Sewing Pattern Review: Salma Boiled Wool Coat – Ottobre Design Woman 5/2009

I just realized that I have a 2010 calendar with pages that fly off just like in the movies.

Before summer arrives I thought I better get out this fabulous review that Jacqui did of the Salma Boiled Wool Coat (#17) from the latest Ottobre Design Woman. This design caught my eye immediately. Simple, stunning and fast!

Jacqui’s review:

Description from Ottobre: The feminine, light autumn coat is sewn from boiled wool in glowing purple. It has a wide collar and lapels and it flares softly at the bottom hem. Since the material doesn’t fray, all edges are left unfinished. The seams are stitched on the right side of the garment and the seam allowances are evenly trimmed after sewing. The coat is fastened with a large sew-on snap. The pattern is available in sizes 34 – 52.

I used a chocolate brown wool flannel coating for my coat. Aside from the color, my coat looked just like the magazine. For this being a coat pattern, there was not a lot of instruction but it was not necessary. This has to be the easiest coat pattern I have ever seen. The exposed seam allowances are part of the design and no hemming is required. It helped having a sharp rotary cutter to get smooth and even edges as well as good shears to trim the seam allowances.

The instructions direct you to press the seam allowances open then trim the excess. I found it much easier to trim the seams first, then press them open. I started with ½ inch seam allowances (as you add your own seam allowances for Ottobre patterns) then trimmed half of that.

The only parts of the coat in which you do not leave the exposed seam allowances are in the collar and the bust darts. In the collar, the exposed seam is covered with a velvet ribbon. I have to admit that covering that bulky seam was a bit difficult with a 3/8 inch wide ribbon. If you can find a wider velvet ribbon, I would recommend it. As far as the bust darts go, they are subtle to give a bit of shaping as the coat is meant to fit loosely. They’re sewn traditionally with the stitching on the inside.

I absolutely love this coat. It fit without any alterations. Made from wool, it’s the perfect coat for fall or even winter for those who don’t experience very cold winters. In the magazine, it looks nice over a V neckline top and skirt. I love it with a turtleneck and jeans. You have to love a coat you can dress up or dress down. With how easy this sewed up, I’m ready to make another one. I have my brown go-with-anything coat. Now I can make one in a fun color like the purple one in the magazine.

Here is the version featured in the magazine:

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Thank you Jacqui!  It’s an adorable coat and so cute.

Talk to you all soon

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