Plum Crazy Winter Wool Coat

[BenaeQuee]

This was my first winter coat I ever made for myself, back in 2008.  The pattern was McCalls 5513 and I used the size 10 to allow me to wear a thick sweater under it and still be able to close the coat.  The fabric was a gift from my hubby as an anniversary present.  The fabrics were Plum colored wool coating, purple plaid wool suiting, and a purple wool sateen.  I went with all wool for warmth, even though I'm allergic to it, it does it's job lol.
 
I sort of made the buttons from velvet covered ones I found.  I added the rhinestones to it because I had a thing for bling at the time (my phone was COVERED in rhinestones).  I ended up only using 3 buttons since I didn't like the way they looked when I laid them all out, it was too cluttered looking.

I also lengthened the sleeves to make it more wearable for NYC winters. I omitted the applique on the back since it was kind of tacky looking to me. The collar facing is also made of the coat wool in case I want to fold it down. There is also a bit more top-stitching to give it a more professional finished look. I didn't top-stitch down the pleats, I left them open to give it bit more flowiness.

http://imageevent.com/benaequee/costumes/realclothing/wintercoat

[spirals420]

skillz.  damn thats awesome.

[wendiek]

Pretty! I like coats like that: warm, comfy and stylish.

Great job! I should really make me a coat one day. I think I have the skills, the costs of the wool fabric is what stops me so far!
Thanks for sharing!

[beth8144]

This is stunning and with all that wool, must be warm. Great Job.

[BenaeQuee]

The fabric was a steal, all of it cost about $30 in a closeout bin, my hubby was diving into a dumpster type bin full of misc types of fabrics for a set price.  He actually found and coordinated all the fabrics on his own, I was so proud lol.  Depending on where you look, the wool can be anywhere from $5/yd on up for better stuff.  I had a friend actually re-purpose an old wool blanket for a coat and you'd never know.  She found it at a thrift shop for $10.
This pattern was a lot more work than the one I used for my hooded fall jacket.  That pattern was a lot easier to use and still looks great http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=416331.0 .  If you want to make a jacket and want an easier pattern, I'd go with that first.

[Gloomilyeuphoric]

This coat is so beautiful. The combination of plum wool and pleating is very luxe. Incredible job.

[dawn0684]

That is really awesome! I wanna make a coat, but my skills are no where near that level

[kjlutz]

I love the colour and style.  You did a fantastic job with sewing all the details, and your hubby is awesome for matching the fabric. 

[LimeRiot]

This is beautiful!! I love the color and the shape of it. It's perfect for winter and such a timeless style. I bet you'll wear this for years to come.

[Twistiburger]

Beautiful.