Phoebe Coat

I’m a fairly experienced sewist but this was my first “major” project. I usually prefer following written instructions, so I watched the videos and compared the video tutorial to the written pattern instructions to made notes on changes to make if I decided to not follow along with the videos. I have to say I’m so glad I bought the sewing class because I think I ended up with a much more sophisticated and beautifully tailored coat. Not to say the written instructions would not have worked, but things like making bound buttonholes, how to press, grade, hand baste, catch stitch, and how to sew the “magic” hem, etc. were such a wonderful perk of the sewing class. This coat gave me sleepless nights (in a good way) but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The pattern itself is well drafted and I was so pleasantly surprised that I didn’t have to do any major modifications other than sleeve and coat lengthening (because I’m 5’10”). It may seem trivial, but I was incredibly impressed with how perfect the interfacing pattern pieces were. Maybe I was just imagining but I think they were a drawn bit smaller than the fabric pattern piece which was great! No weird overhangs after fusing. The only thing I’d say was a very slight negative was that the fabric yardage was probably a bit overestimated. Even with adding 4” length to body and 2” to sleeves, I still ended up with 1/2 yard of the coating fabric left (or maybe I was just just super efficient with jig sawing the pieces). Anyway, kudos to the team. This pattern and class were A+!

Fun and thorough and a joy to watch. I'm feeling ready to invest in the fabric and the time to make this coat now - so excited!

This is the first class I have taken with Closet Core Patterns and I will definitely take more. Heather is clear, precise and full of helpful tips. The video is such great quality-I can see all of her stitches without straining. I have learned so much about working with wool and coat making but so much more that I can apply to the rest of my sewing. Thank you!!

Finally! I found a place where I can up my sewing game and really learn techniques that I’ve been dying to master in a safe and supportive environment. Heather and the closet core crew are fabulous. A particular shout out to Montserrat for her encouragement and also to the fabulous pattern drafting team ! The classes are perfect. They are well edited. You can see Heather clearly demonstrating construction techniques facing challenges that we all face at our own machines and conquering! She is very fun to watch. I find it highly entertaining and a special bonus when she recommends watching Gilmore girls while doing something mundane like applying interfacing. Even if you have never made a coat before,this class willl lead you through to success. The step-by-step demonstrations and instructions coupled with the awesome pattern, supplementary fitting booklet, Team support, and a forum to share with supportive, classmates are perfect.. I’ve never made a coat before. I attempted a blazer once and failed at the collar and now know why thanks to Heather’s excellent demonstrations. This class is worth every penny and if you’re thinking of it for yourself or for a friend who wants to make a coat, you will not be disappointed. I shared a few photos of my progress during construction and the final photo will be available in the very near future.

Enjoy these classes very much. Although I've been sewing for a very long time, I still learn new things. Heather does an excellent job!