Hi ya peeps! That’ll be me in the highly visible turquoise polka dot coat. Once again, we’re on Vancouver’s Seawall…that’s False Creek and Yaletown doing a stellar background job. And looky dat…blue sky…a rarity these days. When we were taking these photos, two lovely women stopped and complimented me on my coat and told me I was the best dressed person on the seawall….why thank you, thank you! But, wait one sec…I’m just gonna burst my bubble….I was also the least appropriately dressed person out there…a minor detail, I hope you’ll agree. {For those that need to know…my knock-off desert boots are in my tote bag, and my down coat is just out of camera range.}
When Heather released the Clare Coat pattern in November, I was immediately drawn to view A with it’s unique zipper placement. It was after some deep thought. that I decided the groovy side zipped version wasn’t quite right for me. I have specific hot/cold/on/off/open/closed requirements when it comes to outerwear…and as much as I love View A zipped up, I wasn’t sure how it would look/hang when open. That being said, everything else still had me swooning. So…to make a perfect for me coat, I switched things up and used View B’s front and front facing pieces, but with a less generous front overlap. I still used the collar from View A, but I had to alter the pattern piece so that it matched with the center opening. I shortened the coat 3/4″ and the sleeves 1/2″ from the original View A length. This coat is fully lined and has instructions for a bagged lining. It was my first effort at sewing a bagged lining and it worked! Yay! I would have loved more colourful innards, but I had to settle on white to prevent colour showing throught the polka dots. And…speaking of polka dots…this fabric is yet another killer thrift store find! I KNOW! I managed to pattern match horizontally really well, {pats self on the back}, but totally neglected to consider the vertical match {knocks head on the keyboard}. I think the silhouette of the coat gives a nod to the sixties and I decided on fewer, but bolder, buttons….and…wait for it….my buttons are handmade! I used Sculpey’s Premo Clay and followed this helpful tutorial. I gather that a lot of knitters make their own buttons, but it was very much a new thing for me and I’m looking forward to trying it again.
All righty….we’s done! I’m happy you stopped by, looked at my photos, read my text…let’s plan to get together again soon!
Coat : : Clare Coat by Closet Case Files
Linking up with:
Not Dressed as Lamb for #iwillwearwhatilike
Spy Girl for 52 Pick Me Up: Sky Blue
Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday
Nancy Baten says
Wow, you made that coat yourselve? I think its gorgious. And unique!
Marianne says
Pretty!! I hear you on the open/closed requirements, that's why I still haven't made Simplicity 1254. Your handmade buttons are a nice detail, Sue!
Louisa says
Very cute coat and the buttons perfect for the fabric choice!
Shirl says
Your staging is perfect for this fun coat. And buttons to match no less. This is so wonderful. You are bringing style back to the lower mainland, girlfriend. Love the close up shot of what the fabric actually looks like too.
Shirl
Suzanne Carillo says
What a delightful coat! I am super impressed that you made your own buttons. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. Now I know the trick to getting smooth edges with Polymer clay.
I adore the neckline on this. So retro.
Great photos too.
bisous
Suzanne
Shybiker says
What a beautiful coat! And the buttons are delightful.
amy mayen says
I'm so impressed with your coat- I can't believe you made the buttons!!!
TheTellTaleTasha says
SO ADORABLE!!! I love that it looks a bit like a shift dress! lol
I think you look great and you'll always stand out!
sabine says
You look so lovely in your blue coat! It is amazing.
Sabine xxx
No Fear of Fashion says
I am totally in love with this coat. It is a hit, it is a winner. How beautiful. I can imagine that people stopped to compliment you. You look perfect.
Had to laugh over your pattern matching, I so know how difficult this is and you did a great job (indeed pat on the back). The laughing came when you wrote “knocks head on the keyboard” hahaha.
And clay buttons… how clever. They are so nice with the coat.
Oh how about a pair of those long gloves that are in fashion this year? They would go so well with this coat.
Greetje
Gillian says
That is AMAZING! The happiest coat ever. I love it!
sewmanju says
What?! You made buttons?! A very cute coat and I like the modifications you made
Gabrielle says
Ooh, it's GORGEOUS! I absolutely love it – best Clare coat I've seen to date. It does have a 60s feel, also looks like an opera coat – you could definitely hide a very special dress under there without any crushing.
Colleen Morlan says
This confirms it!! You are AMAZING!!! I love this coat, it's vibrant colours and homemade buttons and am convinced that even I could wear this and pull it off ❤️
Melanie says
This is the most fun coat! I am totally feeling that '60s vibe. You were not only the best-dressed woman on the seawall but in the whole city! I'm surprised I didn't see you from my window. I have to check out the button thing. Well done all around. Love your nude shoes too.
Sheila says
That is just a fabulously fun coat, Sue! I love this on you – and my little control-freak heart loves how well all the dots line up! Amazing!
