I’ve managed a few short sewing sessions.
The collar is bound and on. It looks so much better than I’d feared, and I have great hopes for the finished effect. Overall, things are looking really good, but I’ve realised that as it’s a winter garment, I need to be able to wear knitwear underneath. Which meant that in its current form it was a tad on the snug side. There was, fortunately, a simple solution, which was adding an extra strip down the front left (as you wear it) side. Most of this will be covered by the wrap-over, but it will allow for an easier fit. You don’t really notice it, so long as you overlook the extra strip of sashing.
The sleeves are still patiently waiting to be pieced in. It’s by far the trickiest job and I haven’t been mentally here for such fiddly work over the past days. I thought I might give you a sneak preview of the lining silk, though…
Hopefully in the next couple of days, I’ll feel up to the potentially fairly demanding job of inserting them. Can’t wait to try on the fully assembled thing!
I think I can promise this will be ready for our much-anticipated trip to Melbourne in June!
talltalesfromchiconia 
The “extra strip of sashing” is a design feature, surely!! Silk lining – oooh, aaah! It’s looking wonderful, Kate!
I agree, we’ll call it a design feature! The silk lining was a length I’d had in the Cupboard of All Colours for about 15 years, bought at a yard sale for $3 and never used because the ‘right’ side was very, very bold. The reverse, however, was *perfect* for the lining of this coat, both in quantity and in colour.
looking fantastic. Mr Chiconia won’t be able to lose you in a crowd when you’re wearing your new coat!
He definitely won’t! Last year we went to Melbourne in the winter, and went to Costco there with our friends. It is v a s t. The only reason we were able to find my friends back is because she was wearing a yellow coat amidst all the blacks, greys and navies…
It looks wonderful!
Nearly done!
Ooh that silk lining looks amazing!
I had to quilt it in as the backing, but it took the quilting pretty well, just a few spots where the stitching is imperfect. Not really an issue and I don’t want to pick it out as the silk will mark, even though I’ve used a Microtex needle.
OH! I LIKE IT!!! Yes, I do!
Love it!
I knew you would!
Good luck with the sleeves but wait until you feel fully functional before you attempt them.
Yes, I agree. Unpicking two layers of sashing and three layers of quilting is not my idea of a good time. But the quick and easy ‘cut yards of bias strip’ tutorial was fun and it really works!
And it’s so stylish, you’ll take Melbourne by storm
It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it WILL be a great antidote to the bleak winter weather!
They’ll be secretly jealous of you. XX
Looking super good & that extra strip definitely adds something special to it 🤍
I like how crisp and neat the dark blue sashing makes everything look, so I wasn’t too upset at having to put it there.
You will get people stopping you in the street and asking where you bought that marvellous coat 👏
That would be fun, and even more fun to be able to say I made it!
I wish you good health so you can get this finished up! It’s looking gorgeous.
Today, a week later, was the first day I really felt well again. Not a fun bout, but I did make some progress. Tomorrow, I scale Mt Sleeve Insertion!
I love it. Even without the sleeves it looks stylish and crisp. It sure will be something on the grey Winter streets of Melbourne!
Won’t it, though! Everyone will know I’m a tourist.
This coat already looks wonderful Kate! I love how the sashing accentuates the seamlines.
So do I, I think it gives structure.
This is going to be stunning. I love the swoop-over design of the front and the folded wings look of the collar.
Yes! And today, I found tiny coiled and knotted cord froggings to fasten it, perfect!
Such a happy-coat! It looks great.
It looks happy, feels happy and makes me happy 🙂
It’s glorious. I love the contast that dark edge (binding?) gives. It makes it look wonderfully designed, considered and crafted, if you know what I mean. Like the difference the correct feame choice makes to a sketch, or cropping a photo. I really love it all.
Binding when it’s on the edge, sashing when it’ between panels. You’re catching on well! I agree the dark lines give it an architectural, drafted quality which I love.
Oooh! You are so talented! That is coming along nicely! That dark binding really adds to the coat!
It does, doesn’t it? I wondered initially if it was going to be too dark, but I’m so glad I went with it.
Looks amazing! Pin, pin, pin and tack! That’s all I have to say.😄
The first sleeve is in, and my hands are full of pin pricks, but it looks A-mazing!