Clare-Coat-Closet-Case-Files.jpg

MY POLKA DOT CLARE COAT : : CLOSET CASE FILES

Clare Coat, Closet Case Files
Clare Coat, Closet Case Files, DYT Type One
Clare Coat, Closet Case Files, DYT Type One
Clare Coat, Closet Case Files, DYT Type One

Hi ya peeps! That’ll be me in the highly visible turquoise Polka Dot Clare Coat. Once again, we’re on Vancouver’s Seawall…that’s False Creek and Yaletown doing a stellar background job. And looky dat…blue sky…a rarity these days. When we were taking these photos, two lovely women stopped and complimented me on my coat and told me I was the best dressed person on the seawall….why thank you, thank you! But, wait one sec…I’m just gonna burst my bubble….I was also the least appropriately dressed person out there…a minor detail, I hope you’ll agree. {For those that need to know…my knock-off desert boots are in my tote bag, and my down coat is just out of camera range.}

When Heather released the Clare Coat pattern in November, I was immediately drawn to view A with it’s unique zipper placement. It was after some deep thought. that I decided the groovy side zipped version wasn’t quite right for me. I have specific hot/cold/on/off/open/closed requirements when it comes to outerwear…and as much as I love View A zipped up, I wasn’t sure how it would look/hang when open. That being said, everything else still had me swooning. So…to make a perfect for me coat, I switched things up and used View B’s front and front facing pieces, but with a less generous front overlap. I still used the collar from View A, but I had to alter the pattern piece so that it matched with the center opening. I shortened the coat 3/4″ and the sleeves 1/2″ from the original View A length. This coat is fully lined and has instructions for a bagged lining. It was my first effort at sewing a bagged lining and it worked! Yay! I would have loved more colourful innards, but I had to settle on white to prevent colour showing throught the polka dots. And…speaking of polka dots…this fabric is yet another killer thrift store find! I KNOW! I managed to pattern match horizontally really well, {pats self on the back}, but totally neglected to consider the vertical match {knocks head on the keyboard}.

I think the silhouette of the coat gives a nod to the sixties and I decided on fewer, but bolder, buttons….and…wait for it….my buttons are handmade! I used Sculpey’s Premo Clay and followed this helpful tutorial. I gather that a lot of knitters make their own buttons, but it was very much a new thing for me and I’m looking forward to trying it again.

All righty….we’s done! I’m happy you stopped by, looked at my photos, read my text…let’s plan to get together again soon!

Coat : : Clare Coat by Closet Case Files

My Other Clare Coat Makes:

My Velvet Bow Clare Coat
My Clare Dress

Linking up with:

Not Dressed as Lamb for #iwillwearwhatilike
Spy Girl for 52 Pick Me Up: Sky Blue
Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday

93 Comments

  • Reply Nancy Baten February 22, 2016 at 7:04 am

    Wow, you made that coat yourselve? I think its gorgious. And unique!

  • Reply Marianne February 22, 2016 at 7:25 am

    Pretty!! I hear you on the open/closed requirements, that's why I still haven't made Simplicity 1254. Your handmade buttons are a nice detail, Sue!

  • Reply Louisa February 22, 2016 at 9:33 am

    Very cute coat and the buttons perfect for the fabric choice!

  • Reply Shirl February 22, 2016 at 10:00 am

    Your staging is perfect for this fun coat. And buttons to match no less. This is so wonderful. You are bringing style back to the lower mainland, girlfriend. Love the close up shot of what the fabric actually looks like too.

    Shirl

  • Reply Suzanne Carillo February 22, 2016 at 11:22 am

    What a delightful coat! I am super impressed that you made your own buttons. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. Now I know the trick to getting smooth edges with Polymer clay.

    I adore the neckline on this. So retro.

    Great photos too.

    bisous
    Suzanne

  • Reply Shybiker February 22, 2016 at 11:29 am

    What a beautiful coat! And the buttons are delightful.

  • Reply amy mayen February 22, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    I'm so impressed with your coat- I can't believe you made the buttons!!!

  • Reply TheTellTaleTasha February 22, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    SO ADORABLE!!! I love that it looks a bit like a shift dress! lol
    I think you look great and you'll always stand out!

  • Reply sabine February 22, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    You look so lovely in your blue coat! It is amazing.
    Sabine xxx

  • Reply No Fear of Fashion February 22, 2016 at 2:19 pm

    I am totally in love with this coat. It is a hit, it is a winner. How beautiful. I can imagine that people stopped to compliment you. You look perfect.
    Had to laugh over your pattern matching, I so know how difficult this is and you did a great job (indeed pat on the back). The laughing came when you wrote “knocks head on the keyboard” hahaha.
    And clay buttons… how clever. They are so nice with the coat.
    Oh how about a pair of those long gloves that are in fashion this year? They would go so well with this coat.
    Greetje

  • Reply Gillian February 22, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    That is AMAZING! The happiest coat ever. I love it!

