Hi All – With temperatures dropping, I’ve been inspired to sew ‘cozy’ clothes this Fall.  During November, I made a wool coat, a corduroy jacket and a pair of pajamas, and all are in heavy use. The truth is, my wardrobe needs have shifted during the pandemic. My daily uniform is a pair of jeans and a top, perfect for my usual outing, a walk in my neighborhood. Since there aren’t any social events to dress up for, I’ve enjoyed having a new coat or jacket to wear on my walks. Honestly, can you ever have too many?

The Sew Over It 1960’s Coat.

This coat pattern is a real winner from Sew Over It. The style is so classic.

As a pattern insider, I received a free pattern before the general release and I was so excited to make it! From the photos, I expected the coat to be hard to sew, but it really wasn’t.

I cut my usual size based on my measurements and did a toile from a old sheet just to be sure. The bodice has some tapering, but the fit is relatively loose so I found fitting it to be easy.

 I splurged on fabric, a red boiled wool from the Mill End Store, here in Portland. I lined with red silk. I’m so glad I did because this coat is in heavy rotation in my wardrobe and it’s so lovely to slip your arms into silk. If you can sew a collar, set in sleeves and insert a lining, you will be good to go on this pattern. My only tip is not to use too heavy a wool as the lapels and collar might be hard to turn.

Stacker Jacket.

The Stacker Jacket is from one of my favorite pattern companies, Papercut patterns. Not only is their packaging superb, their designs are so fresh. This jacket is no exception. It’s a ‘utility’  jacket, with a yoke for some interest, and great pockets. Honestly, I just can’t leave the house in anything without pockets!

I used a lovely rust cordoroy for this jacket and plaid flannel for the liningm both from my stash. It’s such a cozy combination.  The buttons are vintage, found at an estate sale here in town.

Altough this jacket is lined, it was a easy sew. The fit is loose so there isn’t anything tricky there. You can easily complete this project in a weekend!

Carolyn Pajamas

My Minerva Make for Minerva Crafts.com this fall is a pair of Carolyn Pajamas, from Closet Core Patterns. Honestly, these pajamas are such a mood brightener!  I spend so much time in pajamas now, as I allow myself the luxury of lounging a bit more during the pandemic. This lovely Lady McElroy cotton lawn was given to me by Minerva Crafts, and you can find my post about this pattern on their blog (here)This pattern is so fun, and I will make it again and again.

Even though social events are discouraged in Oregon right now, I hope to sew something festive for the holidays in December. After all, even a Zoom cocktail party is worthy of a bit of dress up, don’t you think?

Happy sewing, stay healthy and thanks for stopping by.