Trench Coat With A Twist Simplicity 8472

I’m so excited to be featured in July/Aug edition of Sewn Magazine!  If you haven’t seen this sewing magazine, your missing out.  The colors, stories and sewing and truly pieces of art!  Michelle has a fantastic eye for fabric, texture and photography, I’m amazed each and every month..    I’m always excited to see what the makers are making and meeting new and exciting makers.  I’m not the most artistic, but I get a good dose of inspiration from magazines like this one.  I’m excited to see how the same pattern we all use can be interpreted by different people.

With the rise of YouTube and vlogs, I get happy to actually read a blog and or magazine.  The written word is wonderful to me, and I don’t agree that blogs are dying!  I’m a digital magazine type because my space will be overtaken with magazines if I purchase them.  There are a few that I actually purchase, I tear out inspiration pages from fashion magazines and hang then on my board, it’s great to look at for texture, color and style inspiration.  On the flip side, there’s a special place in my heart for YouTube, it’s the visual learner in me and most times I need to see something to get it.

My goal with this coat was to keep it classic while using my imagination (insert double eyeroll).  Sometimes I just do not feel like have much of an imagination, and other times I truly surprise myself.  I encourage you to make things your own, whatever that means to you.  It could be color, texture or trim, be original and I’ll do my best to be original too!  Ok, I know it’s July but it’s not too soon to make transitional garments is it?  I mean, it felt like we went straight from winter to summer so, lol!  I’m really, really trying to get a few key pieces sewn or replaced before the season comes up but I get so distracted with all the new and shiny things (insert eye roll).  Anyway, on to the review…

Inspiration:

 I really liked Meghan Markle’s trench, but I wanted gingham, why not, right?

Photo: People.com

Pattern Description: 

S8472
Ashley Nell Tipton has created these lined coats in sizes 18W-34W. Rain
or shine, you cannot go wrong with these sleek collarless trench coats
with front seam pockets, in your choice of tailored or ruffled yoke.

SEWING LEVEL: Confident beginner ( darts (Dior and princess seam) and lining)  No closures or tailoring.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

 
Sort of, I made a few adjustments to get the look I was going for, but the overall look is in line with the pattern.
Were the instructions easy to follow?

 
Yes, I found no errors, I used my sewing books to help with easing in princess seams and working with the short Dior dart and sewing the lining.  Be mindful that there isn’t a separate lining piece but the cutting lines are on the pattern for the lining.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 
I like the different necklines and front views and I like the feminine drape of the front with a cool Dior dart.
Fabric Used: Shirting and gingham for the accent and lining.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 
I added accent to the front flaps and lining. check out the magazine for my tutorial on adding the gingham to center front.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

 I think so, it’s so feminine and flattering.  I would recommend, it’s a great designer trench that’s much different than the other patterns on the market.