October 12, 2010

I FINALLY STOPPED TRIPPING....

...about the Lady Grey coat process that is. Last night I garnered up my best fitting efforts, and cut into the shell fabric.


  • I know, I know - IT'S ABOUT TIME isn't it? To my recollection this is what I've done so far: Made three muslins, that's right three. I've never made three for one single project before. Two maybe, but not three. I decided that I still liked the very first one best, so that is what I went with;
  • Altered the length of the lapel and the coat front to eliminate gaping;
  • Did a small sway back adjustment. Never knew I had a sway back, why didn't someone tell me about it? I should have suspected as much because of my high rear protrusion (not complaining however, I'm glad that I have one instead of being flat in that area);
  • Re-sized the pockets because I could barely get my hands in. Also repositioned the pocket placement because it was much too low and would have extended into the hem area;
  • Over thought and over worked the project until it almost made me sick to my stomach;
and that's that. It is what it is!, or should I say "it will be what it's gonna to be". I had already decided that more than enough money has been invested in this project, so I opted against the hair canvas. None was to be found in my area anyway, maybe next time - because I've got to move on.

I also started working on a little tailoring of the front of the coat. I'm following along with the sew along suggestions as closely as possible. I know my coat probably will not be as firm because of the type interfacing I am using, but that's o.k., since I really want a soft structured garment. Since I've read so much on tailoring recently, and Gertie has taken her time to provided the how-to video tutorials, I think it's time that I tried my hand at the stitching. I know I'll be using this information on many future projects since I so dearly love jackets.

Here's a picture of what I've done so far. I'll pad stitch the side front sections and the lapel next. Couldn't find any silk thread in my area either, so I'm using a "fine" thread in a matching color.
Can you see my stitches?


I still have not committed to do bound buttonholes yet. I sort of think I will, sort of think I won't at the moment. (I know, I'm still being a little wishy washy.) I have until it's time to attach the front facing to make up my mind. I want to see if I can find some time to practice with them before I mentally commit...

18 comments:

  1. Yay for going for it! :) Hehe... I haven't had a chance it cut into my wool yet. All the steps are quite daunting. Also, I have to prewash my hair canvas. Your progress looks great so far. Hopefully I can at least cut into my fabric tonight. :)

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  2. Whoohoo! Good for you, girl! Now get after it! Can't wait to see your gorgeous coat!

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  3. I've had projects like this, where I psyched myself out. It's gonna look great!

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  4. this is going to be fabulous! Go you!

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  5. Go Faye, go! I can't wait to see your progress pictures as you start putting it together.

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  6. Yeah! You are going to do well with this Lady Gray Coat. I am looking forward to seeing it!

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  7. I'm praying for a wonderful result! Stay on the path!

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  8. You can do it!!!!!! Just take it one step at a time.

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  9. Decisions, decisions, decisions---sometimes there are just too many. I know how you feel. Glad you were able to push through it. I can't wait to see you finished jacket--that purple is so stunning.

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  10. KUDOS! I need to take a page from your playbook and get a move on. I hope I will cut fabric this weekend.

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  11. I do that all the time with projects. I agonize is this fit right, is this the right fabric/pattern match, etc.. Sometimes its best to just suck it up and cut it. I'm sure it will turn out great. It's a really cool pattern and the purple is really fun. Can't wait to see your progress.

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  12. Faye, I understand completely! I have done the same thing with this project and it is time to move on. Love the color! Your jacket will be great!

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  13. Great work! You are going to love this coat when it's done. (That's what I keep telling myself...) :-)

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  14. Congratulations on cutting! I'm eagerly following your progress!

    If I ever get up the courage to make it, maybe I won't do buttonholes at all. Bound buttonholes scare me...

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  15. Great colour and it will look awesome on you!
    I think you should take the plunge and do bound buttonholes! They're not as scary if you do a practise one first on a scrap - I did a bound buttonhole tutorial on my blog you might find helpful too!

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  16. good for you! I know the coat is going to be fantastic!

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  17. Sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet and cut that fabric! Your finished coat wilol make you much, much happier than your many muslins. Good luck and looking foward to seeing your coat!

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  18. That first cut into the real fabric is always painful and exhilarating. It's going to be fabulous, I'm sure!

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