Author: Rachel

I love everything about the 50s and can normally be found in vintage style dresses that swoosh around when I move. I decided that I would love the challenge of making a swing coat using traditional tailoring techniques. My first step was to find the right pattern. In the end I went for the McCall’s M7478 because, let’s face it… it’s amazing.

I really wanted this one to be special so decided to have some tailoring lessons with the very talented Jamie Kemp and have learnt so much already. I also decided that an amazing pattern, needed really beautiful fabric so treated myself to this merino wool from Abraham Moon and Sons. You have no idea how long I agonised over which colour to go for but the more I work with it, the more I know I made the right choice. The lining also matches really well, even though I’m not a huge fan of orange. You probably can’t see in the photo but there are small specks of orange in the wool.

I didn’t realise just how much work goes into making a coat using traditional methods. I’ve added horsehair canvas to give structure which has made a huge difference to how the coat fits me. I’ve also used pad stitching to hold together all of the layers and to give even more structure! Here’s just some of what is inside my coat so far.

Can we also take a second to look at the outside of my coat.. I don’t know what it is about these stitches… but it just looks like I’m doing the real deal! Yes, it’ll be all taken out at the end, but until then, I can feel like a real tailor (even if it’s slightly messy in places).

It’s a pretty exciting point at the moment because I’m starting to add the details and turn it in to a real life coat. My first step was to get the lapel to sit nicely… I’m pretty pleased with how it worked out in the end.

Now where am I at right now? I’ve got the lining to insert and the sleeves to add then I’ll be done! Yes, that’s still a lot of work but I’m being the optimist! In my last lesson, I prepped the piping which you’ll see a tiny slither of between the wool and the lining and I love it.

I’ve really surprised myself with how much I’ve enjoyed hand sewing on this one. It’s by far the most complicated project I’ve done so far but also the one I think I’m going to be most proud of. So, hopefully, I’ll be back with an update soon.

I tried this challenge last year but didn’t quite get there… (teaching got in the way). This year, I’m going to give it another go.

I’ve decided to push myself even more this time and I’m well aware that I’m going to find some of these challenges hard. Be prepared to hear me moaning about how silk is difficult to work with or how my lines don’t match up!

Has anyone else got a sewing challenge that they’re going to attempt this year? I’d love to see what you’re aiming for.

So I’ve decided that I’m going to step in to the world of blogging and, as I’m a bit obsessed with sewing, it seemed like the perfect topic to ramble on about. I’m going to be sharing the good, the bad and the ugly of my makes and what is interesting me in the sewing world.

As it’s my first post, I thought an introduction was in order. I’ve been sewing since my teenaged years and in the last 5 years I’ve become even more ‘in to’ it; experimenting with more difficult techniques and making more items. I sew from my little conservatory in my house in Devon (great light, really hot in the summer). It’s a lovely space that really motivates me to make.

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I’ve also made the controversial move to permanently cover my arm with sewing art. It just shows how serious I am about it I guess!

So that’s me. I look forward to sharing my makes with you all.