Monday 25 May 2009

Soldier Boy

Last winter Edward got so much wear out of this little jacket that I picked up from my local op shop.And so I decided to make another, slightly more older-boy version.

Eds jacket3

My favourite part of this little coat is the Japanese soldier fabric.

Ed's Jacket1

When I started to make the coat I wasn't too sure what I would use to line the hood but my friend Bec was making a quilt from the fabric and suggested I use it. It is perfect as it has almost all the colours that he wears; red, brown, blue, khaki and black.

Eds jacket4
I also love the little star buttons. I bought these from the Button Lady, at the Camberwell Markets, when I was pregnant with Kate (and convinced I was having a boy).

Eds Jacket2
I adapted from this pattern from the Winter6/2008 Ottobre magazine.

IMG_5973
I found it easy to trace the pattern but a little trickier to assemble.You do have to have reasonable dressmaking skills as the instructions are a little vague. I added the cuff and shoulder trims as I wanted the jacket to look a little less baby-ish.

Eds Jacket7

I lined the jacket with a polar fleece and as it wasn't a particularly thick wool I also used flannelet. I used it almost as an interfacing in the body to create another layer and provide more warmth.

I am so pleased with the result. Often when I sew, I cut corners. I really tried to do a good job on this coat and pay attention to detail. I do love the beautiful buttonholes that my Bernina sews.

Eds jacket6

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tamara, it's gorgeous! So beautifully sewn and he clearly loves it. The hood lining is very sweet, and the extra details you have added really make it special.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous jacket! Oh, how I wish I could buy one of these! You've done a beautiful job!

smileykylie said...

oooh aaah, it's beautiful Tamara, can't wait to see him wearing it on the way to school!

Christie said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!

I love the coat so much, you have done an amazing job on it.

He has to stop growing now!!

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

What a wonderful winter coat! Your attention to detail is amazing - the buttons, the lining - everything is perfect. I am sure it is destined to become a favourite item of clothing.

Janine said...

Beautiful sewing Tam, you must be really pleased with it. Suits Eddy to a T. Great buttons!

Little White Dove said...

This is gorgeous! Great job. I so need to get myself an Ottobre subscription, and I think you've finally tipped me over... *wanders off to get credit card*...

Karen said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
That is such a great boy jacket Tamara, the colour is perfect and the lining is just right.

Bek said...

What a handsome boy in a handsome coat. You have done a beautiful job here! I am hoping my sewing skills will be up to coats for the kids by next winter.

Jade said...

So beautifully made, Tamara! you've just inspired me plan for some coat sewing for the kiddo.

Julia said...

Oh Tam - what a beautiful jacket. So well made. So much love has gone into it...well done. Jx

Terri said...

Wow this jacket is amazing. Thanks for explang where you got the pattern and how you changed it to suit.

Squam Hill Design said...

Really beautiful jacket...so well made...the japanese soldier fabric is PERFECT! I sew a lot for my girls...makes me want another boy! Can't wait to see the velvet swing coat!

Melinda said...

That really is a beautiful jacket and I think the hood lining totally makes it. I really like the details you have added - you've made it into something really special and timeless.

Kelly said...

Gorgeous jacket and a gorgeous little boy. You have done a lovely job. Can I ask where you got the wool from? :)

Victoria said...

Absolutely gorgeous!

Corrie said...

wow what a well made jacket! too scary for me but what a good job you did!!!!! looks very expensive!

love what you did for the amitie challenge...think its my favourite!

Corrie: )

Unknown said...

That is totally GORGEOUS!
Sorry I'm not a stalker - truely!
Just the stuff you make is amazing!

Anonymous said...

What a darling little coat. So beautifully made. The attention to detail is perfect (love the lining). He looks so sweet in it too. You don't usually see boys clothes made; this will show everyone how it is done! So cute - but yet so macho! And yes it does look expensive.