Today’s Woyww finds me working on this trenchcoat: (It’s Simplicity 4084, which is now out of print. If you’re interested in it there are a few for sale in various places online.) 
I’ve had the pattern in my stash for ages and only remembered it when I saw some rainwear fabric on sale. I’ve never owned a trenchcoat, never felt the need for one, but decided to go for it for some reason. (Maybe cuz I’m always a sucker for a challenge?)
I’m making view A, the one on the far right, it’s double breasted with piped trim. You know what the hardest thing was to find for this coat? The belt buckle! There isn’t much to choose from in the fabric stores, and what is there is boring.
So today I stopped in at my local Salvation Army and got a way ugly belt attached to this very cool buckle (center of above photo)… for 99¢. Oh, yeah. While I was there I also got two nice suit jackets (one is wool and both are lovely shades of purple) for $3.50 and $3. Woot!
Anyhow, I’ve cut out all the pattern pieces (there are 28!), interfaced and marked them, and made the piping and a carrier strip. On Pattern Review someone who made this pattern mentioned that they’d done bound buttonholes in theirs. I’ve never done bound buttonholes so thought it would be a nice touch as well as a challenge.
I whipped out my copy of Vogue Sewing
Now, for your amusement, I will show you my attempts at making bound buttonholes.
First try:
Ummmmmm, NO.
Second try:
A tad better, still wonky.
Third try:
Almost there! Just have to make sure to pull that little corner all the way to the wrong side. (That little bit you see to the right.)
Do I dare make my fourth on the actual coat? Yikes. Since I rarely wear coats buttoned, these have to be good. Oh, the pressure…
The moral of the story, make sure you practice new things on scrap fabric. Imagine if I’d done that first nasty buttonhole on my nice coat. ::::::shudder::::::
Even though they have the best and clearest directions I’ve found, it wouldn’t be ethical to reprint Vogue’s directions here. If you own the book or are thinking about buying this excellent sewing reference, you’ll find the directions on pages 266-270, (I used the one-piece folded method.)
However, this site gives excellent step-by-steps for making bound buttonholes. It’s a different method than I used, but I think it might be easier. Bound buttonholes are a beautiful detail and they’re not so bad, you just have to pay close attention to each step and take your time. (That third example was only accomplished after turning off my audio book and following each direction to the letter.)
Happy creating/sewing/playing and happy What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday!
(What is WOYWW? Go here to play along. Careful now, you might get addicted.)
This is so far beyond me that I won’t even comment on it, except–why are all the models standing as if they’re about to mount a pommel horse?
I’m absolutely useless with a sewing machine and I can’t comprehend how anyone could tackle a big job like that gorgeous trench coat, so good luck with it.
Loving the little zipper flowers in your Esty shop.
Happy Crafting!
Sue
x
I can do almost anything – but bound buttonholes and the tailored jacket bound pocket flap have me beat. Your third attempt suggests to me that you’ll be fine! It”ll be a fab coat, and so satisfying!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Julia!
You are very brave doing those intricate bound button holes. I have done them, years ago, on the jacket of my going away outfit. but I do remember that they are awkward to get your fingers around. You have done very well, as Mr Grace would say.
Wow ….making your own trench coat …I take my hat off to you.
I have just dicovered zips for crafting so I will be back to study your beautiful flower later.