Friday, November 15, 2019

A Panel Coat to Use All of the Fabrics!


When I saw a version of the Folkwear Tibetan Panel Coat this summer, I wanted to make one immediately. Unfortunately, my schedule, fabric options and the sweltering weather didn't allow me to get to it until now.


This pattern is for a traditional Tibetan garment that can be worn as a full-length, lined or unlined vest or sleeveless coat. Pieced panels serve as a wonderful canvas for combinations of fabrics in various colors, prints and textures. It is a creative playground with multiple options and it can be made reversible. 


Coutriere Parisienne from Riley Blake Designs, with its French garment images, and bold text, felt absolutely right for this coat.


I was spoiled for choices with this collection, but narrowed it down to these four prints and a solid black cotton from my stash. 

 
  

In terms of construction, this pattern is fairly easy to make. Though this is a new-to-me pattern company, there are no new-to-me techniques.


There is a lot of planning, cutting and piecing of the fabrics for this coat. This can be made leisurely on a weekend or on evenings.
Thanks! I Made Them Pattern Weights
That being said, it was time-consuming for me to make.  My creative indecision extended the construction time significantly. With the lined version, there five potential fabric choices. With those choices, I have multiple placement considerations. I played with which fabric to accent which area and on which side. I know there's a mathematical calculation for all potential possibilities. Having just lived through all configurations, I can't calculate them for you now. 


I changed my mind so many times that I just had to stop, make a decision to begin.

Once the initial decision was made and sewn, I then considered the next decision until it was done.


I like that this is a culturally significant garment with the history included in the pattern envelope. Because of that, I wanted to make something wearable for me, but without significant modifications. 

I however, did make the following small changes:
  • I reduced the width of the sleeve facing down to 3 in. to mimic the width of the hem facings and balance the sharp contrast of the black fabric

  • I underlined the white fabric with black so the red on the underside would not show through

  • I machine sewed the shoulder, neckline, and vent facings rather than hand sew them. I enjoy hand-sewing, but in the interest of time chose not to. 

  • I sewed the medium, but could have made the small. I added a tie belt to pull in some of the fullness 
This was a wonderful creative project for me. I love my final results on both sides of the fabric. My deliberations, though maddening to me in the moment, worked out in the end. I listened to my creative discontent and adjusted until it was satisfied. I love this coat and this fabric pairing. 



If you are looking for a satisfying project to dive into, I recommend this one.

Happy Sewing,
Bianca 

16 comments:

  1. I’m so impressed! It’s beautiful. You should be so proud. I don’t usually make comments but I’m so inspired to make something for myself because of you. I really love this.... and you’re an adorable model!! Thank you for sharing your process.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking some time to comment and with such sweet words. I am so happy to have inspired you!

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  2. Your coat is inspiring, great job and way to listen to that inner voice.
    Happy Day!!
    Ms. Sue

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    1. Thanks so much Ms. Sue! I have learned to listen to my inner voice, It's the only way to get her to stop! :P

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  3. "That being said, it was time-consuming for me to make. My creative indecision extended the construction time significantly." I smiled when I read that because that's me when I'm knee deep in a very involved project.

    Love how this turned out! It was worth the time you took to get everything just so. You did the pattern justice - yes you did!

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    1. I am so glad you can commiserate! I was way in and aware of what I was doing to myself, but I needed to get it to "click". I realized I was in deep when my audiobook ended and I was still working! I knew I would have to go back and fix it or remake it if I didn't love it. I was in for a penny and a pound, so I made it as I wanted.

      Thanks for "getting it" and appreciating the result!

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  4. Thanks so much Stephanie. I am happy to share my madness! I deliberated too long, but I love it in the end.

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  5. I truly enjoyed reading about your experience...I have always wanted to make this coat and I just dug out the pattern and a great piece of striped denim I've been hoarding....Thank You for sharing... You are an inspiration and your coat is Fabulous!

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    1. Thanks so much! I am glad you were inspired to make yours with precious fabric! I hope you will share it when it is done.

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  6. Wow, it is inspiring to see how you took the pattern which has an ancient cultural vibe and was able to think outside the box and make something with such a modern woman fashionable vibe.

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    1. Thanks so much! I love the lines and panels of this coat and wanted something I would actually use. I think fabric choice is key with this pattern.

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  7. I love your choice of fabrics and was inspired to make this to wear to my daughters wedding! After separating the patterns pieces and reading the instructions I got ready to alter the pattern to fit me at 5"1' according to the pattern directions-along the adjustment lines. Turns out not a single pattern piece has the lengthen or shorten line! Do you mind sharing how tall you are? And if you made any length adjustments? Thanks!

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    1. Congratulations on your daughters wedding. I am 5'8" and did not make any fit adjustments. I suggest making the adjustments on the pattern pieces about 3 in. above the vent. You may also reserve some of the adjustment for the hem because the length of the vent may be too long once you reduce the overall length. Hope that helps!

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  8. Awesome! I'm feeling more confident about tackling this project with your detailed practical suggestions. I hadn't thought about the vent length also needing adjustment. I really appreciate your reply!

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  9. Wow! All your clothes are stunning. You look amazing and I love your sense of style. Lots of love from Love from Fabrics World USA


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  10. I am even more excited to get cracking on this project now. Thanks for sharing how it went for you. I had been wondering if I could get away with machine sewing the facings...because that's more my sewing style. Good to know!

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