Saturday, January 07, 2012

First post of Twenty-twelve...

Happy New Year... 
even though we're a week into it!
The first project I had to get under my belt was something that I've been wanting to make for a couple of seasons now -- a faux fur leopard coat.
I've been seeing leopard (and the others) everywhere.  I devoted a Pin board to my obsession.  And I've been dying for a coat.  
So I finally got around to making one.  
I used Vogue 1128, a coat from Anne Klein.  Here is the description of the pattern:  loose-fitting, lined coat A with collar, dropped shoulders, welt pockets, back has yoke, pleats and tucks, below elbow length sleeves and button closing.
The pattern had very simple lines -- what one would look for when using faux fur.  I found the fabric at Jo-Anns.  It's listed as "cheetah" when it's in fact a leopard print.
I used a bright pink lining and I didn't have to make any alterations to the pattern. It sewed perfectly right out of the envelope.  I softly tailored this project by block fusing the fabric.  I used a size 14 needle and had absolutely no trouble sewing or cutting the fabric.  
You can't tell from the printed fabric, but the coat has pleats on each side of the back.  I thought that was a cute design detail.  And it would really show on a solid color.  I never thought I would like a drop shoulder style, but I really like this coat.  It has a very retro-vibe going on!
I'm wearing a black cashmere turtleneck, McCall's 6404 black skinny pants, assorted jewelry (Marc by Marc Jacobs earrings, bracelets from Forever 21, Target, ASOS).
And black suede Steve Madden Lennaa pumps.

And to leave you with a pic of what's been occupying my time...

I'd like to introduce you to my beautiful new 2 week old granddaughter Isabella.  She's the brand new light of my life!

85 comments:

  1. I love the hair color! The coat is super cute! The baby, absolutely adorable! Congratulations to your family on your new addition!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the coat especially the surprise pink lining. It is hard to believe you are a grandmother! Congratulations, Isabella looks beautiful, she must have the family genes!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Erica, she's beautiful. Congratulations.
    Oh,yes, I like your look.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations! Isabella is beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I repinned one of your furs - love the look. You knocked it out of the park with the pink lining. A beautiful coat and grand-daughter. They have a way of messing you up.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous7:37 PM

    Isabella is adorable! Congratulations! You've gone from MILF to GILF ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. OK, the world is in fact a pretend place. There is no way that you are a grandmother (I also say the same thing about my best friend even though I know her five year old grand-daughter). I wonder if you are now going to sew cute baby things. The only thing I regret about being childfree by choice is that I never got to sew cute baby/child things.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations on becoming a grandma! You are going to love it! And Isabella is just beautiful...and the coat is pretty kewl too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congratulations!! You'll be the chic-est grandma around.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks! We're enjoying her greatly!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Happy New Year that coat is hot! I love animal prints.

    Congratulations to your family. Isabella is beautiful!!! I know everyone is in love with her.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Isabella is adorable! Congratulations!

    Great job on the coat! Love the pink lining!

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a beautiful new baby!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lovely coat and loving the hair color. I love me some babies...FIESTA!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow! That coat is beyond gorgeous .. you're a knockout!

    I love the fabric .. it looks like a good quality. Do you mind saying where you found it? Thanks, and enjoy your new granddaughter .. fun ahead!

    ~ Joy ~

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks Joy. Sorry, I thought I'd included that in the post. I found the faux fur at Jo-Anns.

    ReplyDelete
  17. JoAnn? Thanks. Color .. me .. impressed. Is it on the thickish side with some warmth? I'm tellin' ya .. you could walk an NYC fashion runway with that, your head held high .. super great job!

    Thanks very much for the info .. ;)

    ~ Joy ~

    ReplyDelete
  18. Joy, it has a decent hand. And it even drapes nicely. It's pretty warm too. Thanks! I'm loving it!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh dang! I'm so sorry .. I was so focused and entranced with the pics, I glossed right over the Jo Ann info. Gulp ... forgive me ;).

