crafterhours

sleeping babes. crafting moms.

Fall Wardrobe: Quilted Swing Coat

By 44 Comments

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?

Comments

  4. Jen says

    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.

    Reply

  9. Stacey says

    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).

    Reply

  14. ~linds says

    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!

    Reply

  15. Cammie says

    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!

    Reply

  23. D-L says

    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. Allison says

    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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  26. Maura says

    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…

    Reply

  37. mrsapplejuice says

    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)!

    Reply

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