African Print Coat with Leather Sleeves

I have mentioned before my love of African Wax fabric and designers who use them. I have pinned a million and one garments that inspire me. Pattern Review was hosting a  Bargainista Fashionista Contest  this month. I entered it at the start of the month with the plan to make something truly spectacular based on designs of the items I pinned. My lofty plans deflated a bit as I got super busy, but I was still determined to complete an entry.

Based on fabric and patterns in my stash, I used a Stella Jean coat as my inspiration for my project.

Back on BIRA

Pocket

Lining

I used Simplicity 2311 as my base because it is a misses coat in two lengths with sleeve, collar, and belt variations. The basic silhouette is the same and the pattern has a large collar.
                                           

For fabric, I used an African wax fabric from Ghana. I was given it as a gift by a friend I taught to sew. I have had the fabric for years, but never used it. The design looked naughty to me (look again, do you will see it?). My hubby says it is in my head and that he does not see what I see, so I decided to finally use the fabric. For the lining, I used a polyester fabric from my stash.  After laying out my fabric, it was 1/8 a yard short for the sleeves. I recalled seeing a Burberry coat with contrast leather sleeves and decided to go that way. I chose to sew the sleeves with repurposed leather.

I did not like the instructions in this pattern. The jumped around so much, I felt I needed to put all of my energy into understanding it. I like background noise when I sew. Sometimes it is an audiobook, or  television show or a movie. I had to stop watching The Shawshank Redemption, a movie I know by heart, to not miss an instruction. It was very frustrating. I have never had issues with Simplicity PR patterns and assumed these would work like others in the past. These were the worst; I hate them like broccoli. The pattern was not completely bad. The lining instructions were better than others I have seen. 

I would sew this type of coat again, but not with this pattern. I am sure there are easier to read patterns out there. 

The Stella Jean coat cost $1190 

My coat 

$45 estimate for the African fabric from Ghana

$10 for lining

$1 for the pattern

$.25 for leather from repurposed jacket

An estimated cost of $56.25

Amount saved $1133.75 saving 95.27%

Conclusion: I am so in love with Stella Jean Designs. Her use of large scale vibrant African fabrics is drool worthy and completely out of my budget. I am happy to find a use for my gifted fabric. This pattern was a pain, but all in all, I am pleased with my result. I have a large collar, large scale African print coat that does not break the bank. The leather sleeves are interesting and a departure from the inspiration, but I am glad I went that way.

Happy Sewing,

Bianca

American Girl Sewing Studio Knock Off.

Our Little Miss is now a year older. Time sure flies when you are having fun. My hubby had a birthday at the beginning of the month and the day after, Little Miss started counting down to hers. It is good to see the pure excitement in her face when she thinks about a day that is all her.

She is the proud "Mama" to two American Girl dolls. I won the first in a silent auction for $35 and the other was free in promotion by House Party. I tell you this so you know, I am not one to spend excessively on toys. These dolls and accessories are well made, beautiful, and tell wonderful stories. They generally seem too pricey for the way Little Miss plays. The latest catalog came to the house recently and there were many requests for the goodies available. Top of the list is the sewing studio for the doll Isabelle.

Photo Credit American Girl

This beautiful sewing and ballet studio in perfectly stocked, but at almost $300, out of my reach. I told this to "Little Miss" and without missing a beat she asked if I could make it for less? Challenge accepted!                   


I started with a thrift store jewelry box.
 

Before

 And ended with this self contained doll sewing studio and young sewist sewing box.

After

Opened

The sewing studio is equipped with an ironing board, cutting table, inspiration and project board, cutting table with rotary cutting mat, fabric bolts, patterns, and of course a fabric stash.

Patterns on the inspiration wall

Bolts of fabric

Pattern stash

Cut Patterns

Fabric bundles

More from the fabric stash

Fabric Bolts

Ironing Board

I used spools of thread as the table legs.

Make shift Sewing Machine

Paperclip hangers

I stocked the top with actual sewing supplies for her to use in her sewing.

Table stores on the back using hook and loop tape.

Everything but the dress form fits.

 

She Loves it!

She likes is so much she played with it for an hour before remembering it was was for Abby, her doll!

Happy Sewing,
Bianca