:: it's cold! ::

I hope that everyone had a merry Christmas! 

In the past month, I've started several posts and not completed any, so today, I'm going to try compiling them into one, so stick with me here......

We've were hit with cold weather really early this year, which is a major bummer to me, but it sure doesn't seem to bother our dog, Yukon.  The first snowfall we had was at the beginning of December and there has been snow on the ground ever since.  One day while my son was out shoveling the driveway, I happened to look out the window and notice Yukon patiently waiting by a tree for him to come back and play with him....

He is so funny. I think Yukon is the only one in our family who really likes the snow!

Yes, I know.  He blends right into the snow, right?!

Ok, here he is, ready for a chase through the yard......

Yep, he's a great dog for the snow!

So, what else have I been up to? 

Well, you may have guessed that I'm not a huge fan of the cold weather in Indiana.  Already, I'm wishing for those warm sunny days of June.  But instead of donning my beloved flip flops and shorts every morning, I've been layering up with sweatshirts, scarves and wool socks, just trying to stay warm.

So,I decided that what I really needed was a new winter coat, and when I couldn't find one, I took matters into my own hands.  I dug out some black heavyweight wool that I've had for years, threw it into the washing machine and felted it so that it was even thicker, and decided to make my own coat, using a pattern by Serendipity Studio.

 

(Image taken from www.sewserendipity.com)

 Ahhhhh...... all those memories from my 4-H Clothing days came flooding back.  

As you might imagine, I've never been one for following the directions, so I made a few minor changes as I made the jacket..... I added pockets in the side seams, (because pockets are a must for carrying my ipod and keys), and because wool against my skin makes me turn all red and blotchy, (which IS NOT a good look), I added a lining. 

I did have a few challenges.  One being the mix of fabrics and the faux suede that I used on the collar, facing, and cuffs.  It kept shifting on me as a stitched, but it didn't take long to figure out that it worked better to have the suede on the bottom and the wool on the top as I fed it through the machine.  And with 4+ layers of heavy, coat-weight, felted wool my trusty Pfaff with dual feed was a huge plus.

It is in no way perfect, but I love the way it turned out.  It's warm enough without being too heavy.  It's long enough to cover my bottom.  And the best thing is that both of my boys (who are really young men at 17 & 20) think it's so cool that I made a jacket!

It's been a busy month spent visiting with family and friends, making it hard to get any real projects accomplished.  I did get the patterns for the Newsboy Cap and the Little Apron sent off to the printer.  Now, I'm moving on to the patterns and book to go along with the new fabric line, Winterberry Lane.  I will keep you posted as to when each one becomes available.  In the mean time, I pray that you all have a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Terri

 

Comments

[Jennifer]

Great coat Teri!

[lisa abbey]

The coat turned out wonderfully. I think your dog is great. One of my dogs loves to go outside and roll around in the snow and then come back inside. It is like she just has to cool off and that is enough. They are fun to watch. I am excited to see what you come up with next. Take care, Lisa

[Paula Johnson]

i love the jacket and im looking forward to seeing more of winter berry lane projects. keep up the good work and keep on bloging , i love the pictures of quilts and Yukon. Happy quilting.Paula

[leeanne]

Well your coat looks great!
You have the perfect dog for the snow. I look forward to seeing your new fabric range.

[Debbie St.Germain]

Love your coat, really beautiful and unique.
I want to start making clothing, so I got a pj pattern to try something simple.

Debbie

[kathie]

The coat is beautiful..wow am I ever impressed.
My DD goes to college in Indiana and loves snow, she was happy to have snow almost every day from when she went back to school after Thanksgiving, its the wind she hates! Although when she got home last week she was happy there was sunny days and no snow until yesterday then we had a blizzard in NJ! I wonder if she will feel the same about snow after 4 years of school in SB!!!!
Happy New Year.
Kathie

[Deb Fox]

That coat is wonderful! Reminds me of a wool coat I made once that I loved until my cat chewed a big fat hole in it!

[Karen]

I used to make almost all my clothes, but now only mainly quilt. It feels good to do something like this, and such a major project. Great job!!

[Shasta]

I think it is really cool that you made a jacket too! I couldn't do it. This one is fabulous.

[claire]

BONNES FETES DE FIN D'ANNEES *
ET TOUS MES MEILLEURS VOEUX *
A BIENTOT *‎*★★* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ •。★ ★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˚* _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•*/______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ｜ 田田｜門｜ ˚ BONNE ANNÉE 2011...claire

[Stephanie in Michigan]

I am awfully impressed that you made a coat, too. I am just not one for sewing clothes. And I never would have thought to take a raincoat pattern and make it out of wool. I'm really impressed. It's a really cute coat, too. Stay warm. Up here in Michigan, we're suffering the cold, too, but this nice January thaw we're having is really quite something, isn't it?!

[Janet Holland]

Oh my gosh - making a coat is a challenge, but you did a beautiful job. I'm also glad to hear that someone else enjoys their Pfaff. Thanks for sharing!