Quilt Coat Trials

October 26, 2020

Tamarack Coat (pattern here) improv pieced with Kona solid scraps.

(First quilt coat.) I won't make welt pockets again LOL! Not my pref.

I sashiko stitched with my Babylock Sashiko machine and binded / bound - whatever - all edges with homemade soft binding (not as stiff as premade). In the end it was too big and I felt clunky in it, so I gifted this coat to my lovely Mother who is 5"9 and pulls everything off with pizazz.

Size DOWN on this coat pattern.

My second one is a size 6 and I am not a "small" person. I like it much better!

I wore it for a few minutes in this video for Vinyl Bunting tutorial.

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The next Quilt Coat I made was using a quilt I didn't like (yes I made the quilt don't freak out). I loved the fabrics, but the overall design of this quilt was NOT feelin' me.

I purchased the Dottie Angel Car Coat pattern on a whim and thought it might work.

IT DID! This was a total success, and I wear this coat often, well, I used to when we had school runs.

All layers are in this coat- meaning the entire quilt: fabric/batting/fabric, so it's heavyish. Instead of binding seams I serged them, a total time saver AND I love the look. It's sorta that weird finished-seams-exposure draw that the (former) Abercrombie crowd appreciates.

I used snaps with my KAM press instead of buttons because honestly buttons piss me off.

I didn't worry about particular placement of quilt design because IDGAF. I wanted a coat, I didn't like my quilt, it was experimental. This is key----GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO F*CK SHIT UP.

This is how we grow.

I don't remember if I added the ginormous pockets or if they are in the pattern, but I use them and need them. The collar on this pattern is a favorite.

Most recently I made this quilt into robe coat. This was my Summer Sampler Quilt from 2016-- and I LOVED the quilt overall. (I really recommend joining Summer Sampler it is SO fun and keeps you on task with weekly block making.)

I messed it up with a coffee stain and let it sit in the attic for 4 years so I wouldn't remind myself of the stupidity of drinking coffee over a white quilt.

Anywho, I brought it down to cut it up. Originally I thought I'd make a few bags but then I picked up Vongue pattern and went for it.

Though it's pretty, it's MEGA heavy and awkward to get into.

I extended the zipper opening 6", but it wasn't enough. I'd recommend extending at least another foot, maybe the whole way to the floor. I don't enjoy hopping into this like a potato sack.

I imagine I'll get use out of this on weekend mornings while reading - but it's way too heavy to run around in to be honest. My Mama made a version with a silky lining and no batting and hers is way better.

I appliqued a few tiny piecing blocks to the front from Alison Glass's tiny piecing blocks because I didn't finish the sewalong, and I'm over it for now. It's super fun though- if you haven't tried it, I recommend. Learning new things keeps us fresh.

A common theme in my life is OBJECTS are not precious. I refuse to treat quilts like precious untouchables. Cut it up- why not?!

Maybe this is from my life experiences or maybe it's the way I was born. Either way, we all can use some loosening up.

I'm including the non-quilty coats I've made too as I'm often asked about these patterns in direct messages on Instagram. (I love that, keep them coming-I love helping!)

This is the Wiksten Haori made with hand dyed indigo fabrics.

I took some classes and loved the whole process of Shibori. It's soothing and wonderful and beautiful, even if you don't listen to the teacher (like me). Love you Jen!

I thought a house coat/jacket would be perfect use of the different swatches. While I love the concept of this coat, again I made it too big MY FAULT! I feel sloppy and weird when wearing it, so often I'll belt it with my 1987 elastic belt. I think I cut a medium - so for future ref size down.

Great pattern for someone looking for a useful item of clothing that isn't fussy to put together, just size down.

Then...the Sapporro Coat fiasco. What a gorgeous coat pattern, however it was not meant for me.

SIDE NOTE: I think they have improved the pattern.

I love this sweater coat I made using Simplicity D0522 and a chunky knit found at Joann Fabrics around 2016-17. I lined it with a silky fabric, making it comfy, as often knits from Joann's feel shit on the wrong side.

My MOST USED MAKE in the history of Natalie-making is..........

The fleece jacket in candy pink using pattern Simplicity 8742!

I made a small and it's generous fitting, I can wear a chunky sweater underneath and still be comfy. I LOVE THIS THING.

I keep it on a hook in my closet and reach for it all the time.

It washes up easily and was SO fast to make. Because I used fleece it's one layer, seams sewn on my home sewing machine - no need to serge or treat because it doesn't fray.

It's light weight.

It's soft.

Case closed.