Lekala 5749 coat
Another Lekala project for you. This one was started back in 2014. Yikes! It languished for some time waiting for a zipper. For a long time. For months, in fact. But eventually I rummaged through my zipper stash and found something that would do. It took me about 20 minutes to sew in the zip and finish a project that had been a UFO for a long, long time. I bet that I am not the only person who does that! So, on to Lekala 5749. This is described as a “raincoat with stand up collar”. I was drawn to the interesting exposed seemliness and darts. The whole thing is sewn “inside out”.
Okay, first thing. This clearly hasn’t been sewn in raincoat fabric. I used wool from Super Cheap Fabrics. It is a beautiful fabric, tightly woven, and an amazing colour. And yes, all the seam allowances and dart are on the outside. I finished the edges with pinking shears. Still not certain that it was the best idea.
It’s an unlined coat, but it’s very warm due to the fabric composition and weave. All construction was on the sewing machine.
There are elements of this that I like, and elements that didn’t work as successfully. I like the raw pinked edges along the front edges and cuffs, but not along the slashed and opened darts. And the collar collapses a bit in this type of fabric, whereas I think that if I’d used the recommended “whipcord” it would have had more structure. Either way, it’s a warm winter coat, and I do wear it. Although I think that it is soon to fall victim to my next wardrobe purge as it is likely to be replaced by some of my upcoming Sewjourn plans.
Love the colour and the neckline with darts – looks so “cool”! Why don’t you make the sleeves more fitted? I think it would be more flattering on you. Also, before you purge it, could u try a different length? e.g. about 4 inches below the fingertips – a bit like the “Minori” jacket (which I’d like to make one day. It would be so nice for Spring (I’m in Syd).
As in, shortened would be nice in Spring. But I’d really like to see how it looks with the sleeves slimmed down.
The fit and colour are lovely and it goes beautifully with your dress.
I love love love the colour. I feel that the coat wears you,and not the other way round.
I agree with Winny’s suggestion.
Thanks for all the posts today, I really enjoy seeing what you’ve made,you’re inspiring😀
To be honest I’m not fond of the pattern but had to write to let you know you look fabulous in that colour.
I normally only write complimentary comments and nearly everything you make is so lovely, but to be honest I’m not keen on this one, sorry! I hope you are not offended. I imagine your next coat to be as fab as usual.
But…. in your defence, it’s not your sewing, it’s the pattern.