  • Reply sewmanju February 22, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    What?! You made buttons?! A very cute coat and I like the modifications you made

  • Reply Gabrielle February 22, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    Ooh, it's GORGEOUS! I absolutely love it – best Clare coat I've seen to date. It does have a 60s feel, also looks like an opera coat – you could definitely hide a very special dress under there without any crushing.

  • Reply Colleen Morlan February 22, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    This confirms it!! You are AMAZING!!! I love this coat, it's vibrant colours and homemade buttons and am convinced that even I could wear this and pull it off ❤️

  • Reply Melanie February 22, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    This is the most fun coat! I am totally feeling that '60s vibe. You were not only the best-dressed woman on the seawall but in the whole city! I'm surprised I didn't see you from my window. I have to check out the button thing. Well done all around. Love your nude shoes too.

  • Reply Sheila February 22, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    That is just a fabulously fun coat, Sue! I love this on you – and my little control-freak heart loves how well all the dots line up! Amazing!

  • Reply Connie February 22, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    You are most likely too young to remember but this coat reminds me so much of the cute coats in the tv show “That Girl.” So so perky and stylish. I love the buttons. I saw the tutorial on your Pinterest board and I was so curious to see what you were going to do. You always do things up so completely and spotlessly. Wow. I am, as always, in awe of your skills.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    I LOVED Ann Marie!!! Oh, thanks for the happy reminder Connie!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    Thanks Sheila! LOL…I too get a little crazy when things patterns, plaids etc. are off…but then I'm totally okay, and love, a random dot pattern.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 7:54 pm

    LOL…thanks Melanie! Wot…you didn't see my waving madly at you?

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 7:57 pm

    Aw..thanks Coll. LOL…sure you could wear this; however, I much prefer you in the deep, saturated shades that you are drawn to…oh and a little animal print too!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    Thank you Gabrielle! I love the term opera coat…wasn't familiar with that. This definitely will go over many of my dresses…many of which are packed away for at least a few more weeks.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    I know…crazy fun I had too! I'm loving your coat as well…the tailoring you did is impressive!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm

    GILLIAN! Thank you so much! My coat is resting on my dress form right now…happy is how I feel whenever I look at it!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    Oooh…I do have one pair of long gloves, but they aren't the right colour….Hmmmm maybe I should make a coat to go with my gloves, LOL. Of maybe I have a scarf that will tie the two together…

    Thanks for stopping by Greetje! And for laughing, LOL.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    Thank you so much Sabine! xo

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    Thank you, thank you!

    ….you know…a shift dress out of this pattern is actually a pretty cool idea…we'll see where it goes.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    Thanks Amy! I KNOW…it's kinda cool, isn't it? Might be a fun project for Bella??

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    Thank you so much Ally!! With a simple design, it's the little details, yes?!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:07 pm

    Thanks Suzanne! Yah…the saran wrap really worked. One thing I learned after the fact was that if you roll out your clay onto a tile, then you put the tile right in the oven. I had to scrape my clay off of my work surface and it distorted their shape a little. Still, for my first try I'm pleased with the result.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    Aw..thanks Shirl! It was a great day to finally be out in sunshine. A little chilly, but spring is definitely getting closer.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    Thanks Louisa. Now…I can totally imagine that you make your own buttons from time to time! Probably with real clay too, LOL.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:11 pm

    Thanks Marianne! I had a quick look at the 1254. Yep…would totally jeopardize my personal temperature gauge, LOL.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 22, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    Thank you Nancy! One of the joys of sewing is getting something a little unique! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

  • Reply Sally Hanlon February 23, 2016 at 12:32 am

    Oh so clever, creative, undaunted and (I never use this word unless I'm applying it to puppies/kittens/hamsters etc) adorable you, Sue! When I looked at this pattern I also loved the 60s lines, but felt the dramatic side zip compromises it as a coat. I want to be able to wear my coat open at times but I'm sure this pattern as it stands would make a great dress. Anyway, where I feebly decided this wasn't for me – you, undaunted, galloped into the fray and Made it Yours! But modifying the pattern was the least of it – The fabric – THE BUTTONS!!! The sheer marvel of it.
    Thank you, thank you for this creative inspiration and for your infectious smile.
    Baci Sxx
    sarsaparillasal.blogspot.com

  • Reply Hana Velvet Ribbon February 23, 2016 at 8:51 am

    Hi Sue, what a beautiful coat. Love your work, very neat bound buttonholes with self-made buttons (wow!. Delightful fabric choice and pictures 🙂 xx

  • Reply Lori February 23, 2016 at 2:09 pm

    Sue, this is such a fun and cute coat. The work is amazing and I love the buttons. You look great.

