The Mallard Coat

I wear my jacket versions of this pattern a lot, and decided that I really wanted a bright funky longer version to wear casually with jeans for work.

My two jackets were made in a cotton canvas, and I liked the weight of them, so spent a few hours perusing the rolls available at Spotlight.  Eventually deciding on this sublime meadow of blooming poppies.

I knew I would never be able to get the pattern matching to work on the side seams, so have settled for cutting the fabric so it at least looks like the patterns align.  I did however spend an inordinate amount of time working out how to cut the pockets so they match, only to give up on the folded cuff, it just hurt my brain too much trying to figure that out.

Lining is a beautiful coral coloured bemsilk, and I have purchased some buttons, but am going to wear it without them first to see if they are really needed.

I'm having a bit of fun putting different combinations of jeans, tops and shoes together with this.

Pattern from New Zealand company The Sewing Revival.

A Trio of Repeats and some good reads

 

I've been doing a little sewing lately, no new and exciting patterns, but repeats of some favourites.

First up was another Eva Dress.  I have been wanting a long black linen dress for summer for a while now, and though I contemplated lots of other patterns I kept coming back to the Eva Dress, I decided it was meant to be when I found the most beautifully soft Turkish linen and they had just the right amount needed left on the bolt.  I am absolutely delighted with how it turned out and cannot wait to wear it.

When I purchased the black linen I also bought a linen/tencel type fabric in a dark taupe colour.  It had the most beautiful drape and I knew immediately that it would be turned into another pair of the button pleated Burda Culottes I made here.  

The hot pink Mallard jacket I made here, has been worn a lot, I get so many compliments wearing it too.  I decided I needed another pretty jacket which fortuitously and unintentionally ended up coordinating beautifully with my new culottes.  Fabric is again an upholstery cotton canvas I got from Spotlight.  I took my time laying out pattern pieces to make the most of the beautiful designs on this fabric, and lined it with a dusky rose bemberg. The one positive of the slightly cooler summer temperatures we are currently experiencing, means that I get to enjoy wearing this for a little longer .

And when I'm not sewing, I've been reading.  So far I've read:

• Tiny Pieces of Us by Nicky Pellegrino, the story of a group of organ transplant recipients and what happens when they meet.

• Mrs Boots by Deborah Carr, the story of Florence of the Boots the Chemist empire.

• The Awakening by Nora Roberts.  This is the first in a new fantasy trilogy from one of my favourite authors.  Set in modern day Philadelphia and Ireland, as well as an old magical land accessed through a portal.  It's a typical Nora Roberts read with strong female characters and a good story line.

And to finish off on a bright and happy note - the dahlias are flowering.

The Mallard Coat Jacket

Collar Up

So, I've made myself a new jacket.  I'm beginning to wonder if I have a slight addiction to them.

This one is the jacket length version of the Mallard Coat,  a pattern from  New Zealand company The Sewing Revival.  Initially I had seen the pattern, thought that the coat was nice and not worried about the jacket.  However that changed when I saw a version made in this exact fabric, and I decided I needed my own.  (They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery)  After finding out  from the maker that Spotlight stocked the fabric, which is a cotton canvas from the upholstery department, I duly purchased it and lining and  downloaded the pattern.

Assembling the pattern was nice and easy, and I actually enjoyed cutting out the fabric, it was nice to have a heavier weight one to sew after the light rayons I've sewn lately. I found I did need quite sharp pins though.

The pattern itself was a pretty easy sew, it's fully lined too, in a lovely fuschia bemsilk also from Spotlight.

Instructions were detailed, with good diagrams also.  I made a straight size 10 and opted for the square collar which can be worn standing  up or folded down.  It is meant to fasten with domes or buttons, but I think I am going to leave these off.  I also omitted the large front pockets, which I would sew on the coat version.  I didn't worry about pattern matching as such, but made sure that the bottom hems were aligned when I cut out the pieces,  so it is a random placement of the floral print.  I also decided to topstitch the collar and front edges of the jacket also, to get a neater finish on the seams edges.

Photos today were taken by Miss B at Nathan Homestead, a heritage building which is used as an arts and events centre not too far from where I live. There are some lovely old trees and gardens, to walk around. It was just start to drizzle and the wind really picked up so we were limited to where we could get sheltered photos.  Luckily there is a nice little cafe  there, that we could revive ourselves in.

I'm really looking forward to wearing this, I think it will be a great layering piece for warmer spring and cooler summer days.  In fact all year round if I layer under it properly.

Happy weekending !