I love Riley’s grandmother. She is a real gem! She gave me this beautiful wool coat knowing I’d likely do something with it.
Well, I finally did. It took a few years of thinking I might tackle it, then almost 2 years to sew. I have a pattern drafting kit that has these sundial type things that has a circle with lines coming out that tells you how long to draw the lines according to the measurements.
So I chose a pattern that had lots of pieces, and thin ones so I’d be able to cut it out in smaller bits.
I just couldn’t finish the finishing details like adding lining and fixing some huge problems I’d run into, necessitated me letting the project sit the next year and a half.
I told Riley for my birthday I wanted a Saturday to finish up my coat. Life crowded in on me as usual but the Saturday after my birthday I was able to wrap it all up! I fixed those assortment of problems, found a few more, and I added the lining. Nothing is perfect on the coat. In fact it doesn’t even have a hem because I didn’t want to deal with learning how to use that special hem tape. I just sewed some ribbon along the bottom of the coat.
Don’t I look like an over weight Mama in that old thang?
Well, here’s the end product!
Well, it seems I’ve been doing a ton of sewing over here, when in truth these sewing posts have stretched over almost 4 years! I am finally posting them all. So this was my birthday present from me, to me last year!
Em! It is so adorable! What kind of pattern program do you have? I didn’t even think of something like that. I would totally be interested as I have a lot of fashion ideas for my big body. Believe it or not, but it is REALLY hard for me to find modest-cute clothes as a plus sized woman!
Love you Em.
Simply stunning.
Tiffany,
This woman came through one of the Utah stores, it was Hancock and I just had this sense of mission like I need to buy this at the time so I told my mom wondering if it were a credible feeling and she was nice enough to buy it for me and I was very thankful. I am not sure if I spent as much as its going for here, but I see that if you watch ebay you might be able to find it for much cheaper.
http://www.amazon.com/Sunburst-Pattern-System-Helen-LeMay/dp/B000Q6L0V6
Here is the ebay sold item:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sunburst-Pattern-Making-System-Manual-Book-By-Helen-LeMay-1972-Ex-Cond-/380393369199?
You know normally I’d say vintage pattern shopping is faster and easier but it is hard to find the correct sizes that method. So really and truly this could be really a wise purchase. I’d love to see your fashion ideas!
Emily
So cute! Grandma is awesome.
Okay, I admit it. I’m CROWING on this post! I am so P-P-P-P-P-R-O-U-D (in a good way, of course) of you for persevering on this coat! Having seen it in person, I can vouch for it’s beauty. Your little sewing weapon is beyond my skills to comprehend, but oh baby, am I ever glad you figured out how to use it–death rays to boring, ill-fitting clothes for Em! Can I just add to Tiff that I know exactly how you feel trying to find modest clothes. It’s like the same neckline on another woman is plunging for us. And then they make shirts WIDE enough, but never LONG enough. Sleeves are mostly too short, too. I’m like seriously? You think I’m gonna wear this? I finally found two sites, Woman Within and Roaman’s that have finally gotten it, and with careful selection you can find modest stuff there, that still give you dignity as a woman. They are pretty reasonable in the clearance section, which means you are buying last season’s stuff. Nothing quite as amazing and creative as what Em’s done here, but there’s a place for quick and easy. I think you should post your victory design ideas. Em, once again, you are beautiful! and I’m so grateful that you find time to fit sewing in edgewise into your life, even if it takes awhile to get things accomplished–you’re an inspiration. I know I just gave up for a decade or more, and so I know how easy it is to do that. 3 cheers from the mither for a job well-done!
Wwowoowowowwowowwwwwww!!! That is an INCREDIBLE transformation, seriously, how frumpy it was, and how BEAUTIFUL it is! I am totally impressed, I know how hard refashions can be, and I also know what it’s like to let something sit because of the energy it takes to figure it out. The fact that you persevered is amazing, it shows some serious stick-to-it-tiveness, and it really paid off. IT looks so adorable, and you look stunning in it! AMAAAAZZZING, EM!!
I echo all the comments so far: Amazing! Beautiful! I want one! You do look smashing in it, Emily! What a wonderful birthday present to yourself. I’m SO glad you finished it. That wonderful feeling of triumph is worth every bit as much as how cute it turned out.
wow that is awesome! great job!
Em, it is fantastic. I am amazed. I really am. Way to go
