Monday, January 11, 2010

The Finished Coat!


It's done! The much labored-over coat.

I find there's really not a whole lot to say. After all, I said A LOT during the process - ten videos worth!

I love the coat. I really do. I'm so proud of my construction on this project. I do still wonder if I got the fit exactly right. And in retrospect, I really should have converted the one-piece sleeve to a two-piece tailored sleeve to avoid the bagginess I've got going on.

But you know what? I'm not going to nitpick. It's a beautiful coat, it's warm, and I made it all my own little self. Now please allow me to indulge in way too many photos.









Hooray for me! And hooray for you - for all your tips and encouragement along the way. I've had a handful of you write to me and say you've been inspired to start your own coat. And that makes me very, very happy.
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104 comments:

Jeness said...

Gertie, that coat is absolutely stunning and you look absolutely fabulous in it. Congratulations!

Anita said...

What a beautiful coat! You look gorgeous and I adore the spotty lining - very bespoke!

stephanie said...

The coat is wonderful! No nit-picking allowed! We seamstresses do that far too much anyways... Be proud of your achievement and love the coat!

Sleepy said...

Wowsers, it really is very very cool. Fabulous colour on you too. Plus - your new energy for doing your vintage hair really pays off when you slip into a little beauty like The Coat.

senaSews said...

Oh, this coat is absolutely adorable. I love the swinging skirt, the polka dot lining and the color is gorgeous! Stunning!

Nathalie said...

Simply beautiful, and the gorgeous detailing takes it to a whole new level. The fabric looks luscious, the lining is fabulous and the swing... let's just say, it's the kind of coat that would make me skip every time I wore it, just for the pleasure of feeling it swish. About it being more fitted, I think it looks great as is - it's a winter coat, and you want to have the option of wearing thicker clothes underneath (which may come in use, as they're currently predicting this wave of glacial winters to last another 20 - 30 years...). Whatever the case, you deserve to be proud, you've done a most amazing job!

kazoom said...

It is gorgeous - it fits beautifully and swings so nicely. A job well done!

KID, MD said...

Fabulous!! It is absolutely gorgeous and looks amazing on you. Very nice work!

Erica B. said...

Just fabulous! It looks great on you! I'm usually more tailored, but now I want a full skirt coat! That's beautiful and red is definitely your color!

zanjabil said...

Absolutely Gorgeous :)

Claudine said...

beautiful coat! I love the action shots.

stephanie.ing said...

It looks fantastic! The perfect coat!!

Tuppence said...

It's stunning.
You should be so proud!!!!!!

Carina said...

It's gorgeous! It's handmade, tailored, it's bright red, and it goes 'swooosh!' What more could a girl want?!

Lovely lovely work! x

Frances said...

Hi Gertie, Very Glamorous! I want a red coat too! Please can you show the close-up of the buttonholes? I'm curious how they came out since you were sending the coat away to get them done.

Carolyn (cmarie12) said...

Beautiful! And you can see all of the hardwork you did in the finished garment.

Nancy said...

It is just so beautiful - all the amazing work definitely paid off. You look great! Thanks for sharing the journey with us!

Sal said...

Gertie, my gosh, it's beyond gorgeous! That vibrant red is amazing on you. But then, that's probably why you PICKED it ...

Litchi said...

It was a lot of work but it seems to be worth it ! This coat is even more beautiful than I thought. You did a really good job and I hope you are proud of you and your coat.
So, how many strangers told you your coat was beautiful today ? ;)

CrowNology said...

Beautiful! Fantastic job and inspiration.
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Sheila said...

Totally Gorgeous Coat.

Stacy (S.E.W.Butterfly) said...

FABULOUS! Love the color, the lining, and it fits you to a "T"! Love it!

ejvc said...

OK, hands up who *doesn't* want a red cashmere coat with a silk polka-dot lining fitted to your exact measurements?

Gorgeous, and warm, and just great. You should be proud of yourself.

Vix said...

