Well, no that the V1419 Ralph Rucci Sewalong has officially wrapped, I guess I can finally show y’all my coat! For those who didn’t catch my post on the Mood Sewing Network yesterday to see my completed coat a day early – your patience is finally being rewarded, including some never-before-seen shots that weren’t included in the original post! How exciting!
Anyway, coat!
Considering how much I went over the making of this coat at length (see all my posts tagged v1419 here), I won’t be going over the construction so much in this post. If you want more info, feel free to check the tag – or just holler out some questions in the comments (I don’t expect anyone who didn’t actually sew along with the sewalong to have actually read the posts – they were pretty intense, and I find sewalong posts kind of boring if I’m not part of the action, you know? Anyway, snaps to you if you did read the posts! I hope you learned some new coat-making tips and tricks π ). Here’s a general rundown of the basic information, for those who are dropping in for the Big Reveal:
Pattern: Vogue 1419
Fabric: From the Mood Fabrics flagship NYC store – I enlisted the help of my favorite Mood dude, George, to assist me in finding my perfect red wool coating – and he knocked it out of the park! This coating is red virgin wool, it’s nice and thick with a great amount of body to give the coat it’s lovely shape. The wool itself is soft and easily malleable (very necessary for all the crazy intersecting seams of this pattern!), and the color is just PERFECT! The pattern itself does not call for lining, but I did add a layer of bright red silk taffeta as an underlining, to help the coat slide on and also as an additional layer of warmth. The contrast (inside binding, bound button holes, belt trim) is also silk taffeta, in a darker red that matches the wool coating. I think it gives a nice bit of textural interest and keeps the coat from being just straight up loud and red. Both silk taffetas were also purchased from the Mood Fabrics store in NYC, and the colors were chosen with the help of George.
Notions: Just thread and buttons! I had my buttons custom-made here in Nashville by a local lady who sells them through Textile Fabrics. Since my coating is SUPER thick (way too thick for those sad little button kits that you can buy), it needed some heavy-duty machinery to get the fabric on. I’ve used this service in the past for previous coat buttons, and the quality is excellent.
Sizing & Alterations: I cut the size 6 and sewed the coat exactly as drafted, except at the waistline where I used a 1/2″ seam allowance instead of the standard 5/8″ (just to give myself a tiny bit of eating room π ). I only altered the length – removed 3″ from the hemline and 1″ from the sleeve length.
Here’s my original inspiration, in watercolor π
I think it turned out pretty close, if not better! π
Don’t you love the photos? These were taken by my friend and fellow knitter, Alannah Arnold, who was almost as excited about this coat as I was! Alannah and I meet with a group of ladies every Monday for a casual (and, um, booze-filled, haha!) knitting night at my favorite local bar. She’s listened to me talk about this coat for weeks at this point – and offered to take photos once it was done. Which is awesome, because they turned out WAY better than anything I could have shot in front of my shed!
I met with her in East Park, in East Nashville, to take these photos. That’s a feat in itself – anyone who knows me, knows I will kick and scream when it comes to crossing the river into East Nashville. Never mind that driving into East Nashville is like driving into Brooklyn – it’s actually not that bad (unless there’s a Titans game – if then, forget about it!), it’s just fun to complain about π Regardless, East Nashville has the prettiest fall trees, and this park is undeniably beautiful. So, I made some sacrifices (har har) and ended up with a pretty great set of pictures to match my pretty great coat! Yay!
Ooh, and I even found a Porsche while I was at it π haha!
