First Make of 2020: Another Cocoon Coat

Published on by ellegeemakes

Happy New Year! This is my first make of 2020 and I am happy to say it was a success. It’s always good to start a new year with a project that you love.

I’ve made the Coccon Coat before (see it here), based on a version Sew Over It released as part of Lisa Comfort’s magazine. Now they’ve released it as a PDF pattern, available on their website (I received a free copy as a Pattern Insider). I loved the pattern so much the first time, I had to give it another go!

There are many things to love about this pattern. The cocoon shape of the coat is modern but classic. There are two piece sleeves and two pocket options. I chose the welt pockets, which can be challenging, but with their in-depth instructions made it seem easy.

Pattern Construction and Modifications: The Cocoon Coat is meant to be worn open, but that just isn’t an option that works very well in Oregon. So, I extended the front lapels by an inch and added hidden snaps to secure the opening. It changes the look of the lapel and collar a bit from the intended design, but I still like the look, and it makes it much more wearable for me. My coat is made of a good medium weight wool (Millendstore) and lined with silk from my stash.

Construction of this coat is a breeze. The lines are simple so there aren’t any tricky fit issues to resolve. I think the Cocoon coat would be a good option for someone who has never made a coat before.

2019 was a pretty successful sewing year for me with 39 blog posts:). It seems as though the number of sewing blogs has thinned out a bit in response to the growing presence of Instagram and the option to post quickly and often. I understand that, but I quite like the longer format of a blog post and the chance for a more detailed discussion. So, in 2020, I’ll continue to post here too. Thanks for reading and for keeping me company here.

Happy sewing and thanks for stopping by!

26 thoughts on “First Make of 2020: Another Cocoon Coat”

  1. Love that coat! I hope you know how lucky you are to have great fabrics near you. I made an ultra suede wrap coat years and years ago, I would love to try that pattern – I am 5’2” – do you think I would have to make many adjustments?

    Reply

    1. Thank-you!! yes I do appreciate the amazing fabric stores here in Portland. I can’t sing their praises enough! The style of the cocoon coat is such that you could easily shorten the bodice a bit and retain the shape of the coat. You would want to shorten it there rather than shorten at the hemline so that you retain the lovely cocoon shape. That’s the only adjustment I could imagine you’d have to make…perhaps also the length of the sleeves.

      Reply

  4. Lovely job and the coat looks so nice on you! So many of the indie coat and jacket patterns have no fasteners and aren’t meant to close in front. Eek! Doesn’t work in 22 degree weather here in Bend OR! I enjoy reading your blog posts and thank for still making the time to post.

    Reply

    1. ThAnk-you, Mary! I’ve noticed that trend in the indie patterns too, and yes, we I can imagine that sort of thing wouldn’t work in Bend! Thanks for the kind words…

      Reply

  6. What a lovely coat! The color really suits you. Thank you for continuing to blog. I really enjoy reading your discussions on patterns, so PLEASE keep it up!!

    Reply

  12. Love the coat and the color! I love reading your blog and often go back to look over your makes and reread what you had to say about them. Happy New Year!

    Reply

  13. This is a lovely version of this coat. I absolutely love the colour and styling. It helps to know your height, so is want to lengthen it.

    Reply

Leave a Reply