A Wooly Valentine

Well, to be honest, this post was intended for Friday.  But . . . old man winter decided to make a crappy weather day, and then Saturday wasn't any better, and finally on Sunday when the Dude was headed to get fried chicken (his Sunday afternoon go-to, must have, southern genes in the big city can't get rid of fix)I took the few hours of sunshine to capture some wooly, plaid, flannel glory.  Yup.  I made him a coat.  Not only did I made him a coat, I forced (yes, forced) him to pick the color of wool and the color of flannel.  Not to worry, I gave him four options (too many options and things get hairy).  So, the Dude got a coat for Valentine's.  It has been a brutal winter after all.  I mean, so at least I know it's practical.  And, well, considering he wears it without thinking . . . I think I win.

What? A wool coat isn't very romantic you say? Well, as he said, "You made it! That makes anything romantic."

Well, let's start from the inside, just for shits and giggles . . .

The Collette Albion by my own hand.

That green (his favorite color), is lush! I've got a yard left . . . he doesn't wear boxers (oops, did I just tell you that?), but I certainly can lounge/sleep in a pair.  Up on the spring, when it actually looks and feels like spring, docket: boxers.

Labels.  I put on the cussing label for kicks . . . was a good thing.  Why? I cussed like a sailor with all that time getting to know my stitch ripper.

Plaid matching, like a BOSS.  FYI, Colette patterns (as I've learned) actually give you enough fabric for matching.  Hence, if the pattern says 3.5 yards . . . just get 3.5 yards.  You'll be able to place the pieces to match prints.  I've always been able to nail it from the dimensions provided.  

My only addition: an internal pocket.  He really wanted one, so I obliged.  Notice it is on the bias.  Why? The Dude is a boy.  See below about having a fit . .. can you imagine the whole "Where's my pocket" if the plaids matched? hahahaha

A reinforced corner.  Oh, the thread here: vintage in my stash from that box I bought last summer for ten bucks.  I rock, I know.  

FML.  I ripped that lining out three times.  Why? I forgot to fold the facings to the inside.  Genius, I know.

Other than user error, this thing goes together from cut to finish in like ten hours.  Probably eight if you aren't OCD about matching plaids.  

Pockets.  

It really is sexy.

Yea, he's never going to wear that neck band, but I used some vintage buttons I had, and put it on just in case.  

At a fitting stage.  Yea, he's impossible to get a fitting with . . . point: said "Hey, come in here and have a fit with this." What did he do? Can in the kitchen and started flaying his arms about saying "wha wha wha." When I just looked at him he said, "What? You said to come in here and have a fit."

He finds himself very funny.

FYI, LLadybird had a similar issue with the sleeve.  I used longer stitches (a three) and lined it.  The ugly wrinkle went away.  Like magic.  

His pockets have like 25 pounds of stuff in them.  So, two in seam pockets and two flap pockets are perfect.  And this bad boy holds up well!  Oh, I lied.  My other alterations were reinforcing the outside pockets with two rows of stitching.  

Those boots, for the puddles and now mounds, go well.  And that's a cowl I made him since he hates scarves.  

These boots are made for walking . . .

I'm too sexy, I'm too sexy.  

Whatcha looking at Willis? 

So, in short: I'll make this pattern again in 10 years when this one dies.  He's under orders to not become fat boy because, well, he won't fit into his coat.  Took me three days, as I did most of it on a Sunday and then on a Monday and Tuesday post work I finished it.  Sleeves are even with the cuff straps, as he likes them there.  Coat could come in by an inch on the sides, by industry standards, but he loves it this way.  I mean, after I got him to stop staying "ya know, like a normal coat" he decided that he'd listen and tell me what he wanted.  That wool, which kept him warm on a single degree wind chill night last week, is a soft drape.  I have some for a blazer pour moi.  

Toggles: I'm lame.  I used Dritz.  Judge me later. 

FYI, I'm jealous.  I like his coat better than mine.  Though, Grainline promises to release her girl pattern soon.  Dude.  Plaid for me!

On that note, there's a Porno Plaid Pants up, three hoodies, two Renfrews, and my Gloria Steinem Dress I've done in the past week and a half.  So, stay tuned.  I'll give you the Pornos next from the Juniper by Colette.