So, I know these aren't the best pictures in the world. (And yes, I also know that I have a Cabbage Patch Kid by my head, a paper mache egret to my left side, and a cat to my right side. That's just how I roll.) But, in any case, behold my coat muslin!To refresh your memories, this is Vogue 8346, view D. The only weird thing about it is that I can't seem to find anything wrong with it. I made a straight size 14, no alterations or anything. And I'm completely happy with the fit. Am I missing something?
I'm wearing a dress and a cardigan underneath, which is what I wear on a typical winter day. It fits very comfortably, with a few inches of ease.
I love the shape of it! It hits me mid-calf, which at first I thought was too long. But the length quickly grew on me. I think it's going to feel like a big cozy blanket.
Anyway, I could really use your opinions here. Do you think the fit looks good?
The fabric is currently at the drycleaners being steam pressed, and I've been avidly studying my tailoring book. I'm actually starting to feel confident about the whole thing! Even if I don't end up making any changes in the muslin stage, making it really helped me get my bearings. Now I'm just excited to make the real thing!
Gertie, I think the fit is great. You have a lovely emphasizing of your waist and the whole fit looks very feminine. Nice!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I was a bit confused after the last few posts about the coat. Did I understand correctly that the basic pattern doesn't involve lining and interlining for this coat? Is that why you are using an other book too? That seems very weird to me. I would think that making a decent coat would always involve these basic actions.
ReplyDeleteI think the fit is great for you. I would just raise the hem on the coat skirt and the sleeves, that's it.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the final garment!
It's really beautiful - I can imagine you wearing the muslin version as a light summer coat!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous on you - I'm really looking forward to seeing the real thing!
ReplyDeleteKarin, there are instructions for lining the coat, but not interlining. But the real reason I'm using the book is that the pattern instructions don't include any tailoring methods, which apparently a well-made coat needs. I'm learning quite a bit! I'll write more as I go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input, everyone!
It looks like it fits fine, and the shape definitely suits you. Good luck with the real thing - it'll be fab in that red!
ReplyDeleteThe fit looks spot on. I know your winter fabric is lipstick red (and the coat will look absolutely stunning in that colour), but the cut in the white muslin looks really glamorous too... I'll second Lucy in saying that if the fabric is good enough to wear, you should make the most of that muslin when the weather gets warmer!
ReplyDeleteWow, Gertie. That is a great looking muslin. Although, I get a little PO'ed when I go to all that trouble and there is NOTHING to change. Then I think, well that was stupid! I can just see you wearing some long scarves with that brilliant red. Cool!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it fits you like a glove - can't wait to see the finished coat!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! It is beautiful. The only thing that I saw after blowing up the pictures was a few wrinkles around the armholes on the back view. Perhaps the back is just a smidgen too broad? Although with lining+interlining+thicker fashion fabric that likely won't be an issue.
ReplyDeleteVery "glamourous lady" looking--I love the collar.
ReplyDeleteLovely, Gertie! I actually love the hem length, but am a little unsure about the sleeve length. I would be tempted to put a turned-up cuff on them to give them a little extra omph. Not sure though. Great job - can't wait to see the finished product!
ReplyDeleteHi! I think the fit is great, I like the shape, small waist, just I think the sleeves are little long, I like it! =)
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous! I love it! as for the sleeve length, I'd leave it - it's so windy and rainy here in London, I love long sleeves to cover my wrists... I was in NY last winter and though it was dry it was also bloody cold, so I'd leave them as they are..
ReplyDeleteenjoy!
I too, think the fit is great as is. You know what's really weird? I made an earlier version of that Vogue pattern (mine is double breasted, with a convertible at-the-neck, or notched collar) and mine fit right out of the pattern too... and we have totally different shapes :). Something about the extra ease in coats and all those princess seams I guess!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great. The only thing I can think of is after making it up in wool and interlining is it going to shrink up just a bit because the muslin is much lighter?
ReplyDeleteI like this pattern better on a person than in the drawing on the envelope! and i think the length is good too! Can wait to see the finished version.
