Monday, December 8, 2008

Enough Already

I spent Sunday with my coat. I got the lining in (yay!), got everything pressed flat, and added buttons to the sleeve belts and the back belt. Did I mention I added a back belt? It's not fitted at all, just something to take out some of the fullness without belting the whole coat in. I like it.

The shape of the coat, now that I can see it as a coat instead of a collection of separate sewing projects, is looking very much like one of my relatives' vintage coats. It should have a ratty mink collar to make it look thoroughly aunt-like. But I like the non-shape shape, it actually looks way more flattering on me than it does on Evelyn.

I actually had to take a break from it for a while in the afternoon because I couldn't stand the sight of it anymore. I'll be fine tomorrow to do the finish work, but at about 3:00 p.m. I would have happily pitched the whole thing just to not have to look at it anymore. Ever get that way with a project?

To escape,I went upstairs to the guest room (recently vacuumed for Connie's visit and still cat-hair-free) and cut out BWOF 12/08 #118. It's a skirt with very interesting piecing, and of course, I'm not doing it their way. More on that later.

After getting that all cut out, though, my head was clearer and I went back to the workroom and got the lining into the coat without any problems. Rather than bagging the entire lining, I just did facing to coat and I'm going to hand-sew the bottom and sleeve hems. I did think about bagging the whole thing, but once again, the thickness of the fabric made me reconsider - the thought of turning this whole coat inside out through an opening in the bottom was just risking shred-of-brocade, and that I'm not having.

So next up (tomorrow, unless I need further resting) are all the hems, marking the buttonholes, a good bit more pressing, and sewing on the buttons.

This way, I figure, if it's not too cold on December 16, I can wear my unbuttoned coat to NY, and just button myself up after visiting Jonathan's. That would be way easier than having to wear one coat and carry another. And it will make me very precise in marking my buttonholes, won't it?

Can't wait to start sewing something else. I know I'm actually making pretty good time on this, but I'm tired of it now.

13 comments:

senaSews said...

Sorry, you didn't enjoy this project. I love your coat so far. You did an amazing job!

Elaray said...

"I actually had to take a break from it for a while in the afternoon because I couldn't stand the sight of it anymore. … I would have happily pitched the whole thing just to not have to look at it anymore. Ever get that way with a project?"

Yes, I have! And that is why I haven't attempted a coat yet! I'd keep thinking of all the other things I could be making if I didn't have to finish this darn coat!!! I admire your commitment!

Tany said...

It's looking great, Karen. I've made this coat last year (pretty much like the original, in leopard print velvet fur) and I still wear it. It's a great coat.

cidell said...

I love those buttons. but, it's 21 degrees in Baltimore this morning! I can't imagine how much chiller it is in Philly, never mind NYC!

-E said...

I love that you added the belt to the back, can't wait to see it in person :)

Little Hunting Creek said...

I get bored too and want to move on to something else. But the coat looks great and I admire your perseverance :)

Dawn said...

I was bored with my coat too. Hang in there!!

I'm excited to see what you have planned for the skirt. I traced that out yesterday and can't wrap my brain around the fly opening with the lining. Let us know what you decide to do!

Gretchen the Household Deity said...

You are definitely making good time on this! It will be keeping you warm soon enough.

Kitty Couture said...

Hi Karen, your coat is looking good! I know what you mean about having to take a break from a project, even one we've been enjoying.

Meg said...

The sight of my coat while I was making it often made me retch. Hang in there. And I like your buttonhole plan. Home sewing machines really don't like making buttonholes.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

You know when you are in NYC you could stop by M&J and buy a piece of mink trim to stitch to the collar to complete the look! :) You will be happier with it when it's done, you are just experiencing fabric fatigue!

Lori said...

The coat looks great so far. I know what you mean about pitching the entire thing, I felt that way about my trench.

Cennetta said...

Great progress on the coat. I totally understand "Enough Already". I'm trying to at least finish my Sew-Along coat. It taking me forever!