Connie says
You are most likely too young to remember but this coat reminds me so much of the cute coats in the tv show “That Girl.” So so perky and stylish. I love the buttons. I saw the tutorial on your Pinterest board and I was so curious to see what you were going to do. You always do things up so completely and spotlessly. Wow. I am, as always, in awe of your skills.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I LOVED Ann Marie!!! Oh, thanks for the happy reminder Connie!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Sheila! LOL…I too get a little crazy when things patterns, plaids etc. are off…but then I'm totally okay, and love, a random dot pattern.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL…thanks Melanie! Wot…you didn't see my waving madly at you?
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Aw..thanks Coll. LOL…sure you could wear this; however, I much prefer you in the deep, saturated shades that you are drawn to…oh and a little animal print too!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Gabrielle! I love the term opera coat…wasn't familiar with that. This definitely will go over many of my dresses…many of which are packed away for at least a few more weeks.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I know…crazy fun I had too! I'm loving your coat as well…the tailoring you did is impressive!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
GILLIAN! Thank you so much! My coat is resting on my dress form right now…happy is how I feel whenever I look at it!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Oooh…I do have one pair of long gloves, but they aren't the right colour….Hmmmm maybe I should make a coat to go with my gloves, LOL. Of maybe I have a scarf that will tie the two together…
Thanks for stopping by Greetje! And for laughing, LOL.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you so much Sabine! xo
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you, thank you!
….you know…a shift dress out of this pattern is actually a pretty cool idea…we'll see where it goes.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Amy! I KNOW…it's kinda cool, isn't it? Might be a fun project for Bella??
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you so much Ally!! With a simple design, it's the little details, yes?!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Suzanne! Yah…the saran wrap really worked. One thing I learned after the fact was that if you roll out your clay onto a tile, then you put the tile right in the oven. I had to scrape my clay off of my work surface and it distorted their shape a little. Still, for my first try I'm pleased with the result.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Aw..thanks Shirl! It was a great day to finally be out in sunshine. A little chilly, but spring is definitely getting closer.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Louisa. Now…I can totally imagine that you make your own buttons from time to time! Probably with real clay too, LOL.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Marianne! I had a quick look at the 1254. Yep…would totally jeopardize my personal temperature gauge, LOL.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Nancy! One of the joys of sewing is getting something a little unique! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Sally Hanlon says
Oh so clever, creative, undaunted and (I never use this word unless I'm applying it to puppies/kittens/hamsters etc) adorable you, Sue! When I looked at this pattern I also loved the 60s lines, but felt the dramatic side zip compromises it as a coat. I want to be able to wear my coat open at times but I'm sure this pattern as it stands would make a great dress. Anyway, where I feebly decided this wasn't for me – you, undaunted, galloped into the fray and Made it Yours! But modifying the pattern was the least of it – The fabric – THE BUTTONS!!! The sheer marvel of it.
Thank you, thank you for this creative inspiration and for your infectious smile.
Baci Sxx
sarsaparillasal.blogspot.com
Hana Velvet Ribbon says
Hi Sue, what a beautiful coat. Love your work, very neat bound buttonholes with self-made buttons (wow!. Delightful fabric choice and pictures 🙂 xx
Lori says
Sue, this is such a fun and cute coat. The work is amazing and I love the buttons. You look great.
Val S says
Sue!!!! You are just amazing! The coat is gorgeous, and I love the way you always make the details so special – the lining, the polka dot buttons. But you are also such a genius at adapting patterns. And you made your own buttons!! Wow – sewist extraordinaire!
idaaidasewing says
Hi Sue, this is my favourite clare coat so far, it's gorgeus! I'll make it also as soon as I find the right fabric, could you please share what kind of fabric is the one you used?
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you so much! I can't say 100% for sure what kind of fabric it is because I bought it at the thrift store, but it feels like polyester home decor fabric. It does wrinkle a little bit here and there so maybe it's cotton but it has the crispness similar to many decorating fabrics. It was 150cm wide.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Val! 'Tis true…I'm almost always tweaking a pattern one way or another. Can't seem to help myself.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Lori! Two of my favourite words…fun and cute!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Hana! This fabric really was a good choice for the bound buttonholes…nice and crisp!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL…thanks Sally! There is a strong possibility of a dress version in the future. And…another coat, LOL.
Kat says
Oh that is super cute! Love the polka dots.
Remembering..OZ says
What a fun coat and suits you well. Polka dots are my favorite, and I'm so envious of your coat! You've made a believer out of me, I'm going to go check this pattern out. Tell your photographer awesome job.
Sew, Jean Margaret says
This coat screams Spring! Absolutely delightful, cute and fun and so you.
Unknown says
Adorable coat, and those bound buttonholes are gorgeous!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks for complimenting my buttonholes! I'm feel that I'm starting to get the knack of sewing them and I love them on coats and jackets!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
YES! We, up here, are so ready for spring to be sprung! Thanks Jean!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank YOU! Polka dots are the best and I was so excited when I saw this fabric hanging on the thrift store rack!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Kat! Turquoise and polka dots…two of my favourite things!
Michelle Konieczki says
I LOVE the polka dots! Also, bonus points for grabbing this at a thrift shop! I was immediately amazed that you'd found matching buttons to go with this coat. Upon reading that you made them, my mind was blown! I've never done this and don't know anyone who has. I do think some investigation is in order. 😀
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hey Michelle! So…maybe handmade buttons haven't taken the knitting community by storm, LOL. But think how cute they would look on some of your beautiful hand knit pieces!
