THE TRIUMPH OF THE GREY WOOL COAT
After Lesley’s meticulous work on the coat toile, it was now onto cutting the actual cloth for the coat and the lining.
The fabric was a wool mix and the lining was a silver grey paisley. Lesley sewed with Guttermann sewing thread and Schmetz needles for her Janome machine.
The grey wool coat, with its beautifully tailored structure and elegant details, was nothing short of a masterpiece. One of the most striking features was the stunning paisley grey lining, which added a touch of luxury to the interior. Lesley’s attention to detail didn’t stop there – she had a stroke of brilliance when she sourced a charity shop tie, using it to create a bias inset that added both personality and sophistication to the coat’s interior.
Every element of the coat was carefully considered, down to the smallest details. The buttons, chosen with care, perfectly complemented the fabric and design, giving the coat a polished, cohesive look. And as if that weren’t enough, Lesley went the extra mile by creating tailored shoulder pads to ensure the coat fit flawlessly, giving it the structured, sharp silhouette that made it stand out.
For Lesley, making the coat wasn’t just about creating something stylish; it was an opportunity to push her sewing skills to new heights. As a student of colour and cloth sewing courses, she was encouraged to challenge herself and continuously improve her craft. From cutting out the fabric to sewing each seam with precision, every step of the process required focus and dedication. She had to pay close attention to the finer details—how to handle the wool fabric, how to press seams just right, and how to make the coat fit perfectly. For Lesley, this coat was not only a chance to experiment with new techniques, but it also represented the biggest sewing challenge she had faced to date.
CELEBRATING NYE IN STYLE
The result of all this hard work? A coat so beautifully crafted and perfectly fitted that Dave couldn’t wait to wear it out. In fact, he was so proud of Lesley’s creation that he chose to wear it to their New Year’s Eve party. The coat was a conversation starter, with friends very impressed at its unique details and impeccable craftsmanship. Dave’s choice to wear it on such a special night was the ultimate testament to the success of Lesley’s vision – not just a functional coat, but a true work of art that could turn heads and stand the test of time.
LESLEY’S LOOK
HAS LESLEY INSPIRED YOU TO SEW FOR YOUR LOVED ONE?
While its always lovely to sew for yourself, it is also great to sew for someone you love. I recommend you include them in the fabric and styling decisions as this will ensure that they will wear what you are making them.
If you want to start with something simple why not a tie, hat or waistcoat? Check out these VOGUE sewing patterns in our online sewing store.
VOGUE V8987 Waistcoat VOGUE V9073 Accessories
Colour and Cloth teach all levels of Sewing Courses and Workshops so no matter what level you are at, there is no better time to start than now. How to sew styles like Lesley has for Dave, starts with learning how to thread your machine and then you are on your new creative journey. Check out our sewing courses here.
Fancy learning how to customise or upcycle your clothing with your own style and personality? Check out our RESTYLE, MEND and Repair course.
Visit Our Online Sewing Shop
Christine Boyle
Creative Director