Aieeeeee, the shots where it's spinning out and you can see the lining--gorgeous! You're going to have to swirl down the street now, though, so watch your step.

I see what you mean about the *slight* bagginess in the arms as this is something I deal with in my (purchased) coats...but as others mentioned, one does need room to layer and MOVE in coats. I tend to want them to fit like a sweater, and while this gives a lovely line, raising one's arms while in a coat is rather a plus, ha.

Congrats on finishing up; enjoy the proverbial fruits of your labor.

Christina said...

Gorgeous coat, and it's so you :) Enjoy wearing it!

nancy said...

Gertie, you're my hero. Or heroine, whichever you prefer. You're my sewing role model. You're the top; you're the Mona Lisa....

That coat is a thing of beauty. Well done, you!

Little Hunting Creek said...

Beautiful! Both you and the coat. Great work

Trudy Callan said...

You look amazing in your coat. The coat is fabulous. I love how you are having fun in your shots.

Karen said...

Perfect. Gorgeous. The fit is immaculate and the color could not be more lovely on you. And the lining, be still my heart.

Clare said...

WOW!! That was a coat worth waiting for. I love it, that colour is my all time favourite and it looks perfect on you. I also love those action shots. I bet you never buy another now you've seen what you can do...!

Kathryn said...

WOW! The coat is stunning!

Debi said...

Huzzah! Congrats on a job well done! And thanks for sharing the journey along the way. You've inspired me to start thinking about making my own coat and I know I will be referencing all your vlogs along the way!

Carrie said...

Gertie it is beautiful!!! You did an amazing job. Congrats!!!

Yael said...

Such a splendid coat! As others have mentioned, a bit of room in the sleeve will keep you warmer. (And it's not as if they're noticeably baggy; the coat looks sleek!) I've been following along since you made the muslin. Thank you so much for sharing your work! I'm impressed by your tremendous skill and intellectual generosity. Thanks again!!

Anna Gueldenhaupt said...

It's a fabulous coat and suits you really well. I love it!

Riikka said...

That is like the perfect coat! You've done an amazing job on it!

Sewjourner said...

Wow, Gertie, that coat looks stunning on you. All your hard work really paid off. It is absolutely gorgeous.

~Sewjourner

meli88a said...

This is beautiful, beautiful! I've also made coats from Vogue patterns with the same bagginess in the sleeves... comes in handy when you wear something heavy underneath, actually! Enjoy your coat. It looks like so much fun to wear.

jadestar003 said...

What a fabulous coat! The fit, swirl and polka dot fabric is great. I am so inspired by you! I have started looking at coat patterns now, and am serioisly considering giving it a whirl. I have to admit I am curious though. How much did the coat cost you all together, materials and paid work combined? I know such a coat is priceless, and something so well made and of good quality materials will last, but I do wonder. Thanks for all the great vlogs and blogs. I have a feeling I may be referring to those repeatedly soon. Thanks again. :)

jadestar003 said...

And red is defnitely your colour...

Trisha said...

Hooray! I was so happy to see your completed coat this morning! Having a warm winter coat that makes you feel beautiful is priceless. Nicely done!

Nancy K said...

Beautiful coat! I love that red on you. Just in time for all this cold!

Lee Ann said...

GORGEOUS!

Allison said...

Your coat is gorgeous! It looks so much better than ready to wear. Great job.

Carlotta said...

This is truly a beautiful coat, and following your adventure with it was really interesting. at the beginning I thought you were a bit crazy to work on such a long and complicated project, but wow, the result is fabulous! And now there is not only this amazing coat, but what you've learned on your way.

As I'm not as experienced a seamstress as you are, I won't try to follow your example till in a few years at least, but as soon as I'll get my first salary, I'll save to have the same coat made by my friend seamstress (only in navy blue, with the other collar)...

Happy new year, by the way!

lorenakitty said...

The coat is amazing and worth every stitch you put in it. Be prepared to be stopped in the street and be told how fabulous you look!

NGLaLALa said...

