Inspiration

Playing With Plaid

Playing With Plaid

This chunky, wool-blend sweater knit had us smitten from the moment we laid eyes on it. Rolled onto a bolt about a mile thick, it leaned up against the wall at the Silhouette Pattern fabric shop in Dallas. This fabric begged to have its plaid pattern showcased both horizontally and on the bias. The Sewing Workshop's "Flatiron Coat and Jacket" pattern would allow for just this. The oversized patch pockets were cut on the bias, as were the cuffs we added to the sleeves. A causal tie belt was also introduced. The pattern cautioned that the wrong side of the fabric would show due to the coat's lack of a lining. No problem! The flip side of the exaggerated plaid featured a tiny knitted chevron for contrast. 
Our heathered plum fold-over trim was a perfect finish to the edges. Due to the weight of the jacket's knit, a traditional hemming of the edges and hem would make for excessively chubby edges. This fold-over trim was the ideal solution in a few of ways: the purple-y color was a perfect match; it easily maneuvers around curves and corners; and it allows a perfect contrasting edge without the bulk. Win, win, win! 
And because we can't just leave it at "good enough," we topped it off with embroidery. Wardrobe Embroidery, available at McKinney Knittery in the charming downtown square of McKinney, Texas, was our guide. The Sue Spargo "Ellana" wool embroidery thread also comes from this shop. This thread has the same fuzzy texture as the coat, so a few matching, hand-embroidered flowers carried the tonal theme. This may well be the last creation of the season before moving on to spring, but until the weather warms, this cozy coat will be hanging front and center!                
Make it more!