If I haven’t already made it completely obvious – I’m SO happy with my finished coat! Sewing it up was so satisfying, and absolutely worth it. It is very dramatic and theatrical – so it’s a bit excessive for daily wear. I don’t think I’ll be bringing this to London, unfortunately, as it’s definitely not very practical (it’s too fitted to really accommodation multiple layers, plus I could see those bell sleeves getting real annoying real fast after 2 weeks of daily wear). However, it is the PERFECT topper for all these upcoming holiday parties that are just around the corner π
Let’s also not forget how this is one of few instances where sewing can actually save you money – this coat cost less than $200 in materials, whereas the original designer version has been rumored to run closer to $10,000. Sure, making a little cotton sundress will probably set you back more than whatever you would paid from a mall retailer – but knocking off couture? That’s where the savings really start to show π
I will leave you with this photo of me, wearing my knock-off designer coat, throwing leaves in front of a rich person’s house. Probably the same person who owns that Porsche, to be honest:
Be sure to check out the McCall Pattern Company blog to see Meg’s completed coat, if you haven’t already done so! Big thumbs up to everyone who participated in the sewalong – and big, huge thanks to Meg for agreeing to cohost this beast of a sewalong alongside me. Couldn’t have done it without you! π Don’t forget to use the hashtag #V1419sewalong so it will show up on this tagboard. We encourage you to upload your photos to the V1419 Flickr group, the Vogue Patterns Facebook page, and pin it to the Pinterest board
Didn’t join the sewalong but still want to make your own designer Ralph Rucci? Check out my V1419 tag and the McCall Pattern Company Blog for all the posts pertaining to this sewalong. I can’t wait to see everyone’s finished coats!
What do you think? Would you ever tackle a crazy long intense project like a coat? What about THIS coat? Man, I love making coats!
Disclaimer: My pattern was provided to me free of charge from the McCall Pattern Company, and the fabric was provided from Mood Fabrics as part of my monthly allowance for participating in the Mood Sewing Network. Still, I definitely made this entire coat myself – sooo, that should count for something π
Dang, this is gorgeous! I really want to make a coat now…
Do it! Let me be the one to peer pressure you into it π
It’s really, really cool. What a stunning color! I ordered fabric for making a coat just the day before your sewalong announcement, but the decision has already been for a different pattern, unfortunately. Now I will have a look at all the wonderful coats popping up on Pinterest and Flickr and I will take it as a motivation to finish my own coat soon. π
Any handmade coat is a good one in my opinion! Can’t wait to see what you’re cooking up π
Gorgeous coat! Very nice photos!
Thank you!
Lauren, your coat is perfection! I’m just a tad jealous of how great it turned out. The color, the style, the flare…it all works so well on you. WELL DONE!!! βMeg
Don’t be jealous, Meg – yours turned out pretty fabulous too! I hope I get to see it next time I’m in New York π
Great job on the coat – it came out beautiful.
Thank you!
Beautiful! Just beautiful! It is a work of art! Great job!!
Yay, a work of art – I like that! Thank you!
Phenomenal! Looks amazing. A-Ma-Zing!
Woohoo, thank you!
Ooh luvverly! I even like those big bell sleeves!
I’m surprised how much I like them too! They’re very dramatic π
This is gorgeous Lauren! Well worth all the effort, it looks great! Love the hat as well!
Thank you! That hat is like, my favorite thing ever right now hahahaha
Congratulations on a wonderful garment and great posts about it! I read them all – and learned a lot – even though didn’t make it. I can’t wait for another sew-along!
Yay, I’m so glad you enjoyed the sewalong! I enjoyed hosting it π
Fantastic! Love the silk taffeta underlining and self covered buttons. You look wonderful in it!
Ahhh, thank you so much Carlos! I’m glad to hear that you approve π
I love the coat – adn really love the red colour π I know its totally not the same beast but i just finished the minoru, I think coat sewing is my favourite!
The minoru is still a beast in itself! Wasn’t it fun to make, though? Man, I want to make another one of those! Coat making woohoooooo!
Incredible!
π
Wow, that is a gorgeous coat. I love the color. I’ve never tackled a coat, but I did cut one out about 15 years ago. I just found it in a box of stuff I cut out but never got around to sewing. π The pocket post was really helpful. I’m going to have to do the same thing for the coat I cut out and I’m dreading it. Oh and Nashville traffic, believe it or not I miss it. I would trade it for crazy El Paso traffic in a heartbeat.
