But, here’s the thing. Despite the delightful anticipation, despite my great interest in other people’s preparations for the task, I have been harbouring a few doubts. Is this Lady the one for me?I would like to be part of a sew-in and I think that this one is going to be especially fun. The coat oozes style – that big collar, the flared skirt and wide sleeves are definitely eye-catching and I love them. However, those are the very things that are making me hesitate. I am short and easily swamped so, if I’m honest, I'm not sure if this would have been my first choice for a coat pattern to flatter my figure. I have looked at the pattern pieces and can see how I could reduce the lapels, the collar and the flare but I don't think I want to do that - wouldn’t I then actually be making a different coat? It is those style elements that make this coat distinctive. I like the look. Hmmm it’s a conundrum.
In the meantime I have been pondering on fabric. My first thought was to go for classic black – you can’t go wrong with a black coat. But then I was in the hairdressers (getting my highlights done – lot of time sitting about!) where I thoroughly perused the September issue of Vogue and I discovered that this season’s colour for coats is CAMEL. Those fashion-savvy people at Vogue say: “Invest in a classic camel coat and we guarantee you’ll wear it forever”. With that in mind I’m going to check out the discount fabric stores in the Goldhawk Road (London) to see exactly how much I’m going to have to invest to get 4 ¼ yards (oooh she’s a fabric hungry lady!) of camel wool for this coat.
I have to say that the thought of a coat in delicious caramel shade of camel – all expensive and elegant looking – is getting me quite inspired.
Also I must mention that along with the Lady Grey I ordered the Rooibos dress pattern and, I have to tell you that I’m definitely excited by it – I think this one (made a little longer than the model is wearing) is ‘me’. It’s gone straight into my autumn ‘to do’ pile.
In the meantime, what do you think of the prospect of me in a camel Lady Grey – at 5ft 2” am I too small to carry it off? Help, I'm in a frenzy of indecision ......
No matter what size or shape you are, if you don't feel comfortable in the coat (or any other garment!) it won't look good. If you love the 'idea' of the coat more than the actual coat itself, then I'd move it over to the 'inspiring - but I'm not actually going to sew it' pile.
ReplyDeleteHi Eugenia! Classic textiles on Goldhawk Road had the best selection of wool at the best prices. So don't miss that store out when you head down the street.
ReplyDeleteI wonder about this coat on me too, but for different reasons. I am "hippy" and I don't want the peplum to accentuate this feature. Once I finish a jacket I am working on, I will make a quick and dirty muslin and decide.
Hey Eugenia,
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about maybe just giving it a go as a muslin? Or maybe trying on a coat of a friends or at a department store of a similar style? Like birdmommy said, if you don't feel comfortable it won't look good but I think if you kept the rest of your outfit sleek and streamlined it would look great!
Hi Eugenia,
ReplyDeleteI think no2pesnel made a good suggestion. Do a muslin to see how it looks. You should make the coat that suits your body build. Trends are great, but do the trends that are most flatter on you.
I agree with the muslin idea. The larger lapels might be more fashion than style. The flare of that coat would hit me in my pear shaped area. Would not be a good look for me. You appear thin even though you are 5'2. But even in camel would it be too much fabric in a wool, would a waterproof cotton or gaberdine make the fullness of the coat not stand out as much. Burda had pea coat in one of their magazines. That might be cute in camel or black.
ReplyDeleteI love the Lady Grey but opted not to sew it. I'm too busty, and shortwaisted to carry it off as well as being pretty short. I don't think I could pull it off. It's a darn sexy coat though. I am in love with the Colette paterns as a whole though. I haven't ordered the Roobios yet but have the Oolong cut out and made a Cinnamon cami.
ReplyDeleteLook at Ann of Georgeous Things blog. She recently made a muslin of Lady Gray. See how the muslin fit her, and her decision about making it.
ReplyDeleteYes, make the muslin before you decide. I have similar concerns (I'm 5'3"), and will probably shave the lapels a bit, and narrow the sleeves. I don't think it makes it a different coat, just one that is more tailored to my proportions.
ReplyDeleteAnd I also think that's what is so great about sewing... that we can each take the same pattern and make it something unique. BTW, I'm going with navy wool, but camel and black were on my short list.
