Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Raglan Sleeve Coat: Almost There!


Readers, I am so close to finishing this thing I can taste it. (Mmmm, tastes like wool and angora!) I just have to assemble and put in the lining (the VoNBBS way, completely by hand), and then make the faux fur collar. I might actually get impatient and leave the fur collar for later. I think the blue one is mighty cute--what do you think?

Also, I ordered enormous fabric-covered buttons from Pat's Custom Buttons and Belts, and they look amazing. Also good enough to eat. (Can you tell I'm hungry? Must be lunch time.)


Anyway, I can report that this thing looks exactly like the Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing version, which is totally unlike anything I own. The cuffs are gigantic, as big as my head. I will have to pose dramatically in it, like so:

More to come!

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45 comments:

  1. coffeeaddictNovember 1, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Swoon! This is exactly and I mean EXACTLY the kind of coat I've been dying to have. In this exact colour too. Sort of vintage Tiffany blue. Dreamy!

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  2. Theresa (Miss Charlotte)November 1, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    I love the color! And yes, the buttons are delicious. Can't wait to see the final masterpiece...cheers!

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  3. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    It looks so lovely! Can't wait to see more!

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  4. patsijeanNovember 1, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Wow! Beautiful coat. I just finished a Hoodie made of a woven rayon/poly blend brocade. Kinda cute.
    https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.265896263451755.60170.100000941516003&type=3

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  5. UnknownNovember 1, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    So pretty! It reminds me of something my stylish grandmother would have worn. Please post more updates as you sew it! I'm interested in seeing how Vogue recommends construction.

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  6. UnknownNovember 1, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. UnknownNovember 1, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    ¡Hola Gretchen!
    ¡Qué lindo abrigo!. Los botones parecen dulces que se deshacen en la boca...Tu abrigo me dio hambre :)
    Saludos, Catherine

    Hi Gretchen!
    What a beautiful coat!. The buttons look like candy that melt in the mouth ... Your coat makes me hungry
    ;) Catherine

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  8. Second Hand RoseNovember 1, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    Wow this coat is outstanding!! Absolutely gorgeous, you are so talented and I love the buttons and the colour!! It looks gorgeous with the collar left as it is, but I think it would look lovely with some fur too!! Could you make a fur collar that you could attach when you want to somehow? Love your blog! XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.com/

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  9. LauraNovember 1, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    ;) Now how did you know that this is exactly what I'm making? Only I'm making two with peter-pan collars and pleats in infant and toddler sizes! (My versions are even blue with matching hats!)

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  10. RoseNovember 1, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    I would love a coat like that! It's so classic and fun and glamourous all at the same time! I'm no good with coat linings, though...Love the color.

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  11. Karen in MilwaukeeNovember 1, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    Love your results! Tailoring is so rewarding. Your choice of custom buttons is perfect. I'm sure you'll enjoy wearing this coat for many years. Who knows, maybe this coat will be the vintage coat that gets passed to another generation of appreciators.

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  12. Straight Talking Mama!November 1, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    It looks gorgeous even just peek you've given us!

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  13. Toby WollinNovember 1, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    Yes, Gert - THAT is a coat. And THOSE are amazing buttons. I love them. You will look fantastic in that coat and it will keep you soooooo warm. Love it.

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  14. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    It looks divine - such a pretty colour. The workmanship looks excellent. Those buttons are really cute!

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  15. EmilyNovember 1, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    Looks lovely! I kind of prefer the non fur collar.

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  16. Miss Crayola CreepyNovember 1, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    I can't wait to see it!

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  17. SusanNovember 1, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    So beautiful! Did you draft the pattern yourself? I want it!

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  18. MelissaNovember 1, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    WOW! What a great coat :) Looks good so far!

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  19. EmilieNovember 1, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    looks great! You'll need some really awesome brightly colored gloves I think to go with the big cuffs! Can't wait to see the whole thing.

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  20. LizzyNovember 1, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    ooh!!! lovely!!! I REALLY want to do a coat like that!

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  21. AlaskapsychNovember 1, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    Whoa! That looks fantastic! I'm so inspired!

