I’m sure you must be all excited when you read Tasia’s post about Sewaholic latest pattern: the Robson coat! This is an unlined classic trenchcoat that is perfect for warmer weather. I was fortunate once again to have the opportunity to be one of the pattern testers. This is my fourth time by the way, I’ve tested Minoru jacket, Renfrew top, and Hollyburn skirt before. Thank you Tasia!
Here’s the description of the pattern: description: “Trench coat features rounded collar and lapel, princess seams, and front pockets. Double-breasted with storm flaps and epaulettes for a classic look. Coat is unlined, with inner seams bound with bias tape for a clean finish. Closes with buttons and a fabric tie belt to create an hourglass silhouette.”
Tasia recommended to use light to medium weight woven fabrics such as cotton twill or canvas for this coat, but I have something like this in my mind, so my fabric choice was a bit different. As I didn’t find lace fabric similar to the Burberry coat, I used a pretty eyelet fabric in somewhat similar color. The fabric is polyester with eyelet pattern and certain sheen on it.
The store where I bought the fabric sells out of print and end of rolls fabric and there was only 4 m of 110 cm wide of the fabric left while Tasia suggested a lot more even for the size I was making, size 0. I spent some extra time arranging the pattern pieces and successfully managed to squeeze all of them in 4 m of fabric! My alteration was shortening the bodice and hem quite a lot so I think this has contributed to the success.
I underlined the fabric with rayon lining, carefully basted around each pieces by hand since both layers were quite slippery. This process took quite a long time but I’m glad I did it because it really made the sewing process easy. Per the instruction, all the seam allowances are then enclosed in bias binding. I made my own binding from the lining fabric but a store-bought one would make the process faster.
If you’ve never made a coat before, I really recommend this pattern. At first glance, it may look a bit intimidating with all the pattern pieces, but Tasia has written a very good instruction as usual so everything is quite clear. The coat is unlined, so the sewing process is a lot more faster and easier than lined coat. Of course, who wouldn’t need a classic trenchcoat in their wardrobe? As for me, I’m super happy with my new spring trenchcoat!
Pattern is Robson coat size 0.
Beautiful coat. I love the fabric you used for it. Gorgeous!
I live the fabric! And it fits you perfect! No wonder Tasia keeps choosing you to be a pattern tester! You make everyone want to copy your stuff!
Oh, I love this. Seriously, it’s perfect. The lace in that purple/gray color with this particular pattern… it couldn’t be better!
wow, this coat is spectacular! i’ve been itching to see the pattern tester’s versions and yours does not disappoint! it’s killing me because i love the pattern, but i already have a trench coat… gah! i may have to buy the pattern anyways.
Novita. at first big big compliment to you.
brillant fabric choice what you made. i never thought about eyelet for trench coat.that’s really pretty.
Trench coat is must have item in everyone’s wardrobe but it’s not really must have in switzerland because of the weather.
but who cares. i say your version of trench coat is really rocks.
i wanna sew it. simply i wanna sew it.
well done again.
Lovely coat – I like it more than the Burberry!
This is absolutely stunning! I love your fabric choice and the pattern is truly a gem. This is the first Robson I’ve seen made up since the pattern was announced, and what an inspiration!
Love the eyelet. Now I’m dreaming of making this pattern. I’m just scared of all the pieces.
Wow this is so beautiful! I was so excited when I saw Tasia’s new pattern. A trenchcoat is such a classic piece to have. I was thinking I would make something more classic but your lace one has inspired me. Perhaps I’ll go with something a bit different as well
What a lovely coat. I like your fabric choice a lot and the fit is amazing.
GORGEOUS coat–love the eyelet–looks very RTW and like it cost a lot!! Great work!
This is brilliant, I wish I had the skills to make something like that!
Lauren
livinginaboxx
This coat is a-MA-zing! I agree with other posters that I’d have given up at the cutting, but you make it sound almost manageable!
I love, love, love it! I am in love with Burberry coats at the moment especially the trenches with capes.
Wow, what an amazing job you have done. So talented.
And purple, of course! I’m just curious. When you do alterations like you describe, do you do a muslin first, or just dive straight into the deep end?
I don’t make muslin enough, feeling a bit guilty with all the muslin fabric afterwards (and also impatient!).
Usually I do my usual pattern alterations and might alter more in the fitting session (after the pieces are sewn but not finished yet). This usually works well with patterns from the companies I’m already familiar with so I know what alterations I usually need. But for pattern from other companies, I should make muslin first. Often I didn’t and had to do all the hard work in the fitting session, this may result in failed project too!
Very nice! Love the fact that it’s unlined!
Looks amazing! I love your fabric choice, it´s sooo cute!
This trenchcoat pattern will be in my sewing table, it´s beautiful!!!
Beautiful! You’ve done such a good job on this coat.
Thank you Tilly!
…as always…your sewing is absolutely impeccable…i am truly amazed at your talent!
with admiration,
what a great coat. I’ve been trying to match a stash fabric with this pattern, although I know I’m not going to get it done this winter (we’ve just started autumn here)
It’s fascinating seeing your fabric choice, I love it. Being a tester too this was my hardest call, which fabric to use. I think you’ve made a truly unique take on this trench and I imagine the underlining makes it really lovely to wear also.
This is fabulous! I love the pattern, but I may love your interpretation even more.
My god, Novita, you seem to be finishing projects left and right! I don’t know how you manage to sew so much in such a short time, but I really admire the quality of your work. And the Robson coat is no exception. It looks so stunning! I think I would’ve given up at the cutting stage, seeing all those details. Your result is perfect!
Lucky you. It’s a great interpretation of the Burberry coat, isn’t great how you can be inspired by something then make something even better? I’m thinking a classic camel, old Hollywood style for me.
Ooh I was thinking about the classic camel too and had difficulty choosing which one I wanted to make! The camel one would surely get more wear though, being a classic. Maybe I will make a one later
Looks fabulous!! Love the material you picked.
I wonder how long it took you to finish this big project…
I know it will take me 2 months! lol
Lol it’s not as difficult as it looks, really! My choice of fabric made my life a bit more complicated but actually this pattern is quite straightforward. Even with all the hand basting, I finished it in about 4 days. I spent more time choosing the buttons afterwards 😀