Moiano coat

I find sewing coats very relaxing. Every step requires concentration, so I slow down enough to really enjoy the process.

My big love outgrew her winter coat and needed a new one. Most of the coat patterns I have go up to size 6, which is now too small for her. The Moiano coat pattern from StraightGrain, however, goes up to size 12. The Moiano is designed as a lightweight coat, something my European friends would sew for their kids for warmer months. Ironically, it is perfect for our winters! Our winters are relatively mild (please remind me I said this next time I complain about how freezing it is haha). I think sewing this pattern with heavier weight fabric does the trick. I wasn't convinced gathered sleeves would work well with thicker fabric though, so I used regular sleeve pieces An offers on her blog instead.

I wanted Miss R to get a couple of years out of her new coat so went for a larger size that she currently measures for. This coat is size 8 chest with size 9 length. I placed the pockets according to the size 9 markings.

I was hoping to make a bright coloured coat for Miss R. This dark purple wool/poly blend was the only non-grey or black option at my local Spotlight. Beggars can't be choosers I thought and bought some. Miss R chose fabric for the lining from my stash. It is cotton sateen, it is very soft and feels a little more slippery than regular cottons, which is a good thing when it comes to a coat lining! Besides, it offers such a welcome pop of bright colours!

This was not the first time I used the Moiano pattern. A couple of years ago I made a raincoat for Miss R. Back then I opted for a button closure. This time I decided to go for a zipper thinking this would provide a better protection from the wind. If you choose to use a zipper closure with heavier weight fabrics be prepared to grade your seam allowance!

I used press studs instead of suggested velcro for the zip guard, the type you sew on by hand. I had a very traumatic experience with the press studs you hammer in, I start sweating just thinking about it! I discovered my iron on interfacing didn't want to fuse with this fabric, so I used small scraps of lining fabric to reinforce the press studs instead.

Sewing a zipper on a coat was a fun challenge, but looking at the finished coat I realise I really miss a fun touch the buttons add to a garment. That, and my big girlie decided she doesn't like zippers. She just uses the press studs and off she goes. So much for a better protection from the wind, hey!

Despite the zipper Miss R loves her coat! I am pretty happy with it, too :)

At a glance:

Pattern: Moiano coat pattern.

Fabric: wool/poly blend from Spotlight for the outer coat, cotton sateen also originally from Spotlight for the lining. 

Size: 8 chest, 9 length. I used the markings for size 9 to place the pockets.

Alterations: regular sleeve pieces.