And it’s a full garment at last.
The sleeves are in, after much swearing, stitching, ripping, re-stitching and poking of self with sharp pins. But they look decent, the inside is immaculately tidy and they aren’t going to fall out any time soon. The coat begins to look as I’d imagined, at last. I was silly to think the patchwork part was going to be the most time-consuming thing about this project…
Next step is binding all the open edges. The silk backing is fraying a little here and there, and stitching is opening in places, so the sooner I secure all that, the better. It’s going to be narrow, like the top edge of the collar, and double fold straight-grain binding for durability. Same inky blue as all the rest.
And finally, I’ve found some froggings for the closures! Black satin rolled ribbon with turk’s head knots in place of buttons. I bought a pack of 6, so I have some flexibility. They had red as well, but I wasn’t quite as in love with the idea; the dark colour contrasts so well with the colourful background. Not sure yet how best to attach them, but it’ll probably involve insanely tiny hand-stitching around the outside edge. Or maybe straight through the middle of each coil. Anyone got any suggestions or experience of these?
In the home stretch now. The final push will be the pockets, which need to be located once I’ve got this thing on and can decide where I want to put my hands!
Melbourne, get out your sunglasses and brace to be dazzled 😀
talltalesfromchiconia 
Such a glorious vision you had, coming into being as a fabulous creation! You are going to look a Smash coming down the avenue! Runway??
I’m just relieved my ability matched the vision so I was able to make it happen. There were one or two spots there when I thought I might have bitten off more than I could chew…
That last sentence made me nearly choke on my coffee… the clearest visual of you descending in blinding technicolour glory from a tram amongst a crowd of monochrome commuters all grabbing for their shades.
Yeah! “No, no, too much colour! My eyes…!” Snort. I shall bring a shot of tropical fabulousness to the Melbourne winter.
FasTAStic job, Kate!
Big binding job today, and then it’s just the pockets and working out how to add the froggings.
YEAH!
It’s a wowzer topper❤️
Chiconia and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Just gorgeous!
Yup, zackly. And why not create something unique at the same time. I don’t expect to turn heads, but it’s distinctive, isn’t it?
Mr. Mousiekins would look fetching in a matching coat. 😉
He would indeed, but there are very few opportunities for such a coat in our climate. He doesn’t enjoy clothing very much, and the lovely dotty coat I made him, the fleece sweater and the velvety/polar fleece coat he already has are all sitting unused because he runs pretty hot. I think he feels that black goes with everything, so why should he dress up?
The sleeves are indeed immaculate, many congratulations
They will be a tad thicker under the arms than a regular seam because of the construction method, but not enough to be uncomfortable, I think. I’m also glad I opted to make the sleeves match!
My gosh, Kate. Your coat is a thing of beauty. I’ll bet it’s cozy as well. Those frogs are just the right touch.
It’s very light, but because the batting is 60% wool, I think it’ll be fairly warm. Not toasty, but cosy.
Nice!
As you know, i’ve no idea, really, but despite that, i’m making a suggestion ! If you are going to attach through the coils, how about incorporating colourful glass beads? If you don’t have any, there will be a local lampworker delighted to make some.
I do have some very pretty tiny beads, but I’m going to pass, as I want the dark frogs to stand out really well against the background. The red ones I looked at had beads and were very pretty, but they wouldn’t have stood out as well. Thanks for the suggestion, though!
I knew you’d have considered everything 💜
Oh you will be a burst of sunshine in dreary Melbourne next month 🥰
It’s looking fabulous and can’t wait to see you in it 🥳
Tomorrow, perhaps. I have to bind the sleeves, add the pockets and apply the frogging.
I was thinking a waistcoat to go over a few all black or all grey ensemble would be another brilliant addition to your wardrobe… lined but no wadding so u can get good use in your weather??
I shall have to see what I can make of the scraps; there’s quite a few of them, but it’s all weird shapes. What I’d really like is a sort of deep ‘corset’ belt, lots of really dense quilting, etc.
Another thought 💭
The wired shapes… could they not be basted into a bigger piece and then edges neatened with a zigzag stich ?💭
I’d have to join them with sashing as they’re fully sandwiched already. I’ve already thought of doing something like that, but it’s way down the To Do list…
Well done with those sleeves. I’m having my own drama with jacket sleeves at the moment and they’re nothing like as complicated as yours.
Anything you can show us soon?
Hopefully soonish. I have some earlier projects to show first – if I can remember where I’ve stored the photos and any of the process.
looking fabulous! I’ve never sewn on frogging, but I’m sure you’ll find some useful “how to” videos on YT.
You’re right, of course. Either I’ll work it out for myself, or I’ll find something online.
That freshly born coat looks eager to go out and adventure, the way new runners want to go out to run around!
First it’s going to fly a bit, then it’s going to swank around Brisbane airport, then it’ll fly a bit more and get startled glances at Melbourne airport, and then I’ll take it for an airing in Little India, where it will be truly appreciated… You get the idea. It’s going to be getting a major outing next month!
My jackets are envious of your jacket’s itinerary.
Hahaha!
What a glorious jacket! It will keep you warm just by looking at it!
Yes! You can warm your hands at it!
Oh my goodness! Is Melbourne even ready for this brilliance!
Love the planned closures. Soon you will be wearing this scrappy masterpiece!
Perhaps I should warn people about a potential seismic shock… 😂
It’s very, very pretty! You will DAZZLE!
And be cosy at the same time.
Yes! Perfectly Perfect!
Stunning!
Thanks! I tried it on and it fits a treat. Just needs pockets and the frogging to be attached, sew in a label, and I’m done!
The style of the jacket is stunning. compliments to the fashion designer and tailor. Beautiful work.
Thank you! It’s very close to being done now, so I’ll have to work out how to get a decent photo of myself wearing it…
Fabulous! (as expected!)
… and nearly done!
That looks amazing!
I’m really happy with how it’s turning out; I wasn’t sure I’d be able to pull it off!
They fitted in beautiful, if a little painfully.
Perfectly expressed. I’ve put it on a few times now, and love it to bits. Can’t wait for the clasps to arrive!
Ah, sleeves. They’re never fun, and I’m sure they were an extra challenge given the bulk of your garment. It looks terrific, Kate.
Pins are always the hazard with sleeves, and doubly so when you need to use even more because of all the layers. But it was worth it!
Beautifully bright. Yes Melbourne’s boring black puffer obsession is stale. You will brighten the world
… and I’ll be hard to lose in a crowd 😂
You’ll get a lot of attention when you were this stunning coat !!
I think it’ll certainly stand out in the sea of black winter coats in Melbourne!