  • Reply Val S February 23, 2016 at 3:10 pm

    Sue!!!! You are just amazing! The coat is gorgeous, and I love the way you always make the details so special – the lining, the polka dot buttons. But you are also such a genius at adapting patterns. And you made your own buttons!! Wow – sewist extraordinaire!

  • Reply idaaidasewing February 23, 2016 at 3:36 pm

    Hi Sue, this is my favourite clare coat so far, it's gorgeus! I'll make it also as soon as I find the right fabric, could you please share what kind of fabric is the one you used?

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 23, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    Thank you so much! I can't say 100% for sure what kind of fabric it is because I bought it at the thrift store, but it feels like polyester home decor fabric. It does wrinkle a little bit here and there so maybe it's cotton but it has the crispness similar to many decorating fabrics. It was 150cm wide.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 23, 2016 at 7:54 pm

    Thanks Val! 'Tis true…I'm almost always tweaking a pattern one way or another. Can't seem to help myself.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 23, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    Thank you Lori! Two of my favourite words…fun and cute!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 23, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    Thank you Hana! This fabric really was a good choice for the bound buttonholes…nice and crisp!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 23, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    LOL…thanks Sally! There is a strong possibility of a dress version in the future. And…another coat, LOL.

  • Reply Kat February 23, 2016 at 10:46 pm

    Oh that is super cute! Love the polka dots.

  • Reply Remembering..OZ February 23, 2016 at 10:55 pm

    What a fun coat and suits you well. Polka dots are my favorite, and I'm so envious of your coat! You've made a believer out of me, I'm going to go check this pattern out. Tell your photographer awesome job.

  • Reply Sew, Jean Margaret February 24, 2016 at 1:06 am

    This coat screams Spring! Absolutely delightful, cute and fun and so you.

  • Reply Unknown February 24, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    Adorable coat, and those bound buttonholes are gorgeous!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 24, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    Thanks for complimenting my buttonholes! I'm feel that I'm starting to get the knack of sewing them and I love them on coats and jackets!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 24, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    YES! We, up here, are so ready for spring to be sprung! Thanks Jean!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 24, 2016 at 7:20 pm

    Thank YOU! Polka dots are the best and I was so excited when I saw this fabric hanging on the thrift store rack!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 24, 2016 at 7:21 pm

    Thanks Kat! Turquoise and polka dots…two of my favourite things!

  • Reply Michelle Konieczki February 25, 2016 at 9:11 am

    I LOVE the polka dots! Also, bonus points for grabbing this at a thrift shop! I was immediately amazed that you'd found matching buttons to go with this coat. Upon reading that you made them, my mind was blown! I've never done this and don't know anyone who has. I do think some investigation is in order. 😀

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 25, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    Hey Michelle! So…maybe handmade buttons haven't taken the knitting community by storm, LOL. But think how cute they would look on some of your beautiful hand knit pieces!

  • Reply Flo February 26, 2016 at 4:49 am

    So cute, you definitely look ready for spring! And now I know why you were pinning all of those button tutorials (although I suspected something was up!) Very cool idea.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 27, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    Thanks Flo. I love how my Pinterest board gives sneak peaks into my current interests!

  • Reply Carolyn February 28, 2016 at 3:20 am

    Oh my your coat is too too awesome for words! and omg I LOVE that your made your own buttons. Pure fabulous-ness!

  • Reply No Fear of Fashion February 28, 2016 at 11:00 am

    I say you make another coat to go with the gloves, doesn't have to be the same colour. The buttons might be the colour of the gloves?
    And buy some nice new long gloves to go with this gorgeous coat. Treat yourself go on.

  • Reply Jennifer A. February 28, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    That is a super cute coat! I love it.

  • Reply Gail February 29, 2016 at 2:29 am

    When Heather described your coat as “making her heart come out of her chest” I had to stop by for it. It is pretty gobsmacking! Glad to find your blog.

  • Reply Renata D. February 29, 2016 at 9:41 am

    Love, love, love your coat! And those handmade buttons are very adorable:). Plus additionaly chapeau bas because you made this coat by youself. Amazing outfit! Regards, Renata

    http://www.prosperitybyrenata.com

  • Reply Amy Johnson February 29, 2016 at 10:06 am

    That is the cutest coat!

