Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Coat Sew-Along Is ON!

We're doing this, readers. A sew-along for my Butterick coat pattern! It's Butterick 5824, and it's on sale for $4.99 until the end of the day today! So if you haven't ordered, hop to it like little bunnies.

Now, a few FAQ:

What's a sew-along? 

A sew-along is an online group sewing project. Everyone sews the same pattern--in this case, Butterick 5824. I will lead the sew-along through a series of blog posts, photographing the major steps of the coat construction. But the most important part of a sew-along is the community involvement. To avoid Gertie having a nervous breakdown, everyone pitches in by answering each other's questions and commenting in the Flickr group.

What's a Flickr group? 

It's a dedicated page on the Flickr website, where you can upload photos of your progress and participate in group discussions. Join Flickr here. Then join the Sew-Along Flickr group here.

How do I officially join the sew-along? 

Just join the Flickr group!

I want to help you, Gertie!

THANK YOU! Gertie needs help, lots of it. Please email me at gretchen@blogforbettersewing.com if you're interested in becoming a volunteer moderator of the sew-along. This means answering questions here and on the Flickr group page, and commenting on member's muslins and fabric questions.

When do we start sewing? 

The first sewing post will go up on Monday, October 1st. This gives everyone plenty of time to gather their patterns and supplies. A more detailed schedule will be posted shortly.

How much fabric do I need? 

Please refer to the fabric and notions requirements on the pattern envelope back. You can find these online on the Butterick 5824 pattern page.

What kind of fabric should I buy? 

I would suggest looking for a light to medium weight wool. Fabric weight is the biggest concern with this pattern--this thing eats yardage for breakfast. At certain places (like the collar), you will have three layers of the fabric on top of each other, plus interfacing. To test if your fabric is too heavy, stack up three layers of it in your hand and ask yourself if that's something you want to wear on your chest. You also need to consider the drape. The skirt on this coat is a full circle. Thicker fabrics will stand out dramatically, while thinner fabrics will drape and cling around the body more. It all depends on the effect you're going for. Drape the fabric around your waist so it's hanging down like a skirt to test the effect.

If you live in a warmer clime, look for trenchcoat fabrics like cotton twill. If you want to dress this baby up, look for a light to medium weight brocade.

If you have specific questions about fabric, please post them in the Flickr discussion group. I regret to say that if you send me an email, it will probably get lost. My inbox is currently like a black hole where emails go to die.

What can I do in the meantime before the sew-along officially starts? 

Buy your pattern, fabric, notions, and supplies. I would also recommend making a muslin of the coat bodice and uploading it to the Flickr group. I'll write more about muslins soon!

I hope this helps answer some questions. Will you be joining the sew-along? I hope so!


52 comments:

  1. I'm joining! Off to sign up for Flicker!

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  2. In terms of a sewalong and having peoples help to you think this is too hardcore for a somewhat sewing novice.? So tempted but I don't know if i'm up to that lvl.

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    1. Hi dl, if you've done a few garments you'll be able to handle this. I wouldn't do this as a first or even second garment though.

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  3. I have a question ;)

    The pattern sais we need 4 yards Interfacing "18,20"... What means 18,20, is the width of the interfacing in inch? Or what does that mean?

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  4. Mel - You are correct. "18,20" refers to the typical width of the interfacing that you can purchase by the yard at stores like Joann's.

    Just joined the Flickr group - already more than 30 members!

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  5. Oh I wish I could get this pattern I don't seem to be able to in the UK and shipping from the link you sent is $15 :o(

    Do you know if the pattern is available outside the US?

    Thanks Fiona

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    1. It's available at sewdirect in the uk, http://www.sewdirect.com/acatalog/Butterick-B5824.html

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    2. The Butterick US site ships internationally, I got mine shipped to Australia.

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    3. I'm in the UK and I ordered my pattern from sew today and they are really good I even signed up for the magazine well worth it if you buy a few patterns a year, I have quiet a few now.

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  6. I would love to join this sew-along! I'm kind of an advanced beginner leaning toward intermediate (have had lessons, but am out of practice, just getting back into sewing). Do you think I can handle this pattern?

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  7. Gertie, if there's a Joanns in your area, Butterick patterns are $1 next week. (September 16-Spetember 22)

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  8. yippee! I just ordered the pattern and can't wait to get sewing!

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  9. Gertie, your patterns are just gorgeous, please could you tell me whether they will be available in the UK? We have been looking all over here and I just can't find your lovely coat pattern here ....*sob*

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    1. I mentioned above in case you didn't see it that the US Butterick site ships internationally. They sent me my pattern to Australia.

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    2. Here you go! A UK source!

      http://sewdirect.com/acatalog/Butterick-B5824.html

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  10. Awesome! I won't be sewing along (who wants to make a winter coat in summer?!) but when I do make it I'll be very, very grateful to have a sewalong to refer to.

