WHAT?! Another coatigan?

 Yup, but hold on -- there's a good reason for yet another coatigan. For one thing, the climate here is well suited to a light-weight coat or jacket and it could see wear far into December, then again as Spring approaches. But really, I mostly wanted to use up a length of boiled wool that had been hanging around the stash closet for a while (a couple of years? Maybe). Even though I find cool toned colors more flattering now that my hair is a silver/dark grey combo, I still have a goodly amount of warmer colors in nice fabrics from before -- and what better use than an outerwear garment that can go over the more flattering colors and then be removed when you go inside? See, reasons!

So, once more -- McCall's 7476 in view D, a nice shawl collar (a favorite of mine) and patch pockets for those necessary items when out for a brisk walk in the autumn air. Which is pretty much my only reason for leaving the house these days. 

The pockets were upsized just a bit, and given a slightly slanted top. Instead of a raw edged finish on the sleeve and bottom hems I did three rows of top stitching on a turned up hem. The collar also has the same topstitching, as does the top edge of the pockets. Shoulder and side seams were sewn conventionally, not lapped, and were topstitched on either side of the seam in order to hold down the seam allowances. Only one row on either side of the seam though, not the triplicate of the hems. By some feat of serendipity I found a vintage button in my collection that nicely matched the color of the boiled wool, and instead of a buttonhole I made a simple thread chain to loop around it.

There was some pants sewing also, but not pictured. Nothing much to be seen from navy pants on a hanger. The pattern used was Vogue 8909, an athletic style pant for woven fabrics. So -- sweatpants with pretentions. The fabric used was a Tencel twill from Stylemaker Fabrics. As you would expect, it frayed fairly easily, but was pleasant to sew. 

I'm a bit "meh" about them. They fit, and will get worn, but they won't be a favorite reached for again and again. I made view B, which has self-fabric elasticated cuffs and I knew sewing them up that they were slightly cropped (i.e. above ankle length) but I was hoping to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. Umm, no. That length just doesn't feel as comfortable in this style of pant (to me). Well, live and learn. 

Still hoping to get started on the slacks block pattern from Connie Crawford, but I keep putting it off for other things. I think because I know this block/sloper pattern will require much more work than the two shirt patterns of hers that I just made up. 

B is for Basics

Lots of sewing -- lots of pics.

The weather finally turned cool for a short moment (warm and humid today though, ugh!) and I finally got the urge to sew up a few things for autumn. Nothing fancy, nothing to 'ooh and ahh' over -- just down to earth basics that will see a lot of wear. And the best thing? All from patterns that have been sewn before, so just straight, fast sewing with not a care in the world about fit. 

 I've been a big fan of Style Arc patterns for years now, and I reached way back in the pattern drawer for their Cosy Cardi. It's a streamlined cardigan -- no frills, drapes or fussy bits -- but it's one I reach for time and again. I was using a knit with very little stretch, so this one got graded up in circumference with the length remaining the same. 

It will be worn open, so no buttons or snaps -- the thick knit doesn't lend itself to either. In the photo it's pinned together at the neck so as not to expose the model. Yes, it's just a bit of plastic, but I'm not about to risk running afoul of internet standards.

Next another Style Arc pattern -- Brooklyn. This is sewn in a double sided knit, black with white spots on one side, black and white stripes on the other. It's a loose boxy top and will work well in cooler weather with an under layer.

A twinset (of sorts):  The cardigan is McCall 6844 and the pullover is a mash up of Pamela's Patterns Perfect Tee and the cowl from Sewaholic Patterns Renfrew Top (links in next garment). Fabric is a grey rayon/poly rib knit from Fabric Mart.

I've combined two patterns in the next make -- Pamela's Patterns Perfect Tee for the body, and Sewaholic Patterns Renfrew Top for the cowl neck.

Anyone noticing a neckline trend? Yes, I do love a cowl neck. Fabric is a bamboo jersey from Emma One Sock.

It can't be All Cowls All the Time though -- the next one is Kwik Sew 3658. I love the bamboo jersey knit from Emma One Sock and hope it holds up in the laundry, but I'm a bit nervous that the white markings may crack with repeated washing. Although it is a vee neck, it comes up in the back to keep my neck nice and cozy. 

And lastly, a garment from last season that I don't think ever was featured. I know it was made too late to be worn in the autumn and it really isn't a style for really cold weather. It's a coat/cardigan combo (coatigan?) and is McCall 7476.

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Again, it's pinned at the neckline to preserve plastic modesty, but will be worn open, or with a beaded silver/grey kilt type pin that I have.

The fabric is a dark grey boiled wool/rayon blend and the trim is a knit which I think is a wool or wool blend popcorn textured fabric. Both were from Fabric Mart, but I'm sure they are long since sold out.

And a closer look at the trim fabric:

Still no slacks, but I finally got the Connie Crawford slacks/pants sloper, so I hope to start on that soon.