Louisa coat sewing pattern tour day #5

Nathalie has two adorable girls. You already know that. But I was so nicely surprised to see that she made both her girls a Louisa coat! Really! Sewing a coat is so much work, so respect Nathalie! Your girls are so lucky with a mum like you. During the photoshoot, I let them play with the puddles and oh they had a great time (and wet feet!). More cute pictures at Me Toezie.

Catherine was a new tester and when she posted her first test picture, I was blown away. Really. What a beautiful coat! When I saw the result I finally started to understand why some of you ask for an adult version. But no, I don’t have plans to draw one. Sorry! In the meanwhile you will have to keep sewing for your girls. I’m sure these pictures from Catherine (and Bjorn) will convince you that this pattern is suitable for teenagers too.

Now it’s time to introduce Sofie. She’s one of the ‘seamstress search participants’. I love her style a lot. Not only her creations but also her pictures! She made a mini Louisa and I don’t know what versions I love most? The mini of maxi version. Just both! Thanks Sofie for participating in the tour. Make sure to check her blog for more pictures!

+++ Shelley +++

If you don’t follow Shelley on Instagram yet, I advice you to do so. She shares such amazing pictures. When Shelley applied to be part of the tour, I just had to select her. It’s so funny to read their blogposts now. Because apparently most of them never ever sewed a coat, but are really happy with the instructions. That’s such a great compliment. Thanks a lot Shelley!

I am so honored to be writing to be on the Compagnie M blog! The first time I saw the Louisa Cost, I knew it was special. I’ve never attempted a fully lined coat before, so this was a new, but welcome challenge for me.  I decided that I needed to sew two, one for each of my daughters.

For my eldest Adelaide, I chose a medium suiting wool and a faux micro-suede lining and satin sleeve lining.  For the details of that coat I chose piping, the tulip collar and the ribbed cuffs along with a button closure.  For Eliza, I chose a vintage double knit polyester and the same linings as her sister.  Because of the nature of double knit, I chose to omit the piping and stay with the traditional collar, but to add a little flair with (faux) leather knot buttons and some (faux) fur.

I found matching the plaids on Adelaide’s coat very challenging, but I really want this to be a coat she wears for a year or two and then can pass down to her sister(s), so I spent a lot of extra time pinning (and restitching, and recutting). It really was worth it in the long run, I can’t believe I actually made that coat, the pictures surprised even me!  Eliza’s was a much easier sew, as I had some mistakes to learn from and the coat itself did not have as many details.  

Marte’s pattern is brilliant! I was a little intimidated at first, however, the instructions were spot on, and very helpful. The pictures were clear and informative and lead me through the narrative of making the coat beautifully. Now I may be ready to make one or two more!

+++ Aurélie +++

Also Aurélie responded to my seamstress search call. You can follow her on Instagram or on Facebook. Oh how I love what she sews. :)  Her Louisa coat looks so great on her daughter! Make sure to follow her on social media, but today you can see her Louisa coat on my blog:

When Compagnie M. announced the pattern tour for the new Louisa coat, I immediately got excited! Their patterns are so stylish and typically have a unique vintage–modern mix. I had to apply!

I then was so happy when Marte told me I was part of the tour. Two minutes later, I completely freaked out!! I had to sew a Winter coat while Summer here is around the corner! “Where shall I find a nice wool?” In Perth of course, since I would never get the fabric delivered in time from overseas. So I explored each of the handful of fabric stores in the area (that’s where I have to say how much I miss Berlin!) and looked for the Holy Grail!

But then, came the question: would my 5-year-old be willing to wear the coat for a photo session, whereas she goes to school with a tee! The best option turned out to be early in the morning, on the way to school—her school uniform would give a very special ozzie touch!

Marte, thank you so much for the opportunity to take up these challenges! This is a very elegant cut and I love its retro touch. I am sure it’ll be a huge success!

Besides, the pattern instructions are very clear and detailed, and include invaluable tips. It’s a such great feeling to work on it. I’ll definitely sew another piece, maybe in a lighter fabric, more suitable for Australian mild Winter.

This time I used a wool–acrylic mix found at Potter Textiles and a lawn from Cloud9 Fabrics for the lining.