Way back in 2013, I started a sequin coat that defeated me for a while. It sat in a bag on my sewing room floor, occasionally casting disapproving looks my way. Then, several weeks ago, I decided to give it another try. When mulling over my technique, I decided that there might be a way to sew the sequins on using the machine. I took the foot off the machine and stitched the sequins on freeform. It took a while to get how to do it, and even when I got the hang of it, progress was slow, but I managed to get them all sewn on! After that, it was only a couple of weeks’ work to complete the coat.
The pattern I used came from the book “Simple Chic” by Machiko Kayaki. I wanted a loosely fitted menswear style coat, and it turned out pretty much like I predicted. The only complaint that I have about the pattern is there there’s a really skimpy overlap at the center front. Luckily, I left large seam allowances, so I took some seam allowance to make the underlap 3/8″ larger on the left side.
The fabric came from Mood (bought in 2012, so they probably don’t have any more of it), and the buttons came from the Etsy seller Lyanwood. The lining is a home dec silk from Pollack that I got at a warehouse sale. The sequins are from M&J, but you can get sequins like these pretty much anywhere.
lining pocket
sequin detail
sequin detail
sequin detail
patch pocket
back belt with buttons
front button
undercollar (melton and grosgrain)
back collar
collar
back
Rolling in Cloth 
9 Comments
I remember when you started this, so congratulations on finishing this stunning coat! It’s kind of chilly today do maybe you can sneak in a wearing or two.
it’s fabulous, Claudine! I am so glad you finished it and discovered the “machine way”. I also am a huge fan of square sequins and these are lovely. The fact that unseeming combinations really appeal to my artistic sense makes me adore this coat. I love the juxtaposition of the tweedy plais and the shiny sequins. Great creativity!
Amazing- just amazing! Now you have something to look forward to wearing in the fall. I too have a spectacular UFO just glaring at me to finish! This just might be the impetus. TFS a.
OH!!! I wondered what happened to this. Totally worth the wait!
Yeah it’s done! And it’s just as gorgeous as I thought it would be. A true work of art!!!
One less UFO to worry about and one lovely coat to wear! Very nice!
I’m with Bunny…soft and hard, dull finish and shine…the contrast will make heads turn in your direction. Your garments reflect volumes of thinking time and hand sewing…things most sewers these days do not devote to their projects. With the plaid matching everywhere and the couture features and techniques…well it is a winner all around!
I’m with Bunny and MrsMole too. Love the contrasts, love the stylishness, love the beautiful sewing.
Hello, I have just found your blog and so happy to be following. This coat! Amazing. A coat is one of my main goals in my return (yes, it’s been decades) to sewing, and yours is beautiful conceived and executed.