Haha! That’s a pretty old UFO! You should totally finish it π The pockets aren’t so bad – just practice a few times, and utilize lots of hand basting! You’ll be fine!
Oh man, I’m SO glad we don’t have crazy traffic! However, I’m spoiled with this shit, and sitting through more than one light cycle is considered “traffic” to me hahahahaha! I’d rather take a bike any day and skip traffic altogether. I just wish I didn’t work so far away from home now!
That is one badass coat. Well done.
Whoop! Thank you! π
Those sleeves are the bees knees honey! Love the whole thing.
They are really FUN! Might need more bell sleeves in my future π
Wow. I love it. It looks perfect on you. Love the red too x
Yay! Thank you!
You look adorable in that fabulous coat with that hat! What a lovely picture. I think I’m going to have a look at the sewalong pics just to see what’s going on with those buttonholes – is that some kind of a guard I see there? I didn’t follow it as I am totally uninterested in coat sewing – coats have a very short season here, I have a bunch of them and I prefer a car coat length most of the time cos of driving…. plus I made one years back from a length of cashmere coating I bought in Hong Kong which was loads of work, turned out beautifully, but was too much of its time – big shoulders, are you listening??? Older sis appropriated it and oldest sis gave it the ultimate mark of approval as being “very like my Jean Paul Gaulthier”…. I wish I had found something shaped like this, what a difference! I LOVE the touches of texture you gave it with the silk buttonholes and the inside of the sleeves, omg, too bloody fabulous! Yes, you look totally adorable. Pity you aren’t taking it with you as you would stand out a mile in grey London.
The button holes are bound with silk taffeta, and then there are thread chain bar tacks sewn to create the holes. It’s pretty interesting and unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a coat (leave it to Ralph Rucci to design something awesome like that!). I don’t blame you for not following along; I think sewalongs can be tiresome when you’re not involved in them (whether hosting or participating). It’s a shame that you don’t get much coat-time in your climate, though. I LOVE coat making, I think it’s so fun! Although your cashmere coat sounds pretty amazing, gotta say π
You look spiffy….oh, so spiffy…la la la-la, la la-la, la LAAAAAAAAH π
π π π
Lauren – the coat is awesome! Love the photos and all of your hard work shows. Plus I love George too, he is soooooo good at picking great pieces of fabric.
Thank you, Carolyn! Big props to George for picking this fabric – I knew I could count on him to find me the best stuff in the store π
CONGRATULATIONS! It is so fabulous! You look great in these all autumn colours!
Thank you! I love autumnal colors, so yay I like hearing that! ha!
Lauren it’s a total triumph and it looks wonderful made up in red! Also that third from last photo of you with the coat slung over your photo is just lovely! x
Duh, should read slung over your SHOULDER, not slung over your photo!
Thank you so much! I knew you’d approve to the red, Jane π
excellent work. seriously. excellent. the view of the inside of your sleeves is everything.
Thank you so much! I think the inside sleeve view is one of my favorite parts of the coat π
This coat is amazing and your sewing skills are sick. Can I just say how much I love the unusual silhouette on you? You can pull off anything.
Thank you! I don’t think I can quite pull of anything, but I do like this shape, so there’s that π
Gorgeouuuuuuuuuus! Such beautiful work, and that red is really working for you. So wonderful to see it all come together! It’s interesting how relatively classic yet different the silhouette really is, especially when you see the sleeves and neckline. Love, love it! I’m on the fence right now about if I’m going to undertake a big coat project, we shall see!
Omg, I think you should! Big coat projects are awesome and satisfying (and you can justify spending tons of money on the fabric & supplies, since, well, it’s a coat! You’ll wear it all the time!), and you’ll get SO much use out of it!
