Cherry Limeade Coat completed

I couple of weeks ago I blogged about the coat I started for Sissy.  I have since named it the 'cherry limeade' coat- due to the color and pattern- and the fact that I drank a million cherry limeades from Sonic when I was preggo with Sissy.

Well I finished it (the coat) last week.  I just realized that it is really the first coat, with lining to boot, that I have ever made.  Everything was fairly easy except for the hem.  I don't know why exactly- but the hem really kicked my behind!  It is a Simplicity pattern from Threads that I used. 

 I was really surprised that it didn't have better directions for the hem, and also for the princess seams on the coat lining and facing.  I couldn't find buttons that I liked so I bought a covered button kit and made my own to match.  This is my second time making the covered buttons- if I had known how easy they are- I would have been making them long before now!

I am not sure if I like the coat?  It may be TOO loud?  She hasn't worn it yet- it is really a coat to wear with a dress and boots- like the picture on the pattern envelope.  The important part is that SHE loves it.  I know I say this all of the time- but the smile on her face when I make her something makes it all worth it.  She is so proud to wear my creations.

not sewn on yet- just laying out the buttons to see how they would look.  I almost did them in the polka dot- I am tempted to make some just to see- it's easy to change buttons after all...

I swear the hem is even!  I think maybe the front facing needs to lose some of the interfacing, it is too stiff at the bottom and doesn't hang quite right.  Any suggestions?

my favorite part- the lining!  you can see the dark green bias tape I used for the hem as well- not entirely happy with it.

I am on a polka dot kick apparently.  The dress I am now working on (the purple taffeta), has black polka dots.  Today Jaime and I hit up Yuzawaya and we found some super cute satin for the girls' Halloween costumes- Sissy's is orange with black polka dots and her BFF's is purple with black polka dots.  I am making skirts to go with their kitty ears and tails... 

I just realized I forgot the tulle!  That is reason enough to go back to Yuzawaya.  If you ever visit Japan- you MUST hit up Yuzawaya.  They have EVERYTHING.  Everything.  I found out there is a really big one about an hour from me- it is on  my list as a future weekend excursion.

It is a great start to my weekend! 

Cheers!

Looking at the next project...

I am so close to finishing Sissy's coat, but the hem kicking my butt!  The lining fits beautifully in the coat- but I just can't give it a decent hemming!  As it has been unseasonably warm, I have not been too inspired to finish the darned thing.  I have already taken the hem out at least 3 times and have shortened it a bit as well.  My goal is to finish it by next week.  I just need to swallow a big dose of patience and work it out!  Then all that will be left are the sleeves and the buttons/buttonholes.  I think I am going to do covered buttons.

I mentioned in my last post I have another project in the works.  It is a cute little party dress, I really hope the fabric is as cute as it looks online...

Iridescent Flocked taffeta from Fabric.com

Vogue V7848

I am going to make View C- though I may omit the ribbon if I can't find something I like.  I may shorten it a bit as well, but not too much.  While I wait on the fabric, I will work on the muslin.  And guess what?  I actually HAVE real unbleached muslin in my stash!  I thought I only had a small piece, but it turns out I have about 3 yards worth.  I can't even tell you how long I have had it- it probably came from Woolworths or Newburys (anyone remember those stores?)

Note to self- don't look at your order history for Fabric.com.  I can't believe I have spent that MUCH money!  *faints*

Coat for Sissy- in progress

My latest project is a long dress coat for Sissy.  I found this super cute green 21 whale corduroy at Fabric.com and a red polka dot for the lining.  The pattern is OOP Simplicity 3978.  I have had this pattern for a few years now, and I am glad it goes up to a size 8.  I have been wanting to make the coat for some time now.  But now I am afraid that maybe I was a little too adventurous with the colors?  It is going to be very long, down the calves, so all that green?  And it is kelly green, nice and bright.  I think I have decided to go ahead and continue with this length.  But before I finish it up I will decide if it needs to be shortened.  Sissy likes the length and is excited for the finished product. 

I want to make the other coat eventually as well- but maybe a more conservative color/print this time?

what I have so far...

you can see how long it is here, the mat underneath is a yard long

polka dot lining pieces

Of course, if it doesn't cool down here in Japan, she won't wear the coat for some time.  Last night at 9pm it was still 80 degrees out, it had been over 90 earlier in the day.  I have not checked the temp this morning, but I can see that it is nice and hot out already.  I am dreading driving my car today, as the AC doesn't work!  It makes me sweat just thinking about it...