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  22. aecNovember 1, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    I can't wait until I have half the sewing skills and patience that you do! Lovely, lovely color choice. Sigh. Perhaps I should get started on my Lady Grey Sew Along coat now that I finally have the fabric preshrunk, um, a year later?

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  23. Pin QueenNovember 1, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Ooooooo...... I have been waiting to see this coat. I'm in love with the colour, shape and my goodness those buttons! When will there be photos, when? When? Will you be posting any techniques? Did I mention I LOVE it?!

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  24. UnknownNovember 1, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Woohoo!! Gorgeous. The blue is so sweat, I look forward to see it finished.

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  25. RenaissanceBombshellNovember 1, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Simply stunning.

    I second what Emilie said about gloves! (Especially having bought 4 pairs at the markets myself last weekend)

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  26. TraceyNovember 1, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Gertie! Looks really great! Just in time for the snow? I live in California-Northern, it does get cold here too! Your coat will be perf to wrap yourself in to guard against all the winter elements! Stunning! Did you do the button holes by hand? Can't wait to see the finished piece!!!

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  27. LeighNovember 1, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Wow! It looks fabulous. Can't wait to see the fur collar.

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  28. VickiNovember 1, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    It's gorgeous, I love the buttons. Great colour, I can't wait to see it on you!

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  29. MarloesNovember 1, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    It looks amazing, and I love the colour and buttons... Can't wait to see the entire coat completely put together...

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  30. UnknownNovember 1, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    That color is beautiful. And I LOVE a big cuff :)

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  31. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    I love the color! Very curious about the result. I'll keep checking in!

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  32. Social HistorianNovember 1, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Looking forward to seeing the finished garment, the preview looks so pretty!!

    I bought 5m of boiled wool in the same shade last week for a coat project. They had a pastel green that was so tempting too...

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  33. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    What a beautiful coat, Gertie. (even so...nothing can compare to your red coat...)

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  34. UnknownNovember 1, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    oh it does look like Tiffany's Blue, sooo pretty and those buttons are sooo cute. and now that you mention it, they do look cute enough to eat! hahaha

    www.sweetsurrenderart.com

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  35. lexiNovember 1, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    So gorgeous! I've always wanted a coat in this colour to match my glasses. I can't wait to see the cuffs. And I like the collar sans fur - it looks so neat and pretty as is.

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  36. S in TXNovember 2, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    This coat is absolutely fabulous. I love the buttons. You must make the fur collar, but it's OK, if you want to wear the coat first! LOL Way to go, Gretchen! :)

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  37. luluNovember 2, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Oooooo... this is a dream coat... just love all the proportions!

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  38. MartineNovember 2, 2011 at 5:25 AM

    Martine from France
    You have always a lot of ideas to make your wardrobe so personal !
    Would you be so kind as to transmit me the mail address for the buttons. In France it's quite impossible to find these articles nowadays.
    Thanks in advance,

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  39. joenNovember 2, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Love the color! and the fabric looks so cozy and warm can't wait to see the finished coat. You can always make the fur collar to wear around the holidays.

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  40. NathalieNovember 2, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    Crikey. Only a glimpse of coat, but it is gorgeous!

    Looking forward to the full reveal - and hearing about the faux-fur collar. I bought a 60s Vogue pattern last year specifically because it had a fur collar and I wanted the instructions on how to make it - only to find that all it said was "have your furrier make the collar"... Fat lot of use that was!

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  41. suziwong66November 2, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    Gertie, i'm not a lover of Raglan sleeves, but good lord that pic of your coat is teasing me to no end LOL

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  42. MelanieNovember 2, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    it looks great! I can't wait for the reveal.

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  43. KristenNovember 2, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    oh those buttonholes! I see them and want to cower in a corner! I don't know if I will ever be brave enough to try them!

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  44. Karen S.November 2, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Beautiful! Love the styling of the coat, the buttons, the color, everything. I want one!! Will you make me one next?! Fantastic job.

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  45. a little sewingNovember 2, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    It looks just delicious and I loooove those big 'ole buttons.

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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