Ahhh!!! It's gorgeous!! I love the skirt of the coat, too. You have definitely inspired me to make my own coat this year!

pamwares said...

Your new coat is fabulous! The fit is amazing...someday I'll have those kinda sewing skills! I'm working on it!

Maggie said...

Really, really beautiful. I've stayed tuned all the way and it was so worth it! You will be asked constantly where you got it!

ChristineB said...

You keep getting cuter, you know that? And that coat totally rocks. :-) I am definitely going to sew one this year, no more excuses!

Jo said...

It's beautiful! Well done!!!

Karin said...

I just want to chime in with everyone else to say what a beautiful coat you have made and how nice it looks on you. Well done!

lsaspacey said...

Excellent job! You are my hero. Just for fun what you need now is a matching muff with the black polka dot lining and a red crochet chain around your neck to hold it.

Ms. B said...

Oh I love that! So cute with the polka dot lining!

selfishseamstress said...

Beautiful! Such a fun coat and I love the color.

Eugenia said...

Fabulous. The colour is so gorgeous and the lining is the perfect contrast. It suits you so well - you look amazing in it. Such a beautifully constructed coat will last you for many years.

Jillian said...

It looks awesome! I love the polka dot lining!

Omega said...

Your coat turned out gorgeous and the red is beautiful on you!

HouseCat said...

Absolutely stunning. I wonder how many women will accost you with "Where did you get that?"

* said...

Gorgeous...I love these photos - your delight is contagious! And, oh, the swinginess... Congratulations!

sarai said...

Love it, love the lining, and love that last sassy picture!

S.L.P said...

If this were facebook, I'd click the like button:o)

June said...

There is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. The coat is stunning, beautiful, magnificent! I LOVE it. Excellent job. I wish I had your dedication!

Lizzy said...

WOW!!!!!!!!!Te quedo PERFECTO!!!!!!!!! FELICIDADES!!!!! It is PERFECT!!°! CONGRATSSSSSSSS!!!

Lee-Ann said...

It looks fantastic! Well done : )

Cath said...

Wonderful work! I am so jealous, but I very much appreciate the work that went into the fabulous result.

Zeila said...

Oooh la la, each and every photo!

frk.bustad said...

Impressed, overwhelmed, a bit jealous, inspired, proud... It's a great piece you've finished up there, Gertie! Best of all is what's between the layers, because we've seen all your details and neat handwork! Luckily you've documented all that through your vlogs, because a random person wouldn't know the effort that goes into such a gorgeous, exquisite, elegant and a little coquettish coat!! Your hair looks amazing as well...

Paulette said...

Oh how lovely!! I can feel your "proudness" (proudness, is that a word?!)

Anyway, the lining is adorable and it looks wonderful on you!! Keep up the amazing sewing you are doing!! You are an inspiration!!

Sarah said...

GERTIE!!!! So much fabulousness in one post! The coat is a feast for the senses - the red, the lining, the buttons, the twirling...

I could go on all day.

Your blog has inspired my own retro sewing project: http://www.rhinestonesandtelephones.com/2009/12/bringing-back-june.html

Keep up your fabulous work! :)

K.Line said...

It looks just beautiful. And it took so much patience and skill to make.

Venus de Hilo said...

Congratulations on your gorgeous coat! What fun to have something so splendid (and warm) to wear that you made yourself. Please keep us posted on how many women ask where you got it!

emadethis said...

It was worth the wait! It's absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration along the way too. You make me believe it's possible to tackle my own coat for next year.

Vireya said...

Wow!

Miss Sews-it-all said...

Fab, lady!

Shannon said...

Great work, Gertie - you look stunning in your new coat!

Kathi G said...

You should be so proud. It is beautiful. If you plan on wearing your new coat to work I hope you have an extra special hanger to put it on. No hooks for that specail coat.

Lily said...

Wow! Yes, no nit-picking! You only notice the problems because you've made it yourself. If you bought it, you wouldn't even realise!

