Pattern testing: Goldstream Peacoat by Thread Theory

When I first "discovered" Thread Theory and their solid line-up of patterns, I was impressed and excited: stylish menswear!  What a concept!  So when they had a call for pattern testers for their newest pattern, the Goldstream Peacoat, I just had to respond, and was fortunate enough to be chosen to do it. Lucky me!  Never mind, of course, that I was (am!) overwhelmed with "real" work and other sewing projects (including the Britex tie/ pocket square)!

The pattern itself produces a stylish and modern coat, with many options (some of which I didn't add to my husband's jacket, such as epaulets).  The pockets on the front are super clever; they are actually two pockets together, one with top entry (with a flap) and the other side entry.

The details of the jacket make it exciting and interesting to sew.  Button tabs on the sleeves?  How professional does that look??

I love all the topstitching around the front, lapels and collar.  Sure, I broke 5 topstitching needles in the process of sewing the jacket (not just this topstitching, don't worry!), but I was sewing through some serious layers in some spots!

I used shoulder pads!  And they make such a huge difference: especially on a man, a jacket just hangs better with shoulder pads.  And check out that hood, with the small leather buttons.  LOVE.

The arms are constructed of two pieces, and are beautifully contoured to the arm shape.

The pattern is great, as is, but I made some slight changes to suit my own preferences.  First, I underlined the main body (not the arms) with flannel to support the fabric a bit better, and second, I actually made all 6 buttons functional.  It makes it a bit of a pain to button them all up, but after making my own jacket with several non-functional buttons, I felt like it looks better.

For fabric, I used a chocolate brown wool melton, purchased locally and for a steal at $20/yard, with moss green Bemberg lining from Mood.  

The lining looks messy at the hem in the photo, but it's actually really nice and straight (and hand sewn!) in real life.

One of my favorite tiny details of the jacket is the back neck facing: it was designed to encourage the sewist to add their own little design touch for the label.  

I used a little scrap of some wool-silk upholstery fabric and my little "z as in zebra" label.  

I am in love with the results of this pattern and I can seriously recommend it (once it's released, of course!).  Another hurray to Thread Theory for helping us sewists clothe the males in our lives in stylish handmade wares!

Little Bow Pleat Bag: Pattern testing and giveaway!

I'm so excited to finally share a project that I tested a few weeks ago for my friend and bag pattern-maker, Samantha!  With two weddings coming up next month, it was exceptionally good timing that Samantha asked me to try out her pattern for the adorably-named "Little Bow Pleat Bag"--a stylish (yet roomy!) clutch.  Her request came right before I finalized my fabric purchases for my Cambie dress, so I bought some extra hot pink silk taffeta, knowing it would be put to use for this bag.  Maybe it's a little matchy-matchy, but I don't care!

As with all of Samantha's patterns, the instructions are very clearly written (with some cute British wording thrown in!)  and I was able to easily finish this bag in a less than 2 hours. Samantha just posted all of her pattern testers' versions, and each is beautiful and unique.

The inside is large enough to carry all the essentials (and then some), with a single zipper pocket for holding the stuff you don't want rolling around in your bag.  The pattern even comes with an option for attaching a chain strap, if you don't want to carry it around as a clutch.  (And yes, I went there and used the dress fabric for the lining.  And if you didn't think so before, yep, now it's too matchy-matchy :)

I feel so on-top of things to have my dress and bag (and shoes!) sorted out for the upcoming weddings. Count that as just about the only thing I'm on top of, having just finished my first week back to school!

As an aside, I had pattern tested the "big" version of this bag, the original "Bow Pleat" (above), quite some time ago, but never posted about it.  Samantha is running a special deal if you purchase both patterns, so check out her Etsy site for more details.  Each bag is suitable for many different types of fabric, giving a different look and feel.  With the slouchy linen fabric, this one reminds me of touring around an ocean-front boardwalk in the summer....

And now for the giveaway: If you love the "Little Bow Pleat Bag" as much as I do, leave a comment below and I will choose someone at random to receive a copy of the pattern!  I will select the winner on Sunday at 10 p.m. PST.  Be sure to include your email contact, otherwise I can't tell you you've won, and that would be pretty terrible.   Thanks Samantha, for providing the pattern!