The Pepernoot Coat From Waffle Patterns/My Next Sew Along For Sew News

When I first came back to Chicago after living in Houston, Texas for 6 years, I had 1 coat...1, and it was what I would now call a fall coat. That first winter, we had temperatures in the 70's on Christmas day. I remember thinking,"this isn't so bad, I can do this." Well, within a month, I was standing on the el platform, waiting for my train and thinking that I was going to die, literally die. I was that cold. Now I have a closet full of coats, a coat for rain, a couple of coats for spring, a couple of coats for fall, and a number of coats for the winter. The day that I stood on that el platform freezing to death, like Scarlet O'Hara who vowed she would never go hungry again, (from the movie Gone With The Wind), I vowed that I would never be so cold ever again. If need be, I could give up a lot of things in my wardrobe, but not my coats!  

When Sew News asked me to do another year of sew along articles, they asked me to choose a number of patterns that I might like to work with. I absolutely adore Yuki from Waffle Patterns. I love her style, and I love her patterns, so I was especially excited when Sew News took me up on my suggestion of Yuki's Pepernoot Hooded Coat. Yuki's version is intended for winter with the fur trimmed hood and the heavier wool fabric.

I bet you recognize the fabric I used! Since Yuki showed a winter version, I thought it would be fun to show more of a spring/fall version of the coat. But if you live in a warmer climate, this might suffice as a winter coat. I cannot wait to start wearing this coat!

It has a front hidden zipper placket. You might think that the zipper will be a little intimidating. During the sew along, we'll walk through it and I know you will have a beautiful application. 
Just a note on the zipper that I used. This is one that actually seals when zipped up, so no air gets through. Another nice aspect of the zipper is that you don't see the zipper teeth, so it's a very clean finish on the outside. As we approach the sew along, I'll give you more info on the zipper.

The pattern features a fabulous hood. I really like how it is drafted. It's a 3-piece pattern, so when the hood is up, it lays smoothly over the top of the head.  

When not in use, the hood lays beautifully across the back.

The coat features front and back yokes. I accented the yokes with piping.   

Such a pretty look across the back.

The pockets are actually a patch pocket with a zipper detail. Again, the zipper may seem a little intimidating, but we'll walk through it step by step. 

The sleeves are a 2-piece sleeve pattern and feature tabs. The tabs are not functional, although, you could always add a buttonhole if you wish.  

The coat is fully lined and comes with a separate lining pattern. I had this fun piece of silk that I used for my lining. I always enjoy adding something a little unexpected :) 

Waffle patterns are PDF patterns. I know that a few of you are cringing at the thought, but no need. Yuki has designed her patterns so that when you receive the file, you can choose the size you wish, so no going blind trying to follow the line for your size. The patterns also come with a copy shop option. Just download the pattern to a stick, stop by the copy shop and have them print it off on one of their big machines. No taping, no printing out tons of sheets at home. But that option is available, so if you like printing at home and you don't mind taping, have at it!  

Once you do receive your pattern, please pay close attention to the sizing. There is quite a bit of ease in the patterns. 
So, I have a question for you, for the sew along, would you like to see me do zip out faux fur lining? I think it might be rather fun. 

I have not received the start date of the sew along, but I should have it in the next day or two. I have a feeling it will probably be in February. If you think you might like to sew along with me, and make a fabulous coat, hop over to Waffle patterns and pick up your pattern. You can find it HERE.
Yuki has a new coat pattern that you might like to take a look at, she's calling it the Yuzu Raglan Coat. It's a little like a pea coat with raglan sleeves. I really like the high collar and the overall shape of the coat. You can find it HERE.

I'm really looking forward to the Pepernoot sew along. As soon as I know a little more, I'll let you know.
Rhonda