I've been fleecing 🐑😉 It's been a few winters since fluffy coats were in fashion. My desire to go out all wrapped up in a duvet coat competed with the doubt that this fashion really suited me. So rather than buying a cheap polyester coat or buying the wool version that costs an arm and a leg, I thought it was a good sewing challenge, perfect for sewing something different and having fun!

Supplies

I did a lot of research to find the right faux sheepskin fabric. I wanted it in natural material mainly, cotton or wool, at a reasonable price, ecru and soft. I started with the faux fur from Cousette at €18 per meter 80% cotton 20% polyester. It is soft, quite easy to work with and keeps you rather warm. It had a few flaws at first sight which were reduced with ironing. It is not always in stock, do not hesitate to set an alert. If you have good deals on faux sheepskin, tell me in the comments ;)

The faux fur is "woven" on a not very soft sweatshirt-style weave, so I wanted to line my jacket. I dug through my scraps closet and found two off-white viscose scraps from Atelier Brunette. The front and back linings are sewn in the off-white Dobby , while the sleeves are sewn in the off-white crepe . Linings are a good way to use up scraps ;)

For a touch of gold, I chose snap buttons and for the peppy mantra label, it's La Petite Maison Couture .

Boss

I have been creating patterns for several years, so I often already have enough to carry out my desires. Here, I wanted a slightly oversized short jacket, bomber style, with a high collar to keep my neck warm.

I used as a base the patterns of Jackets and Coats to personalize from my book "My custom wardrobe" with several modifications that I detail below. I chose style 3 without the flounce, sleeves 1 and finish 2 of the piped pockets.

Modifications

• I sewed one size above my usual size for the oversize side.

• I chose the short length provided in the basic pattern which I lengthened by 5 cm. Then I added a casing of 5 cm finished height in which I slipped a shorter elastic to give a slight bomber look to my jacket. The jacket is therefore 10 cm longer than the one in the book.

• the long sleeves have been shortened by 5 cm to create sleeve bracelets. They are 5 cm high finished with elastic inside. The principle is the same as for the bottom of the jacket, but the length of the sleeves is unchanged from the initial pattern.

• the back shoulder blade clamp has been removed thanks to the elasticity of the fabric which has made it possible to absorb the bulk during the shoulder seams.

• To obtain a button placket without sewing facings, I modified the pattern according to the diagram above. The button placket is interfaced to support the snap fasteners.

• I drew a pattern for a high collar without changing the neckline to keep you warm. No need to wear a scarf thanks to this collar. Pattern to download here / to print 100% scale .

• the jacket is lined but without facings. The lining is sewn at the sleeve cuffs, the casing at the bottom of the jacket and the collar. I first assembled the jacket and its lining at the casing right side against right side. Then I folded the casing towards the inside of the jacket and sewed it by hand for a completely invisible result.