Next weekend is my Winter Coat Weekend class at Made on Marion – where we’ll get all the tricky bits of a coat done in one weekend (and, depending on your pattern, all of it, done). This is very much how I made my first coat: two days of mad, happy sewing, learning about bound buttonholes and welt-flap pockets and tailoring wool with the guidance of an expert seamstress. I’m still really proud of that coat: it was a beautiful thing, black wool, silver lining, fabulous silver & black buttons, bound buttonholes, welt-flap pockets, topstitched collar.  It was a testament to my time and growing knowledge, and to the people who taught me.  It fit well, was super warm and comfortable, and went everywhere and did everything to me. I wore it in San Francisco winters and NYC spring snowfalls, to rugby games in Wellington, and everywhere in between.  Alas, when I moved to NZ it was too heavy to pack, and I gave it away.  For all I know it may be still out …

One of the first things I learned when I learned to sew was how to make a pattern from a garment I already owned and reproduce that garment. It’s still one of my very favourite skills, and something I use all the time. There are so many reasons why being able to pattern-up and reproduce a garment you already own is awesome. First, you know it will fit perfectly.  You may spend a little extra time making a pattern rather than using a commercial pattern, but you’ll gain that time back in not having to worry about fit. Next, you know the item will suit you.  For all that I know my body, what I wear, and what looks good on me, I’m still occasionally seduced by a pretty pattern cover, and invest time and money in making something that isn’t going to get a lot of wear.  When I reproduce a garment, that never happens. Not only will a reproduced item suit you, but you know it’s going to work in your wardrobe.  I …