Is it possible to fall in love with a coat? If so, then that is what has happened with my pink coat. It was a relationship which grew over several years.
First, I found the pattern, this Vogue Paris Original Designer Pattern from 1965. It was an eBay purchase made several years ago, with a promise to myself that one day, when I found the right fabric, I would make it.
Next I found this silk charmeuse couture fabric on the website of Mendel Goldberg Fabrics. It was an end cut, 2.25 yards, and when I purchased it, I envisioned another wrap dress, not the lining of a coat. Luckily I had no urgent plans to use it, and thus it eventually found its way inside the pink coat.
I am showing the lining silk here along with the pink wool to show how well they complement each other.
And then – I found the pink wool. Also an eBay purchase, this wool was not inexpensively priced, but I recognized its rarity and its “presence” in the posted pictures. Then I hoped it would live up to its promise once I received it and saw it in person. Over the years I have found some amazing things on eBay, but this wool is one of the real treasures.
Because I have already posted quite a bit about the coat’s muslin/toile and certain salient details, I will not go into too much more description about the coat’s construction. But I do want to point out some of this pattern’s engineering charms.
1) On the photo on the pattern envelope, I believe the soft shoulder of the coat is evident. I used a “cigarette-type” sleeve heading in each shoulder to enhance the smooth transition from the shoulder to the top of the sleeve. Not so evident on the pattern illustration is the drape of the back of the coat from the shoulder line. I realized this drape works so well because of the two neckline darts. They are in the neckline, not the shoulder seam; they add necessary shaping without disturbing the drape.
Can you see how the dart comes off from the neckline, not the shoulder seam?
2) The collar is an engineering marvel in my mind. The under-collar is constructed from four pieces, two main sections cut on the bias, and a 2-piece collar band, seamed at the center back. The band helps the collar to turn beautifully.
This photo clearly shows the components of the under-collar. You can also see the under-stitching I did in silk buttonhole twist.
3) When I made the toile, I was concerned about the fullness of the back of the coat. It seemed a bit much, and I have already written about my intention to add a half belt to draw in the fullness, if needed. Nope! I am so happy with the finished look – it has that 1960s’ vibe without being overwhelming. I did move the vertical back seam line up 1.25” to rest at my natural waistline, rather than below it. For me, this was the correct alteration. It may not be on someone else who has more height than I do. Another consideration was that a half belt would have concealed the seam detailing which is so lovely on the back of the coat.
An inside look at the back of the coat, showing its drape from the shoulder seams.
The other significant alteration I made was to remove 1.5″ of width from each sleeve. I possibly could have taken out even more, but I will be wearing this coat over sweaters and perhaps even a jacket, so the sleeves as I cut them will still accommodate that bulk. But I would not want them any fuller!
Although the pattern did not call for it, I added flat piping to the edge of the lining. I chose white silk crepe de chine for this contrast detail. I felt any other color would have been too demonstrative.
The coat kind of looks like a sack of potatoes in this photo of its front edge!
The finished look of the lining edge.
I had some difficulty finding pink buttons. I ended up with two varieties found in two Etsy shops. I used a larger pink-swirly one for the looped closure, and smaller pink pearl-y ones for the concealed opening. If I ever find ones I like better, that’s a easy switch. But the more I see these, the more I like this combination.
Basting threads are still evident in this photo.
Alas, it is much too warm for wearing wool coats now, but it is ready for next Fall’s cooler days. By then I hope to have a windowpane checked skirt, in delicate gray, white and pink wool, specially made to wear with this coat.
It is always interesting what photos reveal. I am thinking I may need to redo the hem to get a softer look to it. It looks like it has crinkles in it!
I will take any excuse to show the inside of this coat!
I cut a piece of the selvedge with the Lesur name on it and attached it to the right front facing of the coat right below the placket. I think this is an important part of the story of this project.
There is a very slight bow to the back of the coat, again reminiscent of the ’60s.
This coat is almost making me anxious for next Fall!
As I worked on this coat, I came to realize how perfectly suited the pattern and the wool were for each other. It was such a privilege to spend so many hours with such quality. No wonder I fell in love!
fiftydresses 
Your pink coat is GORGEOUS! I need one, too!
True love!
