As you know, this is not only National Sewing Month, but it's also Sewing Indie Month as well! Just a quick note about National Sewing Month. I for one am so very happy to have a month designated as a national sewing month. There was a time when I actually thought I would see the world of home sewing come to an end. At one time there were numerous fabric stores in downtown Chicago. Even our beloved Marshall Field's had an entire floor of fabric and yarn. Now we have only one fabric store in downtown Chicago. What was Marshall Field's is now Macy's and there is no fabric by the yard to be found. But I'm happy to say that my very own little neighborhood here in Chicago now has a fun fabric store, The Needle Shop and we also have a new quilt shop with delightful fabrics. So sewing is on the rise!!!!
By now, you may have figured out that I am once again the Pattern Hacker for Sewing Indie Month. I fill kinda like a super hero ;) A super hero with a pair of scissors and a sewing machine!! Actually, I am quite honored to be asked once again to head up this segment for Sewing Indie Month. Like last year, there is a contest and there are some wonderful prizes to be won. You can see all 3 categories and the accompanying prizes HERE.
The winner of the Pattern Hacking category will receive:
- One free Craftsy class of winner’s choice, a $40 value
- $25 gift certificate to Style Maker Fabrics
- enrollment in the Pattern Workshop
- a $35 gift certificate to Notionally Better
- a $30 gift certificate to Hawthorne Threads
- a PDF pattern of your choice by Blueprints for Sewing
- a PDF pattern of your choice by Seamster Sewing Patterns
- a PDF pattern of your choice by Maison Fleur
- a PDF pattern of your choice by SeamstressErin Designs
- the Bonnell Dress PDF pattern Dixie DIY
Click HERE for contest rules and how to enter.
Now, for a little hacking!
My first project is going to be the Spearmint Coat from Lolita Patterns.
The neckline is very low with a large ruffled collar. (Please forgive my wrinkles!!) It's a very feminine design. Since I would like to wear this coat in the winter, and it is Chicago, I need a collar that isn't quite so open. So what to do?
Now, if you've made it to this point in the post, I have a surprise for you! I have 2, yes, 2 Spearmint patterns to give away, WOO HOO!!! 
If you would like a chance to win 1 of the patterns, just leave a message on this post. I will announce the winner on Monday, September 7, 2015.
A little about the coat. I love the fit of this coat! Enough said :)
I think Sewing Indie Month is off to a great start!
This is a pattern I have always liked but lack the courage to make, maybe a win would inspire me!
ReplyDeleteI adore the shape and details of this coat! I'd love to win!! :)
ReplyDeleteA great pattern -- and can't wait to see your finished hack. So glad you're running this part of it again this year -- you are so inspiring when it comes to making a pattern your own!
ReplyDeleteI've always liked this coat, but have the same issue with cold winters - I like the change!
ReplyDeleteYou are so very creative, with all of your projects, always something new and what makes it even better your ideas are so easy a beginner can do them. Love what your doing to the coat, for the area i live in the ruffled version would be great.
ReplyDeleteLove this coat!.
ReplyDeleteYou are a superhero! I love the coat---even with the open neckline. There's something about ruffles on a coat! I think your collar will be spectacular, too. Do you remember an Anna Wintour outfit with an extreme collar, in silver as I remember?
ReplyDeleteHmmm, now that you mention it, it does ring a bell :)
DeleteI love that pattern and I think your changes are great.
ReplyDeleteI like your hack better than the original because I prefer to have my coats close up close to my neck. The rest of the coat is a pretty pattern. I'd probably go a step further and add a hood to the coat (the hood could continue down into the lapels so you could still have some of the open effect when it's warm, but then it should button up tight when it's brisk out). Love the rose color, too.
ReplyDeleteI love that coat, both the original and your changes. Throw my name in the hat, please? It might take me a year to make it, but I've some wool in stash that would work. :)
ReplyDeleteYour collar hack looks great so far :) I think the original collar is lovely, but would cause some issues in the Norwegian winter. Over here it would be best suited as a fall/spring coat. I would love to try this pattern, as I really *should* sew some outerwear!
ReplyDeleteThis coat is gorgeous. I'd love to win the pattern. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI love your version of the collar so much better and it seems like a way more reasonable choice to actually protect from the cold. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteLovely colour for this lovely pattern - what I like is that it comes in my size also ;) I would also have to change the collar - as Norway is quite cold and windy during wintertime :) (And snowy, so I am considering making av wintercoat this feminine, but in a more "hi-tech" material to avoid the soggy wool during wet and heavy snowfalls. )
ReplyDeletePut my name.in the hat please! Can't wait to see you hack!
ReplyDeleteomg I love this coat and I have it saved on my computer as well as my pinterest board. I cant wait to see what you come up with. I am so excited and appreciative for the opportunity. Thanks and love your work!
ReplyDeleteI would love a chance to win! It's a beautiful coat and I love your changes as well as the original.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun coat. Would be great for San Francisco weather.
ReplyDeletePlease add me to the drawing, I would love a chance to win that pattern.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great coat! I like the original, and what it looks like you're doing to it.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving this sew-indie stuff, I'm finding loads of awesome patterns to buy XD
This is such a pretty coat, like you I live in aOk cold climate that makes the exposed neckline a little chilly. Can't wait to see what you do with the collar
ReplyDeleteWhat great coat and that pattern looks lovely. Nice to see an indie with such a decent size range. Looking forwards to seeing what you do with your coat. The colour/fabric are gorgeous. Xx
ReplyDeletebeautiful coat and love the colour you are using
ReplyDeleteThat would make a great travel coat for someone from southern california
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute pattern! So excited to be participating in my first Sewing Indie Month and even more excited about participating in the Pattern Hacking category!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful coat.
ReplyDeleteI remember thinking the same thing about this pattern - too open for Chicago! It never occurred to me to change the collar. Tammy Randall
ReplyDeleteIf I win I'll make it red!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful coat. It looks like it would be fun to make and wear
ReplyDeleteI would love the challenge of making this coat and using a little creativty to cover up my neck so I would be toasty warm in this lovely coat!
ReplyDeleteThis is the cutest coat ever! I am pretty new to the garment sewing arena (I am a quilter) and would love to try this pattern!
ReplyDeleteHi Amy and welcome to the dark side ;) So glad to have you join us in the garment sewing arena.
DeleteLovely coat! Can't wait to see your final version.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous coat! Can't wait to see how your new edited coat turns out!
ReplyDeleteGreat pattern, and your change looks promising!
ReplyDeleteI hope it's not too late to throw my name in the hat for this pattern. I am looking forward to your tutorial on remaking the collar.
ReplyDeleteAm I 2 late to the party?
ReplyDelete