Made By A Fabricista: Animal Print Trench Coat Set

Hello Everyone, Today’s post all about my new trench coat with a matching pencil skirt.

The Fabric.

I selected a neutral colored medium weight jacquard suiting fabric. The fabric has a textured animal print and no stretch. It presses really well and it is heavy enough that it does not require any lining.

The Pattern.

I used the Anna coat pattern from Sew Over It’s Work to Weekend Capsule Collection Ebook. The coat pattern is classic mac/trench coat pattern with details like large lapels, epaulettes, side pockets, back vent and a tie belt. For the skirt, I used McCalls 8004 pattern which is pencil skirt with front dart details.

The Sewing Process.

The trench coat is a simple yet detailed pattern to sew. It has a lot of details like the side pockets, belt loops, epaulettes and lapels that helps to improve one’s sewing skills. It is a long sewing process especially if you are finishing the seams with a double fold bias binding like I did. I got about 25 yards of black double fold bias tape from Etsy since it was more cost effective to buy in bulk. I wanted the coat to have a beautiful finish on the inside since it is not lined, so I took the time to do the bias binding seams. Pressing is really key with this project especially when constructing the facing and lapels. Overall, this jacket was definitely a labor of love and I felt so fulfilled after finishing the garment. The skirt was relatively simple to sew, I also skipped the lining since the fabric has a nice weight to it but I finished the seams with a serger.

The Styling.

For this look, I paired the pencil skirt with a black bodysuit and topped it off with the trench coat. I completed the look with a pair of classic black pumps. I love that trench coat makes a bold yet subtle statement and it can be styled multiple ways. I can’t wait to pair the trench coat on top of dresses and even a t-shirt with jeans look.

I look forward to wearing my animal print trench coat this spring season.

RALIAT | @raliat.oyinlola

Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories SUITING & JACQUARD.

Made By A Fabricista: The Sheer Volume Of It All!

This garment was inspired by a dress I saw in an ad, and when I went to purchase it (which I rarely do)…I realized that the dress didn’t come in my size. Ticked off and with $300 back in my pocket, I decided to draft it myself. The description listed the fabrication as a silk cotton voile, so I used that as a starting point to recreate the simple yet elegant silhouette. My drafting experience is limited; I’ve only ever made garments that are pleated rectangles that fit into an elasticated waist. No darts, no complicated calculations, and definitely no sleeves. But I’d have that dress if it’s the last thing I do! I made a drawing, created a Pinterest board to document my inspiration, and narrowed down the features I really wanted to have: billowy bubble-hemmed bishop sleeves (say it three times fast!), a fitted and lined bodice, and a gathered tiered skirt. Finally, it was time to shop for fabric. I knew I wanted a silk blend of some kind, without breaking the bank. For weeks, I ke...

Made By A Fabricista: Just Wear It Out!

Originally I wasn’t happy with my make this time around. I put it on fresh off the sewing machine and didn’t love how it fit. My elastic was slightly too narrow for what the pattern called for. I did end up putting a stitch to close up the v-neck on the top. I thought my sewing on the waistband looked sloppy and I looked kind of frumpy in the outfit. I was going to put the project down to fix later but decided to wear it out for some feedback from our web manager and one of the describers. I ended up pleasantly surprised! The fabric is super comfortable and I felt really good wearing it. All the things I didn’t like kind of melted away wearing it out. The flaws were so small that only I noticed them. I think it’s important to remember that while striving for perfect seams and flawless construction is good, a handmade garment doesn’t have to be perfect to be wearable. This isn’t the first time I’ve softened on a garment after wearing, and it certainly won’t be the last! The 100% c...

Made By A Fabricista: In Love with Linen

Linen is the best fabric to sew and wear. I selected a beautiful 100% linen from Fabric Mart that is a steel blue and cream floral linen to sew up a By Hand London Hannah Wrap Dress pattern. The flowers look like Dahlias. I originally sewed a Toile from a black and white cotton bedsheet, wore the dress a lot but never made it again. I gave the Toile away to a friend who always commented on how much she loved the dress. When I saw this fabric, I knew I wanted to make the Hannah again. Linen is so easy to sew the entire experience reminded me why linen remains one of my favorite fabrics to sew. I look for a light to medium weight European linen for a dress. I like a rayon or cotton blend with linen because it seems to have more drape and be more soft. Linen gets softer with washing and wearing it. This particular linen feels crisp and after ironing and washing, softens up. I like how Fabric Mart describes the fabrics as top, dress, blouse, shirt weight under “Use” and will describe...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog