I cannot tell you how excited I am that I got this one right on the first try!
Like I told you, I’m not the most accurate seamstress in the whole world. That’s mostly because I hate bringing math or ironing into anything I am trying to do for enjoyment. So I don’t measure. And I DON’T press seams. (I tell myself that women were figuring out how to make clothes for their families long before there were standard measurement systems and electric irons, but really it’s just because I’m lazy like that.)
But I bought a bunch fleece fabric last week because it was 50% and I decided that I was going to make some coats for the kids. Oh, and I also wanted them to be reversible. I’m really into argyle these days, but an entire coat made from argyle could sometimes be a bit much.
So what if I’m not going to measure anything and I don’t have a pattern for what I want and I’ve never made anything reversible or with sleeves? How hard can it be?
Surprisingly, not very.
I spent a little bit of time looking at a jacket Nicholas already had that fit him well.
And I realized that the main structure was made out of parts that are shaped like these (I just folded the original jacket and traced around each part to get the size I wanted)
The piece at the top will be the back, the two pieces under it on the left will become the front, and the rounded pieces on the right will be the sleeves.
To get the reversible effect I wanted, I cut two of each piece, put them right sides together, sewed them together on three sides, then turned each piece right-side-out and did a zig zag stitch along the bottom.
Here’s a close up of the zig-zagged edge. You could use bias tape here if you wanted it to look a little more finished.
Then I attached the pieces to each other by butting them up and zig-zagging them together. You can see these seams, but I actually like the way it looks all put together.
Attach the front pieces to the back first by sewing from the arm hole down. Then attach the shoulders.
The sleeves were tricky. (so tricky that I decided to keep this a “vest” for a few days because I just knew I was probably going to mess them up.) I did the shoulder seam first, then I zig-zaged the rest closed. I made sure to keep the seam from the armpit down because that’s where it was on the “real” jacket.
I think it came out pretty awesome considering I was just making stuff up as I went along. (Granted, I probably should have taken some extra time to try to match up the pattern in the argyle at the seams.) I don’t know how an actual seamstress would do it, but I like my version just fine.
I cant decide if I’m going to add buttons or just Velcro for the closure. I might also add a collar or a hood if I’m feeling ambitious later.
It’s a little big, but I wanted it that way so that it will fit over bulky sweatshirts and last him until next year. (Sorry, he couldn’t be bothered to stop watching his robot movie while I took the pictures)
I bought a similar argyle in white, pink & purple & a matching purple fleece to make one for Abby too.
Now I’m a little sad that it’s been 90 degrees here lately. I hope it cools down within the next couple weeks, because I want him to wear this on his apple picking preschool field trip!
Update: Buttons really up the cuteness factor!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Wow!! You did a great job. 🙂 LOve that it is reversible. I think buttons would be cute!! Thanks for linking up with me. 🙂
Mary Joy says
LOL…you are too cute! You sure did a great job even without measuring. Wow! I am impressed. Love that you were able to make it reversible! I am going to have to figure out how to make one of these myself. Thanks for the inspiration!
Jennifer@SweetSimplicity says
The coat is adorable! Fleece is one of my favorite materials to dress my boys in during this time of year.
Christianne @ Little Page Turners says
So I am totally jealous of your mad sewing skills! Good job!
Molly @ The Creative Maven says
I just inherited lots of fleece… and wasn’t sure what to do with it – this is a great idea!
{ The Painted Home } says
i could have NEVER done that! you are fabulous, Love it, I’ll take 2! -denise
Dee says
Love love love it! I should have taken sewing instead of woodshop!
queenbeaz says
This is awesome! I love that diamond fabric & that you were just winging the pattern. So cool. Thanks for sharing!