You look stunning. It suits you so well!

A Sewn Wardrobe said...

I love the twirliness! I don't think the sleeves look baggy at all - like Lilly above said, you probably would not think it were so if you had purchased it.

I bet you get so many compliments in it - the shape and color are so standout. Congratulations on completing it (and being done!).

acb said...

What a fabulous coat. You deserve every single compliment you've received. Congratulations.

jenna! said...

Love. It.

Katie said...

Great job Gertie!
I love the polka dot lining, and the color is perfect for you.

Sandra said...

Woohoo! Looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing your journey and tips in the vlogs.

KARIMA said...

Well done! Gorgeous! Love the lining!

Becky said...

Gertie! It's absolutely beautiful! I love the way the skirt swings when you swirl!

Your concerns about the tailoring reminded me of my most recent (and only) coat making experience. Last month I finished a coat, and when I modeled it for my boyfriend he said, "It looks really nice. It just looks like it needs to be tailored a little." Can you imagine? I spent hours making the plaid match, putting each piece together perfectly, painstakingly sewing, and in the end, was told it looked great, but just needed to be tailored! Not the review that I wanted!

Cary said...

Lovely!

zees5 said...

She's a BEAUTY! ~Page

Flickettysplits said...

You should be proud - there's something very exhilarating about completing a complicated pattern, especially for the first time!!

Rachel said...

You look so gorgeous in your coat! That bright red colour suits you so much and is to die for. I love it! Makes me want one soooooo much ... though it is so hot here in Australia I'm not sure I'd ever get to wear it!

Gail said...

Wow Gertie 89 comments. I'm jealous. but they are so deserved. Your coat is absolutely stunning and red is sooo your colour.

Anonymous said...

Gertie the coat looks fantastic and so do you - most inspiring! emily

Delicatelily said...

Gertie,
I have to say that I found your blog at the right time. I've never made a coat before and certainly not one for a Man. Your vlog/blog and my Tailoring book is very helpful.

I totally shutdown after cutting the pattern last Nov and decided to finish it. Low and behold while looking online help for inserting lining, you popped up.

You've made an amazing coat and I'm on Vlog three now.

Have a great day.

Casey said...

WOWZA!!!! I have to tell you, i nearly jumped up and down when I saw these pictures! hehe. Bravo on finishing this project! The fabric just hangs beautifully--even from the photos I can tell how much work and care was put into this. Really, really stunning, Gertie! It was so exciting to follow your process and learn some handy (well, someday ;) tips and tricks for making a proper coat.

♥ Casey
blog | elegantmusings.com

Cisa said...

Fantastic Gertie, just as I knew it would be!

Gaidig said...

Your coat turned out so beautifully! I'm really jealous. Your vlogs made it seem approachable though, so mabe I'll muster up the guts to do one too!

Wisy said...

Beautiful coat Gertie!
Can't wait for the next vlogs!
I wonder what is next?

Natalie B said...

wow, so amazingly beautiful! great job!!

Jennifer Lopez said...

I would love to have a coat that beautiful!

Rachelle said...

Oh, that is FAN FREAKING TASTIC. Lovely work!

Hillary said...

Just PERFECT! I love the matador poses too-- it moves so well, and I'm sure feels just amazing!!

Thanks again for all the posts along the way; I learned so much!

Kathi said...

Your coat is beautiful!!!! I just love the lining!

lexi said...

I've been away and am only now catching up; you've finished! It looks amazing and I'm totally inspired to start one myself this year.

Aldara said...

Your coat is really, really beautiful! I love the color and the pattern, and the lining is sooo awesome!
I'm still a beginning seamstress, so I'll stick to skirts and dresses for now, but I have thought about sewing a coat and with your vlog, I can totally see myself trying it sometime in the not-too-distant future.

Anonymous said...

I'm in love with this coat!!!!!!! It's the perfect color and gorgeous. Right now I'm working with pleating and layering. It's my first task with extreme detail. I can only hope it looks as put together as this coat.