It’s time to make a coat Simplicity 1067

I’ve been sewing a few years now and although I don’t “need” a coat, I think it’s a good next step for me to take on this type of project and stretch my skills.  I’ve made capes before and jackets, but never a coat.  I’ve never applied tailoring techniques to a garment and I just feel now is as good a time as any to give it a try.  I picked an easy coat pattern with a few piece and a few reviews on pattern review.  I think this is a good road for a beginner to take if they are super cautious like me.  If you need to jump right in with an advance pattern, I think it’s great that you can do that!  I, on the other hand am more conservative and I like processes and steps, I like to build on skills.  I think I’ll work on a beginner friendly pattern and then once I get the fit right then I will add a few techniques to take it to the next level.  I wouldn’t ordinarily wear this print, but I’m working from my stash and it didn’t make sense to by fabric for a muslin.  This coat will be donated to a local coat drive.

Pattern Description: 

Misses’ Easy to sew unlined coat or jacket with collar, hood and button
or tie closure options. Simplicity Patterns. Designs by Karen Z

SEWING LEVEL:Beginner

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

 
Yes.  For view E, be aware that the hood is not lined and that the inside of the hood will show.
Were the instructions easy to follow?

 
Yes, for view E, you have to pay attention to the dart in the hood but overall they were not difficult and I didn’t see any errors.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 
I like the different views and that it’s an easy sew, the collars are fun and the belted option is nice.  I like that the pockets seam allowances are in the seams, I think it lends it self to a nice finish for the pocket.  I didn’t like the interfaced pocket, not sure if it was necessary and feels weird when I put my hand in the pocket, maybe a lining to the pocket would feel better or leave the interfacing off and just stabilize the hem and reinforce the pocket would work better in a fleece.  For me, I may underline the sleeve in a nice silky fabric.  I would possibly use a fleece binding or use a contrast prepackaged binding for the hood and front since for view E the hem shows.  I think a side seam pocket option would have been nice as well.   I also don’t like how wide the sleeve is at the wrist but that is fixable by tapering it a bit.  Also, as a note, this is an easy loosing fitting coat so the sleeve is consistent with the rest of the coat, I just like a slightly narrower sleeve from elbow to wrist.
Fabric Used: Anti Pill Fleece from my blanket stash

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 
I only graded it a 1/4 inch on the back and front pieces since the pattern had 7 inches of ease at the bust.  I added the 1/4 inch for just in case seam allowance.  I made a size 22 but I fall more in the 24 range so after tissue fitting it was more than enough ease at the bust.  After sewing it up, I felt I could use a little more ease in the hip to allow the coat to fall straight from the waist to hem with no tugging.  I will add about an inch and a half to the hip  of the back piece.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would recommend this, I think a beginner would have success and I think a more advanced sewer would be able to make some nice changes to kick this up a notch, it’s a solid pattern.  I think view B is the only other version I would make with adjustments to the pocket, sleeve width and the addition of a lining.  I don’t have a coat with this type of collar so this pattern maybe used again if I need something quick.

Stay tuned for more coats/ponchos/capes and dresses this year.  That along with holiday pajamas and gifts will be my main focus into the new year.