I think it looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThe fit is so good that I worry it will not be right once you add a lining.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks SMASHING! The sleeves might be a touch long, but otherwise it's perfect.
ReplyDeleteThat?! In red?!!! *Clapping* I wholeheartedly approve. I hope it is a bright, harlot red too!
ReplyDeletePerfect! And it looks so much better made up -- I set this pattern aside because I just didn't think it would look good in person. But it's great -- and looks like it fits perfectly! Sigh, I may have to change my mind again.
ReplyDeleteOne tip someone gave me, when trying on your muslin put the shoulder pads in (or folded washcloths if you don't have them made up yet) because they can change the fit a bit.
Love it not a single thing wrong with it!
ReplyDelete♥
It looks great to me.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love it and I think it'll look amazing. What colour have you chosen for the proper version?
ReplyDeleteI looks wonderful on you!
ReplyDeleteI think it looks wonderful on you! Good luck with the real thing :-)
ReplyDeleteYou look wonderful in it, and more important, you feel cozy in it. So go ahead!
ReplyDeleteI think the fit is great, sleeves included (I have long arms and love sleeves that go down past my wrist!). I can't wait to see the finished beauty!
ReplyDeleteI'm very impressed! I like the length of the coat over all, and did wonder about the sleeve length being taken up a smidgen, but as Carina said, in the dead of winter you might want that extra warmth for your extremities! :)
ReplyDeleteIs the collar going to be in a contrasting fabric, or the same fabric?
I can't tell if you've got shoulder pads in. If not, you should try the fit with the pads in. Looks like the back may be a little broad. I love the look of your waist in this coat. Personally I think the sleeves are too long, but I was always told by my tailoring-teacher that sleeve length "is a very personal matter that the tailor should always leave to the customer". Looking forward to seeing the final result.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it fits perfectly! Thie fit is very feminine and works well with your curves!
ReplyDelete*jealous face* I want to get to make something straight out of the envelope! I can't wait to see the finished coat. You've got a great fit...very jealous
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for the great feedback, everyone! I should have mentioned that I AM wearing the shoulder pads with the muslin.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like the length of the sleeve. I hate when my wrists get exposed in the winter, so I'm leaning toward leaving them as is.
Looking at your comments, the two things I'm worried about are 1)perhaps it needs a bit more ease in the waist? Once i get all the layers put together, that will add more bulk. Hmm. Maybe just a smidge more room on each side seam.
2) the back does look a little wide. I'm inclined to leave that though, because the tailoring and stiffer fabric should eliminate any wrinkles.
So, really the ease is my big worry. I think another quarter inch on each side seam would put my mind at ease.
It looks perfect!
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty much perfect, right out of the envelope. Embrace the feeling!
ReplyDelete-Sandra
Gertie, on the thickness of the fabric -- when I made the final muslin for my daughter's coat (it's fitted in the waist, in fact it's a little bit like yours!) I cut 1" strips of my fabrics and sewed them into the waist, including seams. That way I was sure that it would fit her after making it up. You might want to try that before altering it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with adding a bit extra to the waist. It will give a bit more movement should you have to raise your arm over your head, like holding a rail in the subway or something. And you can always nip it in a bit! It looks fantastic. Can't wait for the red!
ReplyDeletelooks perfect to me..and the cabbage patch doll in back only adds to the perfection :)
ReplyDeletelooks like a great fit!
ReplyDeleteI love this coat, and I can't wait to see the finished product! (I'm glad there are other people that make things out of muslin first too. The only thing I might suggest is perhaps go a little wider on the shoulders or add very light shoulder pads.
ReplyDeletePS
I have a funny pic to show for another muslin (doll) coat:
[img]http://picasaweb.google.com/SummerWren68/DollhouseDesignsCreationsEspForAmericanGirlDolls#5404772780721659346[/img]
It looks beautiful! My only question is have you tried lifting your arms in it? (I'm busty so when I lift my arms I get pulling across the bust - so not having enough ease in the bust and arms would aggravate me). Can't wait to see the finished product!