  • Reply Trina Grandinetti February 29, 2016 at 10:43 pm

    Seriously? This coat is handmade by you? Well, of course it is. And now that I've been to this location, I would totally agree, you were no doubt the best dressed person there. This is one statement piece every woman would dream of owning. It's not only delightful with that incredible polka dot pattern but the style is the most classic ever! And homemade buttons, those have me shaking me head and applauding at the same time. I do believe you've totally outdone yourself this time.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 29, 2016 at 11:58 pm

    Oh, thank you so much Carolyn! You definitely inspire me to create handmade items!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 29, 2016 at 11:58 pm

    Thank you Jennifer. I appreciate that you've popped by and commented!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 29, 2016 at 11:59 pm

    LOL…yes, quite the tagline. I love Heather's weekly blog/news round-ups and am thrilled to be featured. I'm happy you found my blog!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 1, 2016 at 12:01 am

    Thank you Renata! And I love…chapeau bas… Fortunately, I know enough French to understand the meaning. Merci beaucoup!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 1, 2016 at 12:02 am

    Thank you Amy. The pattern just worked really well with the fabric. I love it when it all comes together and reads cute at the end!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 1, 2016 at 12:04 am

    Aw..thank you Trina dear! I agree totally about the style…I can see making this coat again and again. And again, LOL. I like to think I have classic style with a twist, and the Clare Coat pattern is perfect!

  • Reply pao March 1, 2016 at 10:47 am

    Oh my goodness, polka dots, turquoise, hand-made buttons and bound button holes?! You got it all.

  • Reply Heather Gibson March 1, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    Sue!!! This coat is gorgeous and oh so you!! I love it – and I love the mods you made too! It's perfect!

  • Reply Lynn March 2, 2016 at 7:18 am

    I love it! And I'm all in favor of being inappropriately dressed as long as it's this awesome.

  • Reply MushroomStew March 2, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    The print in that coat is so vibrant and fun! And the spot where you shot is so beautiful!

    Xoxo,

    Ashley || Sed Bona

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 2, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    LOL…thanks Pao….when I read those four items, I think to myself….sweet serendipity.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 2, 2016 at 7:42 pm

    Thanks Heather. So? A Clare Coat in your future?

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 2, 2016 at 7:42 pm

    LOL…thanks so much Lynn!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 2, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    Thank you Ashley! I can NOT say no to polka dot fabric! Yep…I am lucky to live in this beautiful part of the world.

  • Reply Stefanie T. March 3, 2016 at 10:28 am

    Oh Sue,
    your coat is just WOW! I love it! You are my print queen!
    I have some polkadot printed fabrics, too and I plan to sew some polkadot garments for spring/summer! 🙂

  • Reply Anna Parkes March 3, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    Golly what a sensational coat this is! How amazing to be able to creat something like this, and those buttons too, so clever. I'm sporting my new coat this week too, and they couldn't be more different. You're all full of the optimism of spring and I'm embracing the last throes of winter. Good to meet you through Patti's link up – nice to find you x
    Anna
    Anna's Island Style

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 4, 2016 at 7:01 pm

    Thanks Stef! I know your polka dotted garments will be awesome!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 4, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    Thank you Anna! I'm all for spring, LOL. Lovely to meet you too! xo

  • Reply Sheela Goh March 5, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    You look positively CHARMING!!! So so so adorable in the best possible grown-up way xoxo

  • Reply Kirsten Wick March 6, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    Sue, Your outfits and blog just make me happy! You look so gorgeous and charming in this coat. Much love your way, Kirsten xx

    http://www.thelifbissue.com

  • Reply Anonymous March 6, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    Beautiful. That's a happy coat; one can't be sad wearing it!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 7, 2016 at 9:27 am

    Thanks Sheela! This coat has certainly charmed it's way into my number one pick right now!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 7, 2016 at 9:28 am

    Hey birthday girl! Thanks so much, and thanks for stopping by and saying Hi! XO

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 7, 2016 at 9:29 am

    ah…thank you! 'Tis true…it was a happy sew, and it is a happy wear!

  • Reply MIS PAPELICOS -Mis P March 7, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    So clever, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    When are you going to join Instagram so I can follow you closer.
    Much love
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx

  • Reply Margo B March 12, 2016 at 5:00 am

    I saw this over at Not Dressed as Lamb and I can't believe I missed it!! So cute Sue. Aren't you so clever to make the buttons as well…impressive!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 12, 2016 at 11:04 am

    Thanks Sacramento! I would need a cell phone to be on Instagram so it isn't going to happen anytime soon, LOL.

    xoxoxoxoxo back to you!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas March 12, 2016 at 11:06 am

    Thanks Margo! I'm glad you popped by…I can imagine you happily immersed in all things tropical island right now. Even if you're back home, it's nice to think about a great holiday.

  • Reply Jessica Cangiano March 13, 2016 at 4:23 am

    This coat should be in the dictionary beside both “fun” and “fabulous”, because that is exactly what it is, sweet Sue (not to mention cheerful as the day is long, too).

    Big hugs & happy tail end of winter wishes,
    ♥ Jessica

  • Reply dan March 15, 2016 at 1:25 am

    I am with the two women: you are very elegant indeed, Sue! You look radiant!!
    The turquoise colour takes us into spring some days in advance…

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