MY POLKA DOT CLARE COAT : : CLOSET CASE FILES
Hi ya peeps! That’ll be me in the highly visible turquoise Polka Dot Clare 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
My Other Clare Coat Makes:
My Velvet Bow Clare Coat
My Clare Dress
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
93 Comments
Wow, you made that coat yourselve? I think its gorgious. And unique!
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!
Very cute coat and the buttons perfect for the fabric choice!
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
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
What a beautiful coat! And the buttons are delightful.
I'm so impressed with your coat- I can't believe you made the buttons!!!
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!
You look so lovely in your blue coat! It is amazing.
Sabine xxx
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
That is AMAZING! The happiest coat ever. I love it!
What?! You made buttons?! A very cute coat and I like the modifications you made
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.
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 ❤️
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.
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!
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.
I LOVED Ann Marie!!! Oh, thanks for the happy reminder Connie!
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.
LOL…thanks Melanie! Wot…you didn't see my waving madly at you?
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!
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.
I know…crazy fun I had too! I'm loving your coat as well…the tailoring you did is impressive!
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!
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.
Thank you so much Sabine! xo
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.
Thanks Amy! I KNOW…it's kinda cool, isn't it? Might be a fun project for Bella??
Thank you so much Ally!! With a simple design, it's the little details, yes?!
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.
Aw..thanks Shirl! It was a great day to finally be out in sunshine. A little chilly, but spring is definitely getting closer.
Thanks Louisa. Now…I can totally imagine that you make your own buttons from time to time! Probably with real clay too, LOL.
Thanks Marianne! I had a quick look at the 1254. Yep…would totally jeopardize my personal temperature gauge, LOL.
Thank you Nancy! One of the joys of sewing is getting something a little unique! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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
Hi Sue, what a beautiful coat. Love your work, very neat bound buttonholes with self-made buttons (wow!. Delightful fabric choice and pictures 🙂 xx
Sue, this is such a fun and cute coat. The work is amazing and I love the buttons. You look great.
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!
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?
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.
Thanks Val! 'Tis true…I'm almost always tweaking a pattern one way or another. Can't seem to help myself.
Thank you Lori! Two of my favourite words…fun and cute!
Thank you Hana! This fabric really was a good choice for the bound buttonholes…nice and crisp!
LOL…thanks Sally! There is a strong possibility of a dress version in the future. And…another coat, LOL.
Oh that is super cute! Love the polka dots.
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.
This coat screams Spring! Absolutely delightful, cute and fun and so you.
Adorable coat, and those bound buttonholes are gorgeous!
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!
YES! We, up here, are so ready for spring to be sprung! Thanks Jean!
Thank YOU! Polka dots are the best and I was so excited when I saw this fabric hanging on the thrift store rack!
Thanks Kat! Turquoise and polka dots…two of my favourite things!
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. 😀
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!
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.
Thanks Flo. I love how my Pinterest board gives sneak peaks into my current interests!
Oh my your coat is too too awesome for words! and omg I LOVE that your made your own buttons. Pure fabulous-ness!
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.
That is a super cute coat! I love it.
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.
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
That is the cutest coat!
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.
Oh, thank you so much Carolyn! You definitely inspire me to create handmade items!
Thank you Jennifer. I appreciate that you've popped by and commented!
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!
Thank you Renata! And I love…chapeau bas… Fortunately, I know enough French to understand the meaning. Merci beaucoup!
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!
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!
Oh my goodness, polka dots, turquoise, hand-made buttons and bound button holes?! You got it all.
Sue!!! This coat is gorgeous and oh so you!! I love it – and I love the mods you made too! It's perfect!
I love it! And I'm all in favor of being inappropriately dressed as long as it's this awesome.
The print in that coat is so vibrant and fun! And the spot where you shot is so beautiful!
Xoxo,
Ashley || Sed Bona
LOL…thanks Pao….when I read those four items, I think to myself….sweet serendipity.
Thanks Heather. So? A Clare Coat in your future?
LOL…thanks so much Lynn!
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.
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! 🙂
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
Thanks Stef! I know your polka dotted garments will be awesome!
Thank you Anna! I'm all for spring, LOL. Lovely to meet you too! xo
You look positively CHARMING!!! So so so adorable in the best possible grown-up way xoxo
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
Beautiful. That's a happy coat; one can't be sad wearing it!
Thanks Sheela! This coat has certainly charmed it's way into my number one pick right now!
Hey birthday girl! Thanks so much, and thanks for stopping by and saying Hi! XO
ah…thank you! 'Tis true…it was a happy sew, and it is a happy wear!
So clever, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
When are you going to join Instagram so I can follow you closer.
Much love
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx
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!
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!
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.
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
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…