Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Advice needed...please

I was planning to make this coat:



with this fabric:






But the bottom of the coat is curved and the fabric has checks (obvious straight lines). I was thinking the topstitching would be easy along the lines but alas it would be curved. How would this look? Wrong? What if I cut it on the bias? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

19 comments:

Anne-Marie said...

Oh curve lines and check won't like each other ... I think. My sewing teacher always said that if you had a plad fabric with a very slightly curve line at the hem, that you could actually cheat and follow the fabric pattern. In this case, I am not certain it would work. Also, I think you might loose the effect of the topstitches that really make the jacket. I think for that fabric, I would go for a raglan sleeves and Claudine collar (if you call round collar like that). It is a fantastic fabric

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Honestly, I think this design would just work so much better with a solid fabric...

Lori said...

I vote for a solid fabric, too. Great coat pattern, can't wait to see your finished garment.

Mary Beth said...

Yup, looks like trouble to me....

Glad to see you posting again. You OK?

Julia said...

I hate to agree, but I do.

AllisonC said...

I adore this pattern as you know! I just checked mine and it's not that curved at the bottom so if the checks are small you can probably get away with it or straighten the hem. But I hat to disagree with any of the experts above me! Maybe you could use a plain contrast band in the bottom and cuffs? Peacock Chic made a version like this (although hers was the other way round if I remember rightly with the coat in solid and a print contrast band).

gwensews said...

I think the details would be lost using the plaid.

Sigrid said...

Good to see you (thinking about) sewing again. I would use a solid fabric too. Afraid that too much is happening with plaid, flowers and topstitching.
It is a lovely fabric!

Kathleen C. said...

What about doing the topstitched band as a separate piece? If it's not that curved, as Allison C said, you could cut it straight and then piece it on to the remainder of the coat?
I would definitely do some sort of practice topstiched muslin though...

Birgitte said...

Well since you asked :)) I agree that the top stitching will not have the same effect as on a solid BUT seeing the stitches is not the only effect several rows of top stitching has. It also stiffens the fabric. SO... I think this has the potential of becoming one ADORABLE coat :)) Flirty, fun, unconventional. And in this regard I don't think it matters if it's curved or straight, do what works for you.

So nice to see you get back into it again!

Sew-4-Fun said...

Checks always seem to pose some sort of problem don't they?

What about adding a black solid fabric on the bottom and for the cuffs then topstitching in the plum colour of the embroidery? Do a sample and drape it on your dress form/ DTD first to see if the proportions work for you.

MareeAlison said...

Vicki - Belinda beat me to it. If you really like the fabric for the coat a contrasting or matching trim would do the job.

Gretchen the Household Deity said...

I don't have any advice! I'm guessing that because the coat is shaped with elastic thread ruching the hem is not actually that curved and could probably be cut straight without looking too weird, but if you won't be 100% happy with it, I'd search for a different project.

Summerset said...

Hmmm. Kinda of like Fun With Dots, there's potential for a lotta look, if you know what I mean. If you really love that fabric, make it in that fabric and not worry about what the checks do, as long as they match at the side seams. No topstitching, as it would get lost in that fabric. The other option that I like, which has been mentioned, is to do a solid band at the bottom and at the cuffs. I'd do a solid black with white topstitching for contrast. You'd get the best of both worlds there.

Tany said...

My two cents: I also think that a plaid wont't be suitable for this model... It's not just the round hem... It's the topstitching too.

The fabric is TDF, I love it!

Boopsie1977 said...

I would also vote for a solid fabric. Although the fabric you have picked is beautiful, I don't think it is suitable for the curved hem.

May I ask what pattern you're using? Thanks!

Vicki said...

Hi Boopsie - the pattern is Burda 02-2008-117. I still haven't finished!!

zees5 said...

My first thought follows others - use a solid contrasting top stitched band and I think you would have a very "haute" coat. izazbz at yahoo dot com

Household Relocation services said...

I don't know much about fabric but I would love to see the outcome of your work. Have a great day!