Hello Minerva readers!

Inspiration

I’m Crystal of Crystalsewsandstuff and I am back on the blog to review the plaid Memory Raincoat fabric that I used to make a chic all-weather coat. I was inspired by the plethora of plaid coats that I’ve seen in fashion magazines and on people in everyday life. I wanted to join in on this perennial Autumn fashion trend and this fabric helped make this idea a reality.

Construction

When I chose this plaid print, I knew I wanted my coat to look as professional as possible. I was on a mission to have my plaids match perfectly! In order to achieve this goal, I researched the best ways to properly lay out and match the fabric by reading sewing books, watching online tutorials and using techniques that I learned in sewing classes. I wanted to leave as little room for error as possible, so I chose to sew McCall’s 7481 view D. This pattern was perfect because there were only four main pattern pieces, the front, back, hood and sleeves. I also added the large flapped pockets from Simplicity 8843 to the front in order to protect pocket contents from any wet conditions that might arise.

I used colored pencils to help me match up the print at key points including the front, side seams, and armhole notches. I cut the fabric in a single layer and carefully hand-basted the seams to avoid fabric shifting. In addition, I interlined the main pattern pieces with cotton batting to add a layer of warmth for the late fall and winter season. The insides were finished with a red poly-satin lining from my stash and I added a cool inside pocket for extra flair and utility. I also added gold metal buttons to give the coat an elegant and sophisticated feel.

Styling

The colors in this plaid print make it versatile for many looks. I love the strong impact of the red against the blue, yellow, black and white strips in the design. I could easily bring out any one of the colors to pair with many pieces in my wardrobe. For this look, I put on one of my favorite pair of jeans, a faux leather knit tee and heeled combat boots. This was a perfect outfit to wear on this lovely Autumn day. The colors blended effortlessly with the gorgeous colors of the falling leaves.

Final Thoughts

This raincoat fabric is amazing for any wet weather coating project. I interlined my coat to make it appropriate for Autumn and Winter wear and it has kept me dry and cozy. However, this fabric could easily be used without interlining in the Spring and Summer months as a loose-fitting poncho, a classy

trench coat or as a more traditional rain coat. I have worn this coat nearly every day since completion and I receive compliments on the print everywhere I go. You won’t be disappointed with this lovely material.

For more information on the resources I used to plan out this project, you can check out my video in my next post where I go into more depth on planning and sewing this coat. Also be sure to follow me on Instagram @crystalsewsandstuff https://www.instagram.com/crystalsewsandstuff/ where you can see everything that I’m getting up to in the sewing community.

Until next time,
XOXO
Crystal

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