Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat!

12:00 AM


Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
Happy New Year! Last year, I realized that I had scaled down my sewing a great deal. It wasn't really intentional, it was that I only sewed the things that I was really into. As I was going over the last decade, I remember the years that I felt like I had to be running to Jo-Ann's and Hancock Fabrics to grab every single new pattern that was released on the first day of the sale and then be the first person to sew up the newest Vogues. Y'all, that shit got old and I got bored with the releases. I haven't been feeling a lot the new patterns in the last few years, and I've been reaching into my stash for oldies but goodies that I never got around to sewing.
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
Which leads me to this: I finally got the red coat that my closet needed. I've been wanting one for years and I wanted it to be a classic silhouette with great details. I didn't want anything trendy, I wanted something that would age well. 
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I reached way back into my stash and pulled out Simplicity 4403. It's been out-of-print for years. 
It's a Threads pattern, which means it has great details and instructions, even if you've never made a coat before. This one is worth scouring Etsy and Ebay to find.
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I'll just list all of the supplies I used for this coat:
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
When sewing with wool, you always have to preshrink it. I used the dryer method. I put the entire piece of uncut fabric in the dryer with a wet towel and set it to high. This is the best way to steam shrink wool at home. But you have to use common sense. Use a well-used towel that won't produce a lot of lint in a similar color to your fabric. Because if you put a new-ish white towel in with black wool??? You'll be pissed. You've been warned. Or, skip all of this and take it to the dry cleaner.
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I cut the size 14 and graded out to a 18. I wanted to make sure it wasn't pulling across the hips. I made a 1" FBA, made 1" swayback adjustment, 1.5" full seat adjustment (because if not, the coat would hike up on the back hem) and I added 2" to the overall length.
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I added a back stay with my hair canvas and made custom shoulder pads and sleeve heads using polyester batting.
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I modified the under collar by creating a center back seam and cutting both pieces on the bias. And I just hand stitched the under collar to the fur upper collar.
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I love that this pattern instructs you to make bound buttonholes. 
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
With the thickness of my fabric, that would've been my obvious choice. 
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
For the lining, I simply bagged and added hanging chain and decorative piping.
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
Simplicity 4403 - Fur-Trimmed Red Wool Coat - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I hadn't made a coat in 3 years and I really enjoyed the process, even if it took me 2 weeks to get this cut out and completely sewn. It was so worth it because I love it so much!

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40 comments

  1. What a gorgeous coat! Love the white lining, the piping the buttonholes! Great job!

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  2. Simply stunning!!! I have this pattern in my stash and made a quick unlined Sherpa wrap coat last year, this is motivation to complete one of the more complicated views. Your lining, piping, the fur... oh my goodness, so beautiful

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  3. Such an amazing amount of workmanship and great details. Love it.

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  4. Beautiful coat! Thanks for showing the inside details.

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  5. It's a gorgeous coat showcasing your tailoring talent!

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  6. Too sharp! I love everything you make. My compliments.

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  7. Great post and beautiful coat. Even though you haven't sewn as much, I hope you publish a 2019 recap. I love to see everything you made in one post, and read which ones you loved and which ones didn't live up to your expectations.

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  8. I really love it, and can't believe it only took you two weeks! All the details are beautiful, and it will age well over the years especially.

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    1. I plan to still be wearing this 20 years from now! Thanks Vanessa!

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  9. Such a great coat!! It’s beautiful inside and out!!

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  10. Beautiful! I love these older patterns that have more design detail in them like the bound button holes. Well done!

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    1. I love them too and the drafting and instructions are so good! Thanks Gretchen!

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  11. What a beautiful coat Erica, you out on yourself. The styling is timeless. Enjoy!

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  12. This coat is fire Erica🔥🔥🔥🔥!

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  13. Stunning! Love the piping and linings!!!

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  14. Oh my God, I knew this pattern was familiar. I got it because it was close to a coat I saw Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in. I love what you did with it and because you are the Queen of Coats, your guidance on construction will be invaluable. Happy New Year, Erica!

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    1. I had to google. That coat was fabulous! Thank you Donne’!

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  15. It is a beautiful creation and it looks super on you! You should be very proud!

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  16. Beautiful and very classic!

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  17. Beautiful coat and the fur collar is a great addition. Happy New Year!

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  18. The details...you nailed it!!

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  19. The custom shoulder pads 💪, and the overall quality of the coat! Well you know......🔥

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  20. I love this coat...it's beautiful. Two weeks to complete this coat was great. This coat would cost a fortune in the store. As always I love your blog posts....you always provide so much information.

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  21. Your work is always impeccable and red looks stunning on you!

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