This is incredible! I hope to someday have the werewithal to actually finish a coat like this… I started a BurdaStyle moto jacket last year and it’s sitting sadly in a bag, waiting for me to return…
I think about those “couture savings” all the time. Yeah, Forever 21 is cheaper than sewing, but I know I can make things much better quality than I can afford to buy!
Ooh, you should finish the moto jacket. Who doesn’t need an awesome moto jacket, amirite? π
And yes, couture savings are where it’s at! Getting the quality at a fraction of the price is such a great feeling π
This is so gorgeous on you! I love it! Well done!!!!!
Yay! Thank you so much π
thats a real winner… sad to not see it live but i totally get it, when i travel i pack stuff thats practical.
Yeah, I’m a little sad, but I want to be comfortable while I’m traveling around! You’ll just have to come here to see it in person, I guess π
This is such a cool coat! I definitely had reservations about the style after seeing the sample version, but yours is so cool, I may have to actually give it a go.
Dude, me too. I hated the envelope art! I like it much better in the wool coating, but, then again, I’m biased π You should make it up – and then let me seeeee it π
The purple hair, the red coat, the hat… you are a showstopper!
Aw, thanks Maddie!
It turned out so good!! I still haven’t cut my fabric, but now I’m re-inspired to get mine done. π
Woohoo!! Based on how winter is heading for this year, I’d say you have plenty of time to finish and still be able to wear it π haha!
So true, it was in the 70’s in So. Cal. today.
Wowzers, what a brilliant coat and the lovely photos really show it off.Congratulations and enjoy every single time you wear it! Catherine x
Thank you so much!
I love it! Its’ so great, I love those seans in the sleeves, it looks special!!! I lthink it will look amazing when you go out!!! I totally agree on the savings issue you mentioned. It’s awesome to know you can own a coat that would usually run several thousands, isn’t it?
It’s pretty awesome! Ain’t nobody else (at least in my social circle haha) going to have a coat like this, that’s for sure! π
Love how the coat looks on you! Hope you bring it to NY.
Ooh, maybe I will! Even if it’s not cold enough in March, it could be nice for a show-and-tell-and-grabby-hands π
Love it! Great colour, really fabulous coat. I’m so far behind with mine. It’s very unseasonal sewing here, so other projects keep getting in the way. Hope to get there eventually, thanks so much for the sewalong, will definitely be going back to refer to posts.
You are so welcome! I don’t blame you for pushing it to the backburner; that’s what happens with unseasonal sewing π The sewalongs will always be there when you need them!
This coat is stunning, and the pictures came out fantastic!
Thank you!
Your skills continue to amaze me! You are the best!!!
Aw, thank you so much! π
What!!! You’re not bringing this coat to Paris?!?! Are you nuts?!?! The Frenchmen will be falling to their knees, saying naughty things in French and taking you to Hermes to buy a scarf to go with it. And the French women will be giving you that leetle jealous sneer, (which means you scored in their style book). Listen to your Auntie Jet Set Sewing…you have to wear it!! French women are all about their fabulous coats in the winter. Just stick it in the overhead and BRING IT!
Ahhhhh now you have me questioning my entire travel wardrobe!! I would LOVE to bring it, but I’m super limited on luggage options (I can only bring one suitcase, and shipping stuff back is pretty expensive) so I’m trying to bring as little as possible with me. Since the coat isn’t as practical as my plaid one, I was just going to bring that one. But now you have me questioning everything! I want to get the French woman jealous sneer!! haha!
Practical/schmatical…you’re going to London and Paris! Take your groovy coat. If you look cold, Prince Harry will loan you a muffler, and then you’ll marry him and be a duchess or something. The rest of your wardrobe will be fine…bring the show-stopper.
It came out lovely, and it fits you beautifully!
Thank you!
Lovely post and photos – you look utterly joyous in your gorgeous coat. Have a FAB time in London – whar are the key things on your To Do list whilst you’re here?
