Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Review: Vogue 8696 | Cocooned for Winter Coat!

For a woman that lives in the Deep South, I sure do love my coats!  And with yesterday's temps, they are much needed -- every now and then!  And I always try to be ready and waiting when the mercury drops.
I loved all of the details on my cape so much, that I decided I wanted an actual coat on a similar style.  And lately, I've been more than obsessed with oversize jackets and I've naturally gravitated to the cocoon style.
I knew exactly what I had in mind:  I wanted something that fit oversize and had a dramatic collar.  I've also been checking out blanket coats as well.  So while flipping through my pattern cabinet, I came upon Vogue 8696.  Okay... not really a coat... more of a sweater, yet all of the details are there.  My fabric is wool-blend coating (purchased at Hancock's last year), with NO-STRETCH.
Well... being the ME that I am, I decided to make it work anyway.  Hey, it's only fabric.  And the only way to learn if something will work is to test it out.  So I went for it.  I cut out the size large and I didn't make any alterations to the body of the design.  Since I was using Views A/B (minus the belt), I lined mine with fabric from my stash.  Here is the only change I made:
I had a small piece of lambskin leather in my stash and decided to add it to the sleeves.
Leather sleeves are a major trend this season and I knew this would be a great detail.
With the bulk of the fabric, I decided to omit the belt and just let the coat hang free.
I added cognac accessories to play off of the winter white:  bag from Steve Madden and boots from Sam Edelman.
I can already tell you that this coat will see a lot of wear this season.  It's so warm and comfy that it'll be the one I reach for the most!

71 comments:

  1. This is sooooo right! Love it Erica..

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  2. I love this coat...and in winter white, my favorite....the sleeve detail is amazing...that would with suede too. And you're wearing it with an ocelot print scarf. Such a great eye for coordinating prints and textures, Erica.

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  3. I've been waiting to see this one on and hear about the details since it first appeared on Instagram! It is a lovely coat and the leather sleeves are such an interesting detail!

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  4. Just wow! you are so talented! this coat/cape is very very pretty! I love to read your blog

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  5. Lovely "Coat" Erica!!!! It does look extra comfy and warm:)

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  6. Erica, great I decision on the sleeves, just made it classier than it already was. Love it.

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  7. You look amazing, and I really love the leather detail on the sleeves.

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  8. Beautiful! The leather sleeves really ramp it up! Such a clever idea!

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  9. The addition of the lambskin is so great.

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  10. I don't comment often but I love it when you post as your outfits are amazing. This coat is no exception and the partial leather sleeve is genius!

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  11. One day Ms. Erica, I will be like you...able to turn out ridiculously fabulous frocks at the drop of a dime. Girl this too fly!

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  12. Erica, I love your statement: "Hey, it's only fabric. And the only way to learn if something will work is to test it out. So I went for it." And believe me, I will ALWAYS keep this in mind...LOVELY COAT :)

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    1. Monica, it's only fabric. I think fear is what keeps a lot of sewers from advancing in their sewing. Thanks!

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  13. It looks amazing. Chic and warm. Win win.

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  14. Gorgeous. Love the leather sleeve detail.

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  15. The leather sleeves look *fabulous*!
    Another gorgeous make!

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  16. I just love your new coat and how you styled it with the cognac accessories. The sleeve treatment is superb.

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  17. Love the coat and especially the sleeves. Wish I was a bit taller
    you look stunning in it.

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  18. Fantastic, Erica. Wow. I've been waiting to see the whole thing since you tweeted a preview.

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  19. I love the whole outfit - Coat, bag and boots! I think I'll have to add a coat like that to my loooong list of things I want to sew!

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  20. Wow this is so cute Erica! Great job!

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  21. You've pulled it off again - always better than the inspiration - in this case, the pattern envelope!

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  22. Beautiful coat Erica, and the sleeve addition is WOW! I am always waiting for you to post a new project. Top notch work as usual!

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  23. Love the coat. It looks FANTASTIC on you!!!!

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  24. This is a beautiful, classy coat! I love the winter white fabric. And the leather sleeves are great. Love the way you styled the whole look too!

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  25. I suppose it is a bit of a risk turning a stretch cardigan pattern into a coat, but it has totally worked, I love it and the leather sleeves are inspired!

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    1. I knew it was going in, but I chanced it anyway. Thanks Allison!

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  26. I love mixing leather eith other textiles. Your versions is wonderful.

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  27. Lovely! The pattern illustration made it look a bit voluminous but yours is perfect. The leather sleeves are a really classy touch.

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  28. WOW! I LOVE the entire ensemble!

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  29. Anonymous2:00 PM

    I CAN'T EVEN DEAL WITH THIS. IT'S SO, SO AMAZING. Like, caps lock amazing.

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  30. Just love the touch of leather on the sleeve.

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  31. Ok that coat is the business,leather sleeve, love it!

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  32. This is such a coincidence. I made this same coat last year. Although I live in warm Texas, I travel to Europe for work and need a warm coat, especially for Norway trips!

    I made it from a beautiful black blanket wool. Because it was a thick fabric I did not make the collar as long. Then, going with the leather trend, I made the sleeves of leather from a thrifted pair of leather pants (they were a size 4 or so). I also added two hidden magnetic snaps under the arms so I can wrap and close the coat for those really cold windy days. I absolutely love it.

    Keep up the great work. I love your blog.

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  33. Love this! I am getting ready to style something similar and I was very worried about the "whites" not matching.. Yours looks fabulous and I guess I should not worry too much lol

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  34. Erica, I hope you see this! Will a "coat" like this use the tailoring techniques that we will be using during the sew a long??

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    1. This is what I would call a very softly tailored coat. The collar and facings are interfaced.

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