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Category: outerwear
I recently had the pleasure of testing a new pattern for Love Notions, the Octave Coat. This coat is so versatile! It can be dressed up or down so easily with fabric choice, offers a shawl or hooded collar, includes generous pockets in a clever design, and the choice of a belt or button closure. The option of a lined or unlined coat also gives all kinds of options for looks and added warmth.
I made a shawl collar coat with a button closure in a thick, cozy fleece from JoAnn Fabrics. Instead of trying to make a buttonhole through those thick layers, I sewed a snap under the button.
We’ve stayed connected to the other contestants throughout this past year. When Jess needed testers for her new Softshell Jacket though, I noticed that I had some free time in my sewing calendar so I hurried to sign up because the sewing community is cool like that. Bonus: This jacket is exactly what the kids needed for our upcoming trip to the U.K.
I ordered my softshell fabric from Frollein-S. Softshell has a thin layer of fleece fused to a water-resistant layer of fabric. My softshell also has a slight stretch to it. While my daughter measured closer to a size 4, since she was between sizes, and I wanted growing room, I sewed a straight size 5 for her. She will be able to layer this over a sweater and I can uncuff the sleeves as she grows this winter.
I opted to sew the simple version (View B) of the jacket. I just did a complete reorganization of my sewing room and now my piping and zippers are all stored neatly. I have so many notions I wanted to only use from my stash. This separating zip was from a bundle given to me by my mother a few years ago that she picked up at a tag sale. This was also the first time I shortened a separating zipper. One reason I still test patterns occasionally is that it challenges me to try new things and expand my sewing skills.
I have sewn about a half dozen outerwear/jacket patterns for myself and my crew. View B is by far the simplest construction of any jacket pattern I’ve tried and I think the fit is fabulous. If sewing outerwear has been a challenge for you, I recommend you start with this pattern!
Speaking of challenging and testing me, my usually super cooperative 3 year old was NOT super cooperative for pictures. We even went out twice to get some! I do however have a softshell jacket cut out for my middle daughter now that more softshell fabric has arrived! I can’t wait to share more views with a more cooperative model and with enough zippers to make the beautiful View A!
Make sure you grab your softshell jacket pattern now while it is on sale for $6.75 through August 25th!