    Straight Talking Mama - I got mine from Sew Squirrel. It's an Australian site, but shipping from Aussie is much cheaper than from the US! I checked, and you can get it from there - shipped - for about 8 pounds. Better hurry though, because I know they only got in a VERY limited stock.

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    1. wow-thanks for putting me onto them-i had almost come to the conclusion that australia was a sewing desert with the only "relief" being the occasional Spotlight barn...:-)

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  11. I can't join the sew-along this time (although I will make that coat this season!), but I did want to let you know that I have my copy of the book and love it! I was tickled to see the green shoes on the cover, and love the layout, illustrations, etc. It's really a combination of the styles of some of my favorite books -- for example, the attached envelope of patterns, like the Sublime Stitching series.

    For anyone reading this, if you'd like to support the book, write a review at Amazon. It really does help authors -- when a buyer is not quite sure of purchasing a title, a good review can be an influence. Let's help Gretchen out!

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  12. I would love to sew along, but I'm pregnant with my third baby girl and I won't be able to get good measurements. I'll have to wait for the next one! Will there be a "next one"?

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  13. I already ordered my main fabric. It's sort of plain so I want fabulous vintage buttons and cool lining fabric.

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  14. Your new book just arrived! I love it. Can't wait to dive in to the projects. I'm also going to participate in the sew along if you decide to have one. You are an inspiration!

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  15. WOO HOO!!! I ordered my pattern today. Can't wait for the sew-along! :D

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  16. Just signed up for Flickr! So psyched for this Sew-Along! Thanks Gertie!

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  17. Off to join group now! Just found my fabric today and am super excited.

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  18. This should be fun! Thanks, Gertie - I needed a kick in the patootie to get me sewing again. This might be like diving into the deep end, but hey, I float!

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  19. Really looking forward to this I have my pattern just need to find some lovely material and then I'm ready, never made a coat before I dont really wear coats but this one is so different to whats out there, I'm sure that by following this sew along I will produce a coat to be proud of.

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  20. Un-scary sewing machine - check. Pattern ordered - check.
    (I really REALLY want that coat!)

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  21. Fabricmart.com just posted coating and fine wool discounts. Might be something for you guys :D

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  22. Hi gertie, sorry asking for help. What kind of interfacing r u using for the boiled wool? Thanks so much

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    1. I'm going to use a weft interfacing from fashionsewingsupply.com. I think it's called "pro tailor deluxe"

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    2. Thank you so much. I'll check it out. Love your new book. The best sewing on i've ever read. It is easy to read and understand. Thanks agin krista

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  23. just bought my pattern whoooo hoo!

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  24. Fun times! I probably won't be joining in, I have a dress I'm planning to make that will take up all my sewing time and budget for the next month or so, but I'm looking forward to reading all about it! A warm-ish coat is on my sewing wishlist. Plus, I can't wait to see that gorgeous fabric you showed in the earlier post - that will quite the coat! :)

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  25. Bertie, I am desperate to make your new coat but cannot seem to be able to buy it in the UK. Can you help? The shipping is $15 from USA!!

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    1. me too :(
      was going to but both the butterick patterns but the shipping made me empty my cart :(
      for now....
      the temptation may be too big and i might bite the bullet anyway ;P

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    2. Hi Bridget and Rebecca. I am in the UK and bought my pattern from sewtoday.co.uk.Also if you become a member you get 50% off patterns.

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  26. Joined up! My pattern is enroute in the post as I type! I'm still pondering fabric choices:)

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  27. Okay this is definitely going to be a splurge for me, but I am in...I'll pick up my pattern and fabric this weekend. I read your advice on fabric weight and I am wondering if you have any suggestions for lining? If I get a wool blend for the fabric what would you suggest for lining, Gertie?

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    1. Yay! Glad you're in. How about a poly for the lining? I would go with a poly charmeuse or a poly lining fabric. If you're feeling a little richer, look for a rayon bemberg for the lining.

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  28. I live on Vancouver Island, Canada, and have tried to get the pattern in three Fabricland locations and all three advise it has not come in yet. I really want to do this sew along.

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    1. It only recently arrived in my local Joann in NY state--so I think it should get to you soon. :)

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  29. Have pattern,joined group...need to settle on fabric choices!Quick question: I will be away for a week in Oct. will the tutorials and info be ongoing so I can get caught up when I return?:)

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    1. Hi Ruthann! The tutorials never go away. So you can get caught up after your trip. :)

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  30. Would you mind if I use one of the pictures for my blog to raise more participants?

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  31. Yayyy! Just bought my pattern today :)

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  32. Do I need to use an industrial or heavy duty sewing machine to sew coats?

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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