Monday, September 20, 2010

Fall Wardrobe: Quilted Swing Coat

I recently made this quilted, cropped swing coat for my 2 yr old as kind of a wearable muslin.  I say that because I used a pattern that I drafted myself, but didn't bother to test out before cutting into my fabric, and because I've never made anything fully lined before.

I think it turned out wearable, for sure, though there are lots of things I know now that I wish I had known then.  But that's what muslins are for, right?  I'm glad this one turned out ok though, because I used one of my favorite fabrics in my stash.  I quilted it together with some Warm & Natural (it's the best!) and lined it with some polyester satin lining that was in a huge bag of "ugly" fabric that Susan gave me over a year ago.  It's a busy print, but if you squint you can see the two button & loop closures on the side.




Sooooo, I'm thinking about maybe possibly sometime in the undetermined future developing this into a pattern.  Maybe.  With lots of alterations, of course. I think it would be a great and satisfying project for new sewists, and a fun, completely customizable pattern for pros.

Only problem is I don't know how.  Anybody have any hints or guidance about how to design a digital (not hand-drawn) pattern?  I'm guessing I should've started with my own co-blogger.  This is kind of her thing.  Susan?








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44 comments:

  1. And... I am totally impressed. I have no idea on the pattern drafting, but I do wish you luck- this would be a great pattern for me to purchase!

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  2. Very adorable! Love the fabric and the birds? So cute! I wish I knew how to draft a pattern as well.

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  3. Oh wow! This is just too cute for words! Wish I could make like this x

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  4. I love it! That is the cutest fabric. I would so be into having the pattern too. Unfortunately, can't help you on how to go about it though.

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  7. This is adorable!!! She looks so cute in it. :)

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  8. You did such a professional job on this. Looks like she walked straight out of a boutique. Love it!

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  9. I have been asking that same question lately so I hope someone answers it for you. There are so many great blogs out there who have digital patterns and I want to know how they do it (Juicy Bits, Noodlehead ect).

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  10. Adorable! When I use a pattern I usually just draw something out by hand on paper, so I'm not really sure about the digital. Sorry, and good luck!

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  11. I want a pattern like yesterday! :) Great job!! Susan, get on teaching her how to do a pattern... Or a photo tute. Something! hehe.

    www.casera.squarespace.com

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  12. Adorable and sooo cute, you did a fantastic job! -Kim

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  13. Wow! It's fabulous! And on your little model... beautiful! I've never made a coat before. I've got to try one now!

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  14. I know nothing about digital pattern making, but that coat is adorable! It reminds me of one my daughter has and loves that I want to copy in a bigger size. Super cute, nice job!

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  15. Oh wow I love it! I want to make one for my little miss....I hope you get the pattern thing worked out soon :) The only idea I have for your pattern making would be to hand draw it and then scan it in to the computer? Don't know if that would work but that's my first idea. Good luck!

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  16. That is so, so cute!! (And so is your model!)

    :o)

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  17. So adorable! I have been tinkering with drafting too and I must say I am all freaked out about drafting the sleeve! I have the drafting instructions but oh gracious! I am doing it by hand. Here is a link I found for you http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5060/the-ease-factor-in-pattern-drafting-software. Maybe that would be a good starting point??? Good luck!

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  18. Adorable! Great pattern and you are amazing, because I couldn't fathom how to begin sewing something like that with so much lining!!! Hat off to you!

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  19. Oh my holy cow! It's gorgeous! Great idea!

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  20. Cute! Please do a pattern! :-) I desperately need to make my girls something similar soon!

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  21. That's fabulous! Love it. I'm also hoping to create some patterns eventually and am trying to figure out the how to. I saw this tutorial, maybe it will help you out :)

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  23. You're killing me! You know how our daughters look so much alike? Well, now I HAVE to have one of these! Hmm, not sure about the pattern thing though!

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  24. That's a super cute jacket! Scanning in a hand drawn pattern would be your first step. Using a vector-based drawing program (i.e. Adobe Illustrator) and tracing over your scans would be the best way to digitize your pattern. I have this program and would be happy to help you if you'd like!

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  25. It turned out adorable, great job.

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  26. So cute! I'm pretty sure the BurdaStyle website has a tutorial on turning your pattern into a .pdf file. I've purchased .pdf patterns that are hand drawn - of course professionally drafted ones are very nice, but there's nothing wrong with leaving your pattern hand-drawn, if that is where you are. It feels more handmade (in a good way, IMO) that way. Grading to other sizes is another skill altogether...

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  27. awe she looks adorable in that little jacket! I love how you cut the pattern so that the birds would strategically be featured!

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  28. Okay, I'm just totally in love with that little girl. Could she be any cuter? And the coat is amazing. Sewing something with a lining makes me break out in a cold sweat. I applaud you!Great job!

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  29. seriously, so cute! Good luck with a pattern-I am clueless as well!

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  30. That's awesomely awesome! Well done! I can't wait to see the pattern....

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  32. Very cute I would love to have a pattern for that!

    ♥Michelle

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  33. pretty please make it a pattern?! I want to make one for my daughter!

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  34. so cute, and yes a pattern would be a super fun project for you guys!

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  35. That is really cute. The model makes it even better. Great job!

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  36. You did a lovely job! Your model is gorgeous. If you figure out how to get your pattern drafted....do tell!

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  37. I have no idea how, but you HAVE to do a tutorial full with pattern SOON! Pretty please with two whole cherries (and maybe a third) on top? This is the most adorable thing! If you think a novice sewer like myself could actually make this I would love the step-by-step how-to!! Again, loving your blog (and my use of exclamation marks)!

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  38. Oh, now that coat is adorable...as is your little model!! I would love to see a pattern too!!

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  40. So adorable! I'd certainly want the pattern.

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  42. OH MY GOSH! That is the cutest thing ever! Please put it into a pattern! :) Especially if its easy to do! :)

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  43. You totally inspired me and I made this Cute as a Button Baby Jacket. Thank you! :)

    http://danandtes.blogspot.com/2010/10/cute-as-button-baby-girl-jacket.html

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  44. i LOVE this coat! did you ever figure out how to make it into a pattern? i would love to make it for my 4 year old!! :)

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