    ~ Joy ~

    ReplyDelete
  20. Happy New Year Erica!!! Gorgeous coat--ultra fab! And congrats on the beautiful little Grandbaby. I know you're gong to keep her super stylish.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congratulations, your grandaughter is so beatiful, and love your beautiful coat

    ReplyDelete
  22. This coat is sooooo you!!! Well done on the construction. And congrats. on a healthy Granddaughter - she is gorgeous...

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous11:08 PM

    Isabella is a cutie, congratulations! I like the coat and the color e d bun too.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Love the coat!

    And you certainly don't look old enough to be a Grandmother!! Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Congratulations on your beautiful granddaughter! The coat looks great on you and great lining color.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Beautiful grand baby, fun coat! Wishing you all the best for 2012.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Beautiful baby, beatiful coat! I love the lining colour too. Fab!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Isabella is beautiful! Congratulations! You are definitely the most glamorous grandma I know. Oh yes, the coat is fab!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow, I like how you just dropped that in the end!! Congratulations to you and your family. She is adorable. And in that coat you are a hot grandma for sure :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Erica your coat is beautiful and your granddaughter is even the more so! Congrats on becoming a grandmother!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous3:14 AM

    Now, you must be the hottest grandmother going. Congratulations! Love the coat.

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a beautiful baby. No wonder you have been busy!
    Congratulations to the familly.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Fabulousness all around, the coat, you, your granddaughter. Congratulations to you all!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Congratulaions, Erica, on your beautiful new granddaughter. Enjoy your new role!

    The coat is smashing!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous5:52 AM

    Congratulations on the new baby. She is so sweet.

    Your coat is so fabulous and I love the sassy lining too. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Erica...best wishes for the new year and.....congratulations! She is beautiful !

    ReplyDelete
  37. Congratulations on being a new Grandma, Isabella is just lovely and already has her grandmas perfect skin!

    Loving the coat!

    ReplyDelete
  38. The coat is fabulous and such fun lining but the new granddaughter steals this blogpost. Isabella is gorgeous, enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  39. What a beautiful coat~ I love animal print!
    And, your grand daughter is so adorable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HaHa, Looky what I found! I didn't even remember this, lol! Even, replied, lol! However, I remember when you introduced us to that cute little grandbaby!

      Delete
  40. I've been hoarding a piece of the Ralph Lauren leopard that Fabric.com had (jeeze how many years ago was that deal?) and now that I've seen your coat, I'm getting brave. Maybe not a pink lining, though... On the other side of things, however, Isabella is perfection. Enjoy her!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Congratulations! We just had our 5th grandbaby 3 weeks ago! okay, the coat is fabulous. I' ve had that pattern for awhile and you have certainly convinced me I must make it....love the "cheetard" fur!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Oh, my, she is prescious! Is she your first grandchild? Aren't they just the best thing ever?

    Any sewing for this little princess?

    Love your coat, very sassy and perfect with the pants and heels.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Congratulations! Isabella is precious and you are the most stylish grandma I know in your leopard coat!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I know that there is a coat featured somewhere in this post, but it is overshadowed by your beautiful new granddaughter! Erica and family, God bless and enjoy your little miracle.

    ReplyDelete
  45. The leopard jacket is gorgeous and fun, but oh your new little granddaughter steals the show in this post. Congratulations! What a cutie!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Congratulations! Such a beautiful baby to love.
    And your coat is way cool.

    ReplyDelete
  47. That coat looks fabulous on you and congratulations on the new addition to your family. She is beautiful!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Congratulations on a beautiful granddaughter, they do good things for your heart. Also thank you for making this pattern and doing a spectacular job with it. I have had this pattern a while now and wondered how it would look - now I know I will make it. As usual your blog is a delight. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Isabella is beautiful. God bless you all.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Anonymous4:52 PM

    Congratulations! Isabella is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  51. What a great coat. And what a beautiful baby. Best wishes to all

    ReplyDelete
  52. Congrats on the granddaughter. She is adorable!
    Love the coat and your previous post about the difference between leopard print and cheetah print.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Your granddaughter is just lovely. I'm sure she'll be the chic-est baby in town.