Other than buy all the fabric and drink all the beer? I want to go to the British Museum and look at the mummies! π haha!
This is pretty freaking awesome!
Thank you! π
Wow, your friend is a master photographer and this coat deserves NOTHING less! Although I’m a little sad to hear it won’t be making the trip to the UK. This is really fucking spectacular, and I can’t wait to see everyone else’s π
I know! I wish I could take it, but my space is so limited and I really just want to be comfortable while I’m there (especially since I’ll be pretty out of my element enough as it is).
Wonderful, I’m in awe of your skills and stamina! Respect! Have a safe trip over and see you in Paris!
Yes! Looking forward to it π
fabulous – its perfect. normally i probably wouldnt have looked at this pattern, (i just checked it there) but your coat has made it so much more attractive – so much so that its now on my wish list. the amount of work you put into it shows in the fantastic finish
Thank you so much! Definitely check out the pattern; all the detail that goes into the coat makes it really special π
Your coat is spectacular! I love it. Thanks for the great sewalong posts.
I am following along to make my own coat and am a few weeks away from finishing. Hope to get some more pics up on the Flickr site soon. Really appreciate all the great info and inspiration.
Oh, awesome! I can’t wait to see your coat when it’s finished π So glad you liked the sewalong π
Lauren, your coat is *gorgeous* and is making me look forward to finishing mine, now that I’ve finally figured out how to use my walking foot.
Helen, do it. This one, while classified as an advanced pattern, really isn’t. A stubborn beginner could totally do this.
Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear that you made that walking foot your bitch π And I agree with you that a stubborn beginner could make this coat. It’s really just a lot of fiddly steps; nothing majorly difficult!
I love it! That is a gorgeous coat! Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you!
DUDE!!! This is SOOOOO beautiful!! And you wear it so well! Love the color, the hat, the hair and the pics!! And using exclamation points!!!!! ;p
Yay!! Thank you so much, Nettie π
Beautiful coat!!! You did a fantastic job! You did the designer/artist proud. Hate to hear that Ralph Rucci is stepping down from his company. I’ll have to make sure to add this to my stash!!
Thank you! I had no idea Rucci was stepping down from his company, though, what a bummer!
Hello,
I’m a French woman and I’m just admirative of your coat. If you are planning a trip to Paris, you really should take it. Winter is cold in France (less in the south, but Paris is cold in winter!) and this red coat is gorgeous. You have to wear it in front of the Eiffel Tower!
So, because I’m French, please excuse me if my english is not as good as I would.
I found your blog after having already purchased the pattern. I have a really really big crush on this coat and I’m looking after sewing blogs to see what the others do with the pattern…and yours is wonderfull!
My goodness, this is gorgeous. I’m so glad you tried that coat on and showed us all that it’s really a great design. I totally passed over it the first time!
Hello again! I finally finished mine too! Totally worth it, but you were right when you told me it would be cold when I finished it, haha, now is freezing! If you have a couple of minutes, have a look at it and positively critizise it. Thank you! Muaks!
Oh yay! Gonna go have a look now – !
If you decide to make one, you should definitely check out the Flickr photo group. There’s lots of stuff on there from Lauren and Meg and the other participants. Pictures and discussions on fitting and muslins, which can be really helpful.
Hi Lauren, your sew-a-long was the help I needed to make my coat. I finally finished mine a couple of months ago just in time for our winter and have worn it almost everyday since I’ve posted some pics on the flickr page (it is the purple one) but just wanted to say. THANK YOU SO MUCH. Your encouragement and sewalong posts were bang on the money for getting the job done. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Oh man, this makes me so happy! You are SO welcome and I’m sooo thrilled to hear that you found the sewalong helpful and that you were encouraged to finish your coat! And I’m REALLY happy to hear that you love it and wear it often! Your coat looks beautiful – I love the lining your chose and the color is just glorious π