Vogue 8934

Another great design from Marcy Tilton.

As soon as the last batch Vogue patterns appeared, I knew I had to have this one. I had seen one of Marcy's versions at the Design Outside the Line retreat and knew it looked interesting. I did not know just how interesting.

Then shams posted her maxi version to her blog. Oooh-la-la! Great San Francisco look. And just fab on shams.

Now, my body shape could not be more different, so I'm thinking this design is just one of those universally flattering shapes.

Not shape as in sexy, or curvy of even rectangular.

It's a little different with its deep darts at the hem. It creates a slight lantern shape. And the neckline frames the face with an interesting collar and front band detail.

But it's not just the hem shape that attracts me. Something about the placement of the shoulder seam is lovely. I made a jacket length muslin and just whacked the hem off straight. I really like that look too.

The fabric I chose has been sitting in my stash a little while, though I noted last week that it is still available for sale at Gail K. It is a medium weight cotton, tightly woven and stable. I think Ginny, a dear enabler friend who seems to know my taste better than I do, spotted this interesting piece of cotton.

I wasn't quite sure what I'd do about the front band.

Ignoring the bold design seemed a bad idea. It would be jarring to see the unmatched seams down the front. And matching the design would be even worse, I think. After all, that front band is quite slimming, I think. In any case, it is a design feature that drew me to this design.

I considered a linen remnant in gray but it took over the coat, and not in a good way. I finally settled on a solid black linen for both the front band and the collar.

The collar is a little different too, in the way it intersects the front band. The band runs all the way up the front.

The buttons are large black plastic ball buttons.

I had this fun polka-dotted Bemberg ambiance (rayon) lining also in my stash. I was afraid that using just the two fabrics (cotton and ambiance) would lead to a too-wimpy coat. So I interlined the lining by channel-quilting cotton batiste to it.

So, Marcy, you've done it again! I love this design and look forward to cooler weather when I can wear this coat.