Saturday, January 21, 2012

Cold Weather and Winter Coats (FNSI Report)

We've finally got hit with typical Canadian prairie winter weather the last week or so, with temps hovering around -30 C and colder (with the wind chill, and you always count the wind chill here). Unfortunately, between last winter and this winter I've somehow lost my winter coat, and have been getting by with a fall jacket and zippered hoodie (and lots of layers underneath). No, don't yell at me, I'm pretty acclimatized to the cold. It's only been the last few days of around -35C in the mornings that the cold has really bothered me.

I should go out to buy a winter coat, but I'm being stubborn. During the PR 10th Anniversary Celebration last November, I bought fabric to make a winter coat using Simplicity 2508 (similar to the version below), and paid a pretty penny for the lot. I refuse to go spend more on a winter coat when I've already dished out nearly $100 for this one (some assembly required).

But of course I've been working on everything BUT a winter coat.

I'm determined to make this up this week. During the Friday Night Sew-In last night, I forced myself to cut out and alter the actual pattern paper. Maybe not the most exciting sewing that was done during FNSI, but it forced me over a hurdle I've been avoiding for a while.

I'll keep you all updated on my progress on this coat. Knowing my luck and procrastination skills, it'll be spring before my coat is done.
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13 comments:

  1. Tanit-IsisJanuary 21, 2012 at 2:08 PM

    Oooh, good luck! Before I made my winter coat last year, I'd been getting by on a fall-weight one for several years (single layer of wool, no underlining or interlining)---doable in Southern Alberta, but not exactly ideal.

    They are such a lot of work, but the result is so great. I finally got the pattern for my husband's all ready, but I haven't had the energy to block-fuse or cut out anything yet...

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    1. HeatherJanuary 21, 2012 at 2:12 PM

      Thanks. I'm back and forth about adding a layer between the wool and the flannel-backed satin, and I think I've finally talked myself into doing it. That means a run to the fabric store, and I'm just not feeling like it today. Can't seem to talk myself into actually cutting anything else out right now either. Block so hard on this project, it's silly.

      At least I'm not the only one? Meh, hopefully we both get out of this coat-induced slump soon. :)

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    2. Tanit-IsisJanuary 22, 2012 at 8:37 PM

      Definitely add an interlining, even just to the bodice/hips area---I bought the super-expensive foil-backed stuff for mine, and I'm glad I did although it's still not quite as warm as I would've liked. Next time I do it I'll add a flannel underlining to my fashion fabric as well. These are Canadian winters we're talking about ;)

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    3. HeatherJanuary 22, 2012 at 8:55 PM

      I've been back and forth about what to use. I have a microfleece sheet set I got for Christmas that I just won't use (my apartment runs hot), so I'm considering using the fabric for the interlining. But I'm afraid it'll be too hot. I'm generally pretty good with cold temps. Plus despite the thinness of the fabric, combined with the wool and the lining I suspect that it'll bulk up the coat too much.

      So I picked up some soft brushed cotton. I think it'll add the additional warmth without being too warm, especially considering the tight weave of the wool and the lining.

      Or maybe I should use the micro fleece. I DON'T KNOW OMG I'M NEVER GOING TO FINISH THIS COAT.

      *ahem* Pardon the freak-out. :D

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  2. Stacie DavisJanuary 21, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    Beautiful combination of fabrics. Just think how happy (and warm) you will be when it is done.

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    1. HeatherJanuary 22, 2012 at 9:32 PM

      I wish that magical elves would come and finish my jacket for me during the night so that I can enjoy it NOW! :D

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  3. GracaJanuary 21, 2012 at 11:42 PM

    Beautiful colour choice! I'm sure it will be beautiful when it is assembled. I have a muslin cut for a winter coat (since late summer) that I've been planning on sewing for months now. Part fear, part distracted by other projects. Looking forward to reading how your coat works out.

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    1. HeatherJanuary 22, 2012 at 9:28 PM

      What is it about winter coats that are so intimidating? Maybe it's just sewing winter coats for OUR winter that's intimidating. :D

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  4. RebeccaJanuary 21, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    I love the color of that fabric! I'm sure this coat is going to be gorgeous when it's all done! 35 below? I whine when it's 35 out, lol. You're much stronger than me to brave the cold. :]

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    1. HeatherJanuary 22, 2012 at 9:31 PM

      Born and raised here. While we get warm temperatures (up to +35C in the summer), I'm much better able to deal with the cold than the heat. But at least here it's a dry cold and heat. I lived in a (relatively) humid environment for 3 years and couldn't deal with anything outside of -10C to +15C!

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2012 at 3:47 AM

    If it's done by spring, then you'll have a gorgeous coat next winter.

    :)

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  6. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    I haven't checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it friend :)
    Bogs Women's Classic High Tuscany Rain Boot

    ReplyDelete

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