Make The Look

Anthropolgie Fair Lady Trench

So I know it is August, and we've still got a nice bit of summer left, but soon enough the weather will start to get cooler and we'll start thinking about warmer things to wear, including outwear.  If you're going to sew outerwear, August is a good time.  It might not be exciting to deal with yards of wool fabric while it is still hot outside, but you'll be smug knowing that your new coat is already hanging in the closet when October brings coat weather.  I thought I would start showing coats now, so that if you're inclined to make one, you can get a head start.

This week's coat is more of a lightweight trench, but I think it would transition nicely for fall before bringing out the heavy coats.  For those of you in the southern hemisphere and heading into spring, this coat would work, too.  This week's pick is Anthro's Fair Lady Trench.  I like this one because it has elements of being a trench while still following the lady-like trend. 

To make such a trench, I've found two patterns that will do the job, Vogue 8346 and Simplicity 2311.  Both are very close the original and if you want to do a little pattern adjusting, you make them more like the original.  The big difference is that the original has a waist seam, which allows for the lower skirt pattern pieces to be larger and gathered at the waist seam.  You can do this yourself with your own pattern pieces, remembering to add seam allowances when you cut them at the waist, while also adding width to the skirt for the gathers.  The original has large snaps, which is easily done.  It looks like you'll have to add the contrast trim to both patterns, too.  The Vogue is really a double-breasted coat, but I think that you could just make it as per the pattern without really have to change it to a single-breasted coat and not lose too much of the original inspiration.

Vogue 8346:

Simplicity 2311:

As far as fabrics, the original is made in poly blend poplin, and Fabric.com has just such a fabric, with a little stretch, both in a tan and navy if you want to stick to the original colors. 

All photos from respective websites with links included.

***Thanks for all the lovely compliments on my daughter's new school pieces!  I'm glad I got them done, because I will be on vacation from tomorrow through Tues. Aug 23.  I will see you all when I get back!***

Parting Shot:  New Scarf.  I've finally started a new scarf, and think I have found a suitable pattern for the Frog Tree Alpaca yarn that I have.  I've tried several patterns for this yarn and didn't love any of them, so I wasn't expecting much.  So far, this is ok.  I've adapted a neck warmer circular scarf pattern to be a straight scarf, the pattern is from Creative Knitting Jan. 2011, which I originally bought for a knitted hoodie sweater pattern.