Flo says
So cute, you definitely look ready for spring! And now I know why you were pinning all of those button tutorials (although I suspected something was up!) Very cool idea.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Flo. I love how my Pinterest board gives sneak peaks into my current interests!
Carolyn says
Oh my your coat is too too awesome for words! and omg I LOVE that your made your own buttons. Pure fabulous-ness!
No Fear of Fashion says
I say you make another coat to go with the gloves, doesn't have to be the same colour. The buttons might be the colour of the gloves?
And buy some nice new long gloves to go with this gorgeous coat. Treat yourself go on.
Jennifer A. says
That is a super cute coat! I love it.
Gail says
When Heather described your coat as “making her heart come out of her chest” I had to stop by for it. It is pretty gobsmacking! Glad to find your blog.
Renata D. says
Love, love, love your coat! And those handmade buttons are very adorable:). Plus additionaly chapeau bas because you made this coat by youself. Amazing outfit! Regards, Renata
http://www.prosperitybyrenata.com
Amy Johnson says
That is the cutest coat!
Trina Grandinetti says
Seriously? This coat is handmade by you? Well, of course it is. And now that I've been to this location, I would totally agree, you were no doubt the best dressed person there. This is one statement piece every woman would dream of owning. It's not only delightful with that incredible polka dot pattern but the style is the most classic ever! And homemade buttons, those have me shaking me head and applauding at the same time. I do believe you've totally outdone yourself this time.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Oh, thank you so much Carolyn! You definitely inspire me to create handmade items!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Jennifer. I appreciate that you've popped by and commented!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL…yes, quite the tagline. I love Heather's weekly blog/news round-ups and am thrilled to be featured. I'm happy you found my blog!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Renata! And I love…chapeau bas… Fortunately, I know enough French to understand the meaning. Merci beaucoup!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Amy. The pattern just worked really well with the fabric. I love it when it all comes together and reads cute at the end!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Aw..thank you Trina dear! I agree totally about the style…I can see making this coat again and again. And again, LOL. I like to think I have classic style with a twist, and the Clare Coat pattern is perfect!
pao says
Oh my goodness, polka dots, turquoise, hand-made buttons and bound button holes?! You got it all.
Heather Gibson says
Sue!!! This coat is gorgeous and oh so you!! I love it – and I love the mods you made too! It's perfect!
Lynn says
I love it! And I'm all in favor of being inappropriately dressed as long as it's this awesome.
MushroomStew says
The print in that coat is so vibrant and fun! And the spot where you shot is so beautiful!
Xoxo,
Ashley || Sed Bona
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL…thanks Pao….when I read those four items, I think to myself….sweet serendipity.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Heather. So? A Clare Coat in your future?
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL…thanks so much Lynn!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Ashley! I can NOT say no to polka dot fabric! Yep…I am lucky to live in this beautiful part of the world.
Stefanie T. says
Oh Sue,
your coat is just WOW! I love it! You are my print queen!
I have some polkadot printed fabrics, too and I plan to sew some polkadot garments for spring/summer! 🙂
Anna Parkes says
Golly what a sensational coat this is! How amazing to be able to creat something like this, and those buttons too, so clever. I'm sporting my new coat this week too, and they couldn't be more different. You're all full of the optimism of spring and I'm embracing the last throes of winter. Good to meet you through Patti's link up – nice to find you x
Anna
Anna's Island Style
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Stef! I know your polka dotted garments will be awesome!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Anna! I'm all for spring, LOL. Lovely to meet you too! xo
Sheela Goh says
You look positively CHARMING!!! So so so adorable in the best possible grown-up way xoxo
Kirsten Wick says
Sue, Your outfits and blog just make me happy! You look so gorgeous and charming in this coat. Much love your way, Kirsten xx
http://www.thelifbissue.com
Anonymous says
Beautiful. That's a happy coat; one can't be sad wearing it!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Sheela! This coat has certainly charmed it's way into my number one pick right now!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hey birthday girl! Thanks so much, and thanks for stopping by and saying Hi! XO
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
ah…thank you! 'Tis true…it was a happy sew, and it is a happy wear!
MIS PAPELICOS -Mis P says
So clever, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
When are you going to join Instagram so I can follow you closer.
Much love
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx
Margo B says
I saw this over at Not Dressed as Lamb and I can't believe I missed it!! So cute Sue. Aren't you so clever to make the buttons as well…impressive!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Sacramento! I would need a cell phone to be on Instagram so it isn't going to happen anytime soon, LOL.
xoxoxoxoxo back to you!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Margo! I'm glad you popped by…I can imagine you happily immersed in all things tropical island right now. Even if you're back home, it's nice to think about a great holiday.
Jessica Cangiano says
This coat should be in the dictionary beside both “fun” and “fabulous”, because that is exactly what it is, sweet Sue (not to mention cheerful as the day is long, too).
Big hugs & happy tail end of winter wishes,
♥ Jessica
dan says
I am with the two women: you are very elegant indeed, Sue! You look radiant!!
The turquoise colour takes us into spring some days in advance…