Simplicity 8262 Coat AKA “ONE OF A KIND”

It’s taken a little over a year and half for this make. It’s made up of a heck of raw emotion plus skill since my Mum started making it for me but never got the chance to finish it because cancer decided to take hold on her (f£&* cancer in every form).

The coat itself is made of Harris Tweed bought from Fabric Focus alongside the silver paisley lining.

Kevin, the owner of fabric focus has been eager for me to finish the coat but understood how emotional the make was. He always asked when I was going to finish it, very gently pushing me to do it!

Sometimes I felt like working on the coat and sometimes not. When it got close to her Birthdays, Anniversary of her passing or Mother’s Day, I just had to put the coat down and only started working on it when I felt I could. It’s a bit like counselling (not that I’ve managed to go, nor feel quite ready for) but I know I’m working with mum on this on each step.

It’s quite nice finishing it now just before this year’s “Mother’s Day”.

Mum did most of the tacking (thank *%&@!) I hate tacking, I know it does wonders but I still actually hate doing it.

Bagging the outer and the lining literally to played tricks on my mind but wanted a neat finish. Making sure that the outer and the lining were all level was time consuming but boy does it pay off!

I don’t think finishing this coat would’ve been possible with the helpful tips and excellent guidance that I received from Abi, sewing teacher to both my mum and I, so thank you Abi for helping me on this journey.

By adding little details such as the Kylie and the Machine “one of a kind” and Harris Tweed labels it really finishes it off.  Also “One of a Kind” kinda puts a nice touch on the memory of my mum.

Not to forget to mention the beautiful frogs that make that statement piece, also sourced from Fabric Focus.

So here it is, in all its glory!

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Sewing: Simple Sew -#017 Sophia.

The pattern spoke to me as soon as I received it with the Love Sewing magazine. It’s so simple and ticks the boxes for a friends’ wedding, which is in four weeks time. Yes, I aim to make this top and skirt set in under 4 weeks and not have a nervous breakdown! I’m told it can be done. I’m just hoping at the end of a Ceilidh I will still be dressed! 

The Pattern

The pattern is the 2 in 1 Sophia Top & Skirt #017 by Simple Sew. 

oh Sophia, please stay together!

The Fabric

I’ve the had fabric for a wee while as I had a vision of the finished garment in my head and I have a sneaky feeling it might be because I actually saw the colour combination in the magazine.

For the top fabric, I’m going to go with this sequin gold fabric from John Lewis. I’m intending to make the top slightly longer just to suit myself. It has some stretch so I’m planning to set up the overlocker for the first time ever and stitch the edges!

Glistening gold

The skirt will be made using the lovely Damson Stretch cotton from the Cloth Spot. 

Notice I tucked a little fasinator in the same photo. Not sure if this would look too much but it was a wee bargain in the sales! And also my hair situation is still yet to be finalised … Another drama! 

Dancing in Damson
I’ve also lining too, even though the pattern states no lining I think it would be a better finish if it were lined. 

So here goes … And I will update on a weekly basis as the dress (hopefully) comes together!


But before I head off into fabric dreams I would like to say a big thanks to RedWSews as she gave loads of tips via Instagram and her blog post documenting her Sophia, puts me at ease! 

Over and out x

Canoodling with Chiffon

Seeing all these occasion dresses at work makes me wanna twirl in something elaborate, and I particularly like a bit of silk chiffon.

It’s lovely and floaty, but I’ve never worked with such delicate fabric.  The thought of working with such gives me a slight buzz, I’m not quite such if it’s excitement or anxiety!

This post stems from looking at Pinterest and becoming inspired to make such a dress. After spotting a dress, I decided to make a Chiffon Board.

 

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Above, is the dress that started the Chiffon trouble!

 

Above are a few of the Pins on my board.

You could say I’m a hoarder of projects and i’ll admit that, I think  I know my Husband will say that on my behalf also!  What can I say, I just can’t help myself.

My sewing room is in a mess so before I start on any projects it has to be organised and finished.  Yes, still getting refurbed – it’s taking a lot longer than planned.

Oh, big news!  I have a second job and it’s in a fabric shop … my life struggle with fabric, patterns and projects is only going to get worse!

For the time being I’ll be looking into patterns for the chiffon dress – if you know of any please comment in below and any tips would be appreciated!

Emma

Disclaimer: All Opinions are my own!