ReplyDelete2 questions: Looking at pic #2, is it puckering along the top of the princess seams near the shoulder?
ReplyDeleteAlso, hunch your shoulders to make sure you can move your arms enough. I find that a problem with fitted coats. Otherwise, I agree with the comments that this will be a show stopper!
It is bee-you-tee-full!!! But because it is SO perfect now, I worry also that after it is made in the heavier fabric with the lining and interlining that it will "shrink". I would plan for that and add a little extra in the seam allowances. Can't wait to see the end product!
ReplyDeleteWell, I think you could probably tweak it a little at....no, seriously I'm just kidding. I think the FIT IS PERFECT!
ReplyDeleteIt looks perfect to me. Isn't it wonderful when you don't have to tweak a pattern.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think the upper arms can be taken in just a tad. Other than that, it's perfect, girl!
ReplyDeletei would definitely add a bit more ease in the waist... the thicker fabic, along with lining will make everything feel much tighter... i would also try it on with some clothes that you are intending on wearing underneath, as they will add more bulk, and more ease will be needed to accomodate that as well! nothing more frustrating than having put all that effort into makeing a beautiful coat, that only fits with nothing on underneath!
ReplyDeleteAmy
The fit looks beautiful in muslin. Will it still fit with all the lining and padding added?
ReplyDeleteYou are a brave sole and i am proud of you. go girl!
I wouldn't change a thing. It looks like a perfect fit. I can't believe you have a sweater on underneath. There's no bulkiness showing anywhere. What color is the real fabric?
ReplyDeleteAfter going back and reviewing I see that the color is red for the real coat.
ReplyDeleteOh my. That is divine. Can't wait to see the real thing. (I'm starting to have dreams about stealing your wardrobe)
ReplyDeleteIt looks so fantastic already!
ReplyDeleteThe fit is almost perfect. You did ask for opinions. I think that you have a slight rounded shoulder going on. See those wrinkles at the back armscye? Those point to a rounded shoulder. I don't think that you need that much, but if you push the back shoulder seam toward the neck, those wrinkles should disappear. Add this amount to the end of the shoulder seam and ease the back to fit the front when you sew it together. Tape the seam to after you ease it. Steam the hell out of it and you will have a beautiful wrinkle free shoulder.
ReplyDeleteOn the extra ease, I always cut my fitting seams with wider sas so that you can adjust it in the final fabric.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your advice, Nancy! I'm having trouble picturing the shoulder alteration. So I remove the extra width from the back shoulder (on the armhole side) and then where do I add it back?
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
I think it looks great! You are very brave making a coat. I want to but haven't quite psyched myself up enough! x
ReplyDeleteI think the muslin looks perfect.
ReplyDeleteThank you for including info about size and what you are wearing under neath.
So clever of you to have the fabric steam pressed at the cleaners first... I'll definitely have to do that before I cut into my wool next time.
Question: Where did you get your heavy muslin? I haven't found any, but I'm sure there are other places I could look. (I'm in NYC)
Grace, I got the heavy muslin at Greenberg and Hammer (37th st and 8th ave). I know they also sell it at the FIT bookstore. Sometimes it's called tailors muslin.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend having wool steam pressed at the cleaners. I picked mine up yesterday, and it feels fantastic! It has a nicer drape now.
It looks great! I agree with the comments above about the sleeve-length.
ReplyDeletealso, thank you SO much for the tip about dry-cleaner-steam-pressing the fabric before sewing, I have thought long and hard about how to manage pre-shrinking wool in my tiny little flat with a tiny little ironing-board. I'm relieved you presented the solution!
And the red bonus-bolero-outfit in an earlier post was STUNNING!
Who in their right mind would wear such a coat if that is what you call this thing? Terrible design. Not saying you are not nice looking but toss the coat!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I usually delete rude comments, but you should know it's a coat MUSLIN, not a coat. You can see the finished coat here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/01/finished-coat.html
Jeez.
lovely coat . l wish l knew how to make a coat
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ReplyDelete