Thanks, Janney! You DO need one!
So lovely!! I wish I could reach out and touch the beautiful fabrics! Thank you for pointing out the details that make this such a special garment. I learned a lot!
Thank you, Eileen. I’m so glad you learned from this coat – I did, too!
Stunning coat, stunning wearer–what a beautiful and joyful combination!
It is every bit as “just right” as you describe. May you enjoy it for a long time. That lining is worth it.
Thank you, Mery! That lining was meant to be!
Thank you, Paula! I know I will enjoy wearing this coat…
What a beauty! Looks like it feels grand on and it has a calming presence to me. Love the collar construction. Simple elegance! Superb!
Thank you so much! Anytime silk charmeuse is next to your skin, it’s a wonderful feeling, so yes, it does feel quite grand!
Karen the color is stunning. I am a HUGE fan of pink. The coat is so lovely and the shape is perfect.
Please tell me about the light pink(?) sheath dress under the coat? Linen? Did you make that too? Love them both!!!
Thank you, Joanne. Yes, the sheath is linen. I made it a couple of springs ago to wear with a Classic French Jacket I had just finished. I doubt I will actually be wearing that dress with this coat, but it was fine for pictures. As for the color pink – it’s my favorite!
Stunning results. The lining makes it and I agree that the white piping adds just the right touch.
Thank you, Mary! I hope to complete the look next Fall with a couple of additions, so you will see the lining fabric again.
Absolutely beautiful! I’ve always admired that pattern. Thanks!
Isn’t that a beautiful pattern? It was such a joy to use. Thanks so much for your comment!
Hi Karen!
Absolutely fabulous!!! I love your workmanship, and the attention to the tiny details that really not only make for a beautifully structured garment, but that fine tunes this work to your individual taste. In the end, such work becomes a work of art, to my view. And this coat is a fine example of a piece of structural art. Bravo!!
Jacqueline
Thank you, Jacqueline. I have always thought fine sewing is more than a craft – it is an art. And it needs constant practice!
Oh, wow!!! I’m just speechless…this coat is incredibly gorgeous. I just fell in love as well. The colour and the lining match perfectly well. The buttons are the ones. And you look so great in it. Surely, I will come back few more times just to enjoy all the details you shared. And not to mention the captivating description of the process you wrote down. Not to forget, the small alterations you did made this coat look waaay much more elegant compared to the one on the magazine.
Thank you, Nadejda. I’m glad you like the buttons, thanks for telling me that! I appreciate your comment!
I understand your love of working with fine wools in a good design. Wool is my very favourite fabric.
And I love pink! This is a beautiful project. I love how it has all come together bit by bit over the years. Destiny!
I do indeed think it was destiny! I think one of the reasons I don’t mind winter is that it is the season for wool and gives me lots of opportunity to indulge that love. Maybe that’s why I also like coats so much!
Karen, words are not enough to say how beautiful your coat is. You are ab incredible seamstress!
Thank you, Debbie; that is so sweet!
That is just stunning Karen, the wool is indeed perfection for that pattern. Beautiful craftsmanship!
Thank you, Kathy! It was a rewarding project for me.
Your pink coat is one to treasure. Your dedication to detail on its construction is impressive. I join all the other readers in praise of your skill. It is sublime!
Thank you, Peggy. What a lovely comment!
It’s beautiful. Every coat you make is even better than the last. You are amazing.
Thank you, Jen. I am sure there are more coats in my future, but so far this is my favorite one, I think.
How refined and lady-like! Stepping right out of Vogue. Please complete the picture with turban and gloves.
Oh, wouldn’t that be fun – turban and gloves! There is more to come on the styling of this coat, but not until next Fall. Thank you, Ronel, for your fun comment!
The finished coat is just stunning, Karen. The lining is sure to add a smile to your face each time that you slip into this coat. Could I ask what you used for interfacing? It looks rather lightweight to be a sew in interfacing.
Thank you Cheryl. I underlined the entire coat with silk organza, and then used a very light weight, sew-in interfacing for that front facing and shoulder area. The coat should have a soft appearance, so I didn’t want to add any stiffness with a heavier, stiffer interfacing. That’s why I’ll probably be redoing the hem, as I don’t care for the sharp folds that are apparent in it.