Make a muslin is definitely a good idea. If you do not like the result, you may shorten the length and make a coat smaller ..
ReplyDeleteI'm barely 5'4" and hippy. The flare and the collar would be too much for me especially in coating. I second or third or whatever the suggestion to look at Ann's blog. The muslin told the story.
ReplyDeleteOr you could make it in a statement color- a really awesome purple or green and combine with a simple sleek dress.
ReplyDeleteBut definitely, if I were skilled enough to attempt a jacket, I'd want to make the lapels slightly smaller so they don't overwhelm me (I'm 5'4 and quite skinny)
I think your instincts are correct. This is a lot of coat for a shorter person - think you'd do better with a longer, slimmer look, or else a peacoat shape if you want the shorter length...
ReplyDeleteHi Eugenia, I think if I were making a camel coat, I would opt for a much more classic style. For coats, something that is timeless and can be worn for many seasons is the way to go. For fun, boots, a dress etc can follow a new style or trend. Since I put so much work into coats with traditional techniques I want them to last. But I do like a classic style coat in an unexpected color - partial to jewel tones.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your decision.
I'm partial towards traditional colors for unique designs and this coat oozes style. This coat will be lovely in camel!
ReplyDeleteHi Eugenia,
ReplyDeleteI'm not small but I chose not to participate in the sew in (I'm 5'6.5") because I'm big up top with no waist so all that fabric is going to not be flattering on me! Plus, I live in SoCal so I don't see me wearing it.
I do think you have the waist to pull it off though - and a better figure than me - I'm on the fence for you. I do think the Roobios will be fantastic!
Make a muslin, you should be able to tell how those beautiful details will look on you, then you can make your decision.
ReplyDeleteI made my camel coat at the end of last season so I'm ahead for a change!
I know exactly what you mean and understand your hesitation. I chose not to be a part of the sew-along because the coat wasn't quite my style. The muslin idea is a good one and will give you a better idea of how the coat will look on you. Personally, I think you'd look great in just about anything (smile). Let us know what you decide.
ReplyDeleteYou've got alot of good advice already :)
ReplyDeleteI'd make a muslin and adjust the proportions to fit your frame. That's really the key to fit, isn't it? Play with the collar, waist placement and hem length and you could end up with a keeper. Or try on on some belted trenches at the store and see what you like/dislike about the coats.
Good luck!
I agree with many others that commented. I think you should make a muslin... and perhaps decreasing the width in the collar, the flare, and then length may keep the style and not overwhelm your body type. :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm, my gut instinct says no, you'd look better in a more streamlined and classic style. This coat pattern feels a little cutesy to me, like a junior style. But why not give a muslin a go and then decide?
ReplyDeleteI'm 5'3 and a little on the heavy side, made a winter coat last Fall with huge collar and feel like a very huge person in it. I'd cut down the collar some.....
ReplyDeleteThis is the downside of sewing--you don't know if something will flatter until it's done! However, as another small person, if you're comfortable in what you're wearing, you'll look good. So just *decide* it's going to flatter you and it will and when you wear it people will see how happy you are in it and think it makes you look great. It really is that simple sometimes!
ReplyDeleteDo you actually LIKE them or are they just attractive because of the way they are marketed. When I look at the coat I think "Too bulky, floppy, uncontrollable. I will look like a frumpy girl borrowing her mum's old coat." And the dress = ewwww. It is far too short for a sleeveless dress. Think percentages of bare flesh. It looks like a waitress's or nurse's uniform - though those may have a place in one's wardrobe, I suppose....:)
ReplyDeleteSo my vote is no! In case you hadn't guessed.
Unimpressed by either.
I'm about your height, and also have a bust that's out of proportion to the rest of me. I'd be drawn to this coat, too, but I suspect that it would look top-heavy, even if the lapels were scaled-down. But the advice to do a muslin is spot on -- that's the only way you can be sure.
ReplyDeleteHi Eugenia! I look forward to seeing what you decide to do for a coat - I like the idea of making a muslin first so that you get a better idea of how it will look on you. Thanks so much for checkiing out my blog and leaving a comment :)
ReplyDelete