"The" Coat






"THE" Coat ~

April of 2013 was my first trip to Alabama. For Christmas, my sweet husband had surprised me with my dream gift, an Alabama Chanin weekend workshop. And because I was going through the time and expense of flying from Oregon to Alabama, he decided to throw in the Private Studio Day to boot. I was so surprised and overwhelmed that tears began streaming down my face. My kids were concerned, "What's wrong with mom?" I could hardly speak. The only words I could choke out in a crackling, halted voice were, "I'm going to Alabama!" Their look was priceless. It was the "Mom's up and done it; she's gone bananas; and we're going to have to cart her off to the funny farm" look.

That trip fueled the flames and started me on my path to prolifically sewing my Alabama Chanin collection, becoming an Alabama Chanin certified sewing instructor, and teaching classes to other hand stitching enthusiasts. What a wonderful and thrilling adventure it has all been! But I digress....

During that first trip to the Factory, I chose nine projects, ranging in difficulty from a simple hat to the Grand Poo-bah, piece de la resistance, a 3/4 length, fully couched, dolmain coat, lovingly referred to as "THE" coat. I knew I wouldn't begin this project until after all the others were finished. I knew I may have chosen a, shall we say, ambitious project for a relative newbie. I knew it would take me quite awhile before I would actually wear "THE" coat. Little did I know then just how lengthy that while would be. When I finally did get my first panel out for "THE" coat, never having couched a single item in my life, I was naively surprised at just how incredibly time intensive the process of couching was.


The Alabama Studio Sewing & Design book provides full, detailed directions for this beautiful technique. Basically, it's using some type of thread or cording (I used strips of jersey stretched into "pulls") and stitching it down to create a design. I found that once I got the hang of it, it took more  patience and tenacity than skill.

It was almost two years ago when I first began stitching the coat, and about two and a half years since the coat was cut. Over the years I would complete a panel here, then set the project aside for a few months, and sew another panel there.




This summer I was able to finish up the final panel, and last week, I dug out my moleskin journal with chicken scratch, hastily scrawled notes that I took from Diane, and with some diligent deciphering along the way, finally constructed this beloved garment. Diane was a wonderful tutor, as the coat went together seamlessly (pun intended) in one short week.

The final flourish was the crocheted snaps.







I mistakenly used the button craft thread to crochet a set of snaps once. Don't do it! That thread is too thick to get a firm connected snap. The suggested two strands of floss works perfectly.You can find complete directions here in an entry in the Alabama Chanin Journal

There was the tiny drum roll of my heart as I put it on for the first time. Would it fit? Had I stitched for near two years to end up with something I couldn't wear? I have to say I was greatly relieved and happily surprised with just how well "THE" coat fit. Again, Alabama Chanin pulled through with another beautifully designed garment. I wouldn't change a single detail.




I had initially intended to couch and reverse applique all the elements of the coat. That would mean cutting off the top layer of paint to reveal the black layer of fabric beneath. After completing my first piece, I felt there was enough going on with the pattern already, and that the added color variations would become too busy. Although snipping the pieces for the reverse applique is one of my favorite processes, I decided to forgo it in lieu of a more subtle look.



Here's a detailed shot. Do you see the beetle bug? That's one of my favorite parts of this stencil, Job's Flowers.




Here's the reverse side of the sleeve.




I'm very glad I stuck with this project. Though time consuming, the results of the couching method are stunning and timeless. "THE" coat is complete and ready to wear, just in time for Autumn~ Perfect!








15 comments

  1. Absolutely fabulous! Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy!

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  2. What an amazing piece, Patti! And I loved your story that accompanied this, the journey from the very beginning to the finalization of this beautiful coat. I cannot imagine the hours that went into the creation of this. Very inspiring!

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    1. Hi Phyllis~Thank you for the kind words. It's nice to see your smiling face :)

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  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. Ooops, Emily, I'm so sorry. I mistakenly deleted this and can't get it back. Thank you for your comment, though.

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  4. It's gorgeous, Patti! I love the anticipation that comes with trying on a garment you've been working on for years. I'll be unveiling my first Alabama Chanin FO very shortly. - nothing this intricate, but I'm proud of it nonetheless. Thanks for your mentorship and encouragement!

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    1. Hi Elise~ Thank you. I can't wait to see your finished garment! I'm so happy we're fellow stitchers and part of the same creative tribe.

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  5. THE Coat is a masterpiece! I have made a few AC garments, but mostly very simple, without stenciling. That's such a hurdle! I did invest in some of the Spoonflower stenciled jersey, but I haven't decided what to do with it yet, and I also just ordered 12 yards of jersey for "summer" clothes that I doubt I will be able to wear this summer!!!

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  6. Hi Sara~ Thank you! I love the Spoonflower fabric: It's a smart idea, a wonderful way to get started. It's very exciting planning what projects to be made. For me, it's almost as exciting as planning a great Holiday. 12 yards!! Now that will be an amazing adventure. What colors did you choose? Any ideas on what you'd like to make?

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  7. The Coat is a wearable art piece! When you wear it do people stop you and ask you questions?? I would! As I mentioned a few months ago you inspired me to get with the AC thing lol! I now have all 4 books and have preordered the new one coming out this fall. Im making my 3 months old granddaughter a tiny A line dress. Im scared to cut. Yup. Its crazy

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  8. Thank you so much. Yes, the coat is a great conversation starter. And once while grocery shopping, a fellow shopper recognized that it was Alabama Chanin. Not a usual occurrence here in Oregon. How very lovely that you'll be making your new granddaughter a dress. What colors and stencil have you chosen? I agree, I'm always a little nervous to start cutting, even after all these years. I just plan it out, double check (measure twice, cut once theory), then go for it. Good luck!! And keep me posted.

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    1. Fabulous coat! Can I get a class schedule and a general locat. I'm in the greater Seattle area. I'll never be gifted a trip to Atlanta, but OR is doable.

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