    Love, love, love the coat and the hot pink lining. FABULOUS!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I read your blog all the time but rarely comment. I just wanted to say that your coat is fabulous but your granddaughter stole the show. She is simply perfect and is blessed to become a part of your family. What a wonderful blessing to bring into 2012. God bless!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Ericka, love the coat, it is gorgeous. I do have a question, when you said you block fused the fabric, could you explain what that means. Also, I saw your clip in Vogue Patterns magazine. Congratulations on that!!And the baby is adorable!!! Grandchildren are a joy, what a christmas gift.Many blessings to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Leslie, you fuse the entire yardage of fabric before you cut.


    Thanks Ladies!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi Ericka, I love the coat, it is beautiful . I do have a question, could you explain how to block fuse fabric. Also, I saw your article in VoguePatterns magazine, Congrats!!! And finally, the baby is adorable, many blessings to you and your family on your new addition!!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Ohh, this is such a fabulous coat! I love the hot pink lining with the leopard print! I know what you mean on obsessing for leopard print - I recently made myself a little leopard peplum jacket (with teal lining, though!) because I was dying for a little piece of animal in my wardrobe :) It's such a classic print!

    Congratulations on the granddaughter! She is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  59. The coat is lovely. And your style, as always, impeccable. Congratulations on the adorable granddaughter. She's lucky to have the most stylish grandmother around!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I just love your coat. It looks so cute on you. Your grandaughter is adorable. Congrats. I've got 9 grandkids and number 10 is due in May. They are the joy of my life. This will be our 7th granddaughter in a row.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Anonymous1:59 PM

    So excited to see your first post for 2012. Your absence is forgiven b/c of that beautiful grandaughter! That's a great excuse. Congratulations! Will I see 'baby fashion' soon?! Happy New Year!

    Oh, love the hair color on you!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Happy New Year! Your new baby is beautiful. Congratulations and God bless.

    Love the beautiful coat.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Anonymous4:29 AM

    Wonderful coat and beautiful baby!You must be very proud.
    Now you have a whole new range of sewing open to you!

    ReplyDelete
  64. She is precious! Can't wait to see the cute girl clothes you make. I think a matching leopard coat would be fab for Isabella.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Congratulations, Erica! What a beautiful little baby! Happy new year.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Congratulations - your granddaughter is so precious! She's lucky to have such an adoring and super chic grandmother.

    ReplyDelete
  67. She is beautiful just like her grandmother!!!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Awwwwww..... Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  69. I was googling images of vintage Chanel jackets and guess who's picture popped up?!! Yours!

    Love your leopard coat and the little miss is adorable. As always, thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Love that jacket! Ages and ages ago you posted a pic of a 'cacoon' sweater you had made and I had left a comment saying that I was knitting something similar. Well, I finished it and posted it today. I thought you might like to take a peek. :)

    www.magslifetoday.blogspot.com
    Maggie B.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Congratulation for your adorable grand daughter. You are certainly one of the most fashion forward grand mother I've ever seen. I mean this as a compliment.

    ReplyDelete
  72. She is so cute!!! Love the coat!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Thanks! I could just eat her up! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  74. That hot pink lining is incredible. So unexpected! Congrats on the newest baby girl! :)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Congrats on the new grandbaby I just love that name! And as always loving the coat!After seeing that coat I think I am getting my sewing mojo back :)

    ReplyDelete
  76. Thanks Jada! She's my sweet girl!

    I'm sitting in my sewing room now trying to coax my mojo!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I have read your articals in sew stylish and finally i had to make my move. I just love your style. You must be sewing night and day. Question: what are your thoughts on those duck tape body doubles? my body is changing so buying a dressform might not be the right idea now. any thoughts??

    ReplyDelete
  78. Night and day? Hardly. I'm sitting in my sewing studio now with a glass of red wine. I HAD the intention of sewing, but never got around to it! LOL

    I'm not a fan of the homemade forms. I have a PGM Pro 601 and thinking of upgrading that one to a Wolf. But you have to do whatever meets YOUR requirements.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Your granddaughter is beautiful. You are the flyest grandmother I know.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Thanks Ms. Hair Apparent! She's my sunshine!

    ReplyDelete