Wool Blanket to Wool Coat - Just in Time!

The story of this coat is a story of perseverance.

It started as a beautiful wool blanket handed over to me by Paul's mom.  The pattern was suppose to be from an old Ottobre book but after much frustration with fit I was forced to draft my own.

The heavy blanket was not easy to work with.  I broke a few needles and almost broke down and ordered a wool coat from Gap kids on their friends and family day.  Marie' talked me out it.  

So I marched back down to my basement sewing center, right past a HUGE pile of neglected laundry and asked myself out loud ..... "do I really have time for this"?  I broke a few more needles and came to the conclusion that such heavy wool should not be gathered, it should not be used as a facing either.  It would take a trip to the fabric store to get this coat done the way I wanted it.

I made my way to Habermans in Royal Oak.  Paul's parents met me there and Paul's dad (or "Poppy" as the kids call him) was patient enough to sit with all 7 kids in the van while I stewed over lining and buttons.  Paul's mom kept me focused, helped me pick out a matching poplin for the facings and convinced me that Maryanna had to have the abstract floral lining print.  

She was right, it suits Maryanna's personality (can you believe she is still finding ways to wear that old petticoat).  I consulted with another expert sewing friend Diane about the buttonholes.  She mailed me an envelope stuffed of illustrated instructions and opened my eyes to the fabulous technique of Spanish snap buttonholes.  To my delight it solved the problem of bulky buttonholes, I am going to laminate those instructions and revisit the technique as long as I'm making wool coats for my daughters.

Back to the facings.  You can see above I used matching poplin as the facing.  I used it for the under collar as well.  Again, I thank Diane for that idea.

The sleeves and coat bottom were left finished as the original blanket and the pockets are enclosed in the side seam.

I have to admit the most expensive component of this coat was the buttons, broken needles coming in second.  I originally planned to make fabric covered buttons but the wool was too thick.  The above buttons were also found at Habermans, I was happy about the match but surprised they cost $6 each!   But after all the work that went into this I was committed to splurge and finish it just right.  And don't forget there was no cost for the wool and the lining was a lucky find from a sample table.

In most cases sewing is a stress relief but not this time.  This coat actually compounded other stresses I was already facing.  Good thing I had a vivacious little girl encouraging me.  At one point I tossed it to the carpet full of such frustration that Maryanna came by my side abandoning her dollie tea party and suggested we say a little prayer to help me feel better.  We did and I pleaded for perseverance and inspiration.  I believe I was granted just that and the coat was finished just in time for 30 degree weather.

I admit I am pleased with how adorable she looks in the coat.  I love that she loves to wear it, I love how she wears it and also that it keeps her warm.  But what pleases me most is the triumph that we shared when it was finally complete!