - Smoking Needles always suggests hand basting when setting sleeves.  Why can't I ever remember to hand baste first???  After sewing a little bit here and there during the week, I'm at a point that I could stitch the back to the front at the shoulder seam so it's finally starting to look like an actual coat.

I still need to install a front chest shield - couldn't do it before stitching the shoulder seam because the way the lapel/collar is made I couldn't decide on the actual placement before hand.  I can now make my "Finish Line List" of sorts:
  • chest shield
  • pockets and side seams
  • sleeves, sleeve heads, shoulder pads
  • front facing & upper collar construction
  • make a decision to make double breasted or leave as a wrap coat with self tie belt
  • insert lining
  • hem
Doesn't seem like this list will take much time at all; but you know how that goes...

22 comments:

  1. I too swear by - not at! ;) - hand basting if the project demands it for a quality result. Your coat will be gorgeous. Even in progress it already looks fantastic.

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  2. Looking good !!! You are going to enjoy your beautiful creation .

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    1. Thanks Sheila. And thanks for reminding me to baste too.

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  3. Great job so far, Faye. I'm so looking forward to seeing the finish.

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  4. Anonymous10/18/2015

    Your plaid matching is perfect! Looking forward to seeing the next steps!

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    1. Thank you so much - it's very time consuming. There are a couple of snafus with matching in the back, but I CANNOT do that part over due to fabric restrictions. I'm not terribly upset about it but just a little bit.

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  5. Basting is a great tool. It takes some time but it gives you more control and accuracy. Your coat is coming along beautifully!

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  6. Basting is just the perfect tool and right there whenever we need it. You are doing a great job on your plaid coat, Faye, awesome!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Bunny and thank you for your help!

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  7. Looking good! I like the plaid you chose for your coat.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. Ah yes Plaid makes creating this coat a real labor of LOVE.

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  8. You're making great progress! I think it would be a great wrap coat, Faye. Don't focus on the length of the list...baby steps. Now you can see a great outline of the finished product, and should be quite pleased with yourself.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the "enjoy the process" reminder Marjie. I am taking tiny steps.

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  9. It's looking really good Faye! Don't feel bad, I never remember to baste my stripes and plaids either! So you've probably seen some nice mistakes on my blog, LOL!! Can't wait to see the end project because it's looking really good now! I'm praying for you and good luck!

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  10. Thank you so much Myra!

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  11. Yes, this season demands for a plaid coat (and your project is looking good by the way). I would love to see it finished and I hope I’d get started on my own plaid jacket. Thanks for sharing and here’s the site of my friend who teaches me to sew!

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    1. Yes, this one is a dream come true from last winter. I'll be posting pictures wearing it as soon as I can get someone to photograph me!

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  12. What is a chest shield?

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    1. My definition: an extra piece of fabric or sewn in interfacing that is placed in a jacket or coat front. It extends from the shoulder to the breast area of the coat and is used to prevent the fashion fabric from caving in in that area thus giving the garment more inner structure. Adding structure such as this makes the garment not only look better, but also last longer. Remember, this is my definition.

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