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Spring Parka

Wednesday, February 26, 2014


My latest project was spurred on by what I thought was the coming of Spring.  Flowers have started poking up through the soil and the weather was warming up.  Then we got an unexpected dump of snow over the weekend.  No worries!  I know spring is around the corner, and my little ones need some outerwear to combat the most common spring weather around here: RAIN!

I found some pretty amazing sporty fabric that is totally water resistant and feels like lightweight suede.  I got it at my local Fabricland store and it's called Canadian Mist.  It's a 55% Polyester, 45% Cotton outerwear fabric that has a DWR (durable water repellent) finish.  Pairing it with some organic Robert Kaufman Criss Cross in Lagoon (designed by Betz White), and accenting with some turquoise cotton twill, I had the perfect combo.




This jacket is all about topstitching.  Tons of it!!  I always try to estimate how much bobbin thread I'll need to finish a project and only wind up what I think I'll need.  I think I re-wound about three or four times for this jacket!


The back has a curved hemline lower than the front.  This little splashguard will be very useful for puddle-jumping!


One of my favourite features is the visor I added to the design which I know will come in handy for all the raindrops.




Had to add a inner welt pocket for him to hide some little treasures.

This Spring Parka was self-drafted and I'm thinking about making it into a pattern.  I've got some of the same outer fabric in the perfect shade of purple for Anja.  Watch for that one soon.
43 comments on "Spring Parka"
  1. Looks perfect! Can you tell us more about the amazing sporty waterproof fabric?

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    1. Yes, I will! I feel silly because I didn't write it down, but I'm heading to the fabric store today and I'll find out! :)

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    2. Ok, I got the info on the fabric…55% poly, 45% cotton, commonly used for scrubs.

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  2. This coat is amazing! So perfect for spring! I would love to make one for each of my boys!
    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you, Terri! Your boys would look great in it!

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  3. Oh my goodness what a perfect rain coat!!!!! Love the little zipper flap ( pretty sure it's not called that) and the pockets. I'm excited to hear more about this fabric too.

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  4. LOVE!!! Please pretty please make it into a pattern (and soon if it is not too much to ask..hehe). I have some awesome laminate sitting here waiting for the perfect pattern. Want to make the kiddos new rain jackets for Easter. Looks great!!!

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    1. I'm overwhelmed by the positive responses. Yes, I will be working on a pattern and SOON! :)

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  5. A pattern would be great for this!! Something on my 'bucket list' of sewing of the kids :)

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    1. Thanks, Julie! I would love to see what you would make. I love your style!

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  6. Hi, That is one great spring parka! Please make this one into a pattern. I also am curious about the fabric you used, especially looking forward to seeing the purple one.

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    1. Thank you! I will be done the purple one next week sometime. Can't wait to share how it turns out.

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  7. Love the visor on the hood, Heidi. This will make a lovely pattern.

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    1. Thank you, Shannon! :) I value your opinion so much!

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  8. Amazing. Please do make it into a pattern! I love the fabric color combos you chose, too.

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    1. Thank you, Sarah! I will be working on a pattern soon.

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  9. I hope you do make this pattern available. Love the jacket, fabric choice inside and out - beautiful.

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  10. You should definitely make a pattern for this coat!
    It is gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you, Marta! Your opinion means a lot to me. I'll be working on a pattern soon.

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  11. The other day I was in a fabric store and was stopped in my tracks by some fabric that I knew would make the most adorable girl's rain jacket! (Usually I see fabric I love and buy it not knowing what to make from it, but not this time!) So of course I bought some and have been looking for the perfect pattern ever since. Then today, opened up my RSS feed, and there it was! If I may make a suggestion for the little girl's version, WHEN you make the pattern (not if!) could the visor on the hood be made into a ruffle? We'd love to beta test the pattern it if you need us to!

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    1. What a coincidence! Yes, I will be making it a pattern asap. I like your idea of a ruffle…wouldn't that be cute! With the fabric I used on this one, it might be a little thick, but I will test it out. I'll keep in touch about testing.

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  12. Please make the pattern! I have three grandchildren that will make good use of these jackets. You did an amazing job and very professional looking. Thank you for sharing! =]

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  13. Yes, yes make it into a pattern. It is beautiful!

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  14. This is great! Simple and stylish with just enough cool to make it still kid friendly - lovely work!

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  15. beautiful coat! Looks fantastic! I too love the little visor on the hood! Perfect detail!

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  16. this as awesome - you have to make it a pattern - the little hood visor and the welt pocket detail... and I love the bright lining! Is all scrub fabric waterproof??? I want to make some rain coats for spring and summer!

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    1. Thank you, Suzanne! I don't think they all are, but this one sure is. I went back to see if they have more colours, but just the grey and purple. Anyway, I'm just glad I found it in the clearance section!

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  17. Great topstitching details! I love the colors too.

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  18. Heidi, please make it a patter now!!! I was scrolling up and down trying to find the link to the pattern and then saw your final sentence. Doh! So hurry up, would ya? Spring is like right aroudn the corner!!! ;-)

    Natalie
    XX

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  19. great jacket. Would love to make this. hope it becomes a pattern!

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    1. Thank you, Kelli. Yes, I will be working on a pattern.

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  20. I really like the lower hem "splash guard" at the back.

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  21. This is adorable! Your top stitching is tremendous...and so is that little secret pocket! -Deanna {sewmccool}

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  22. I love, love this jacket and I am so excited to see that you found that fabric at Fabricland! Will have to take a trip to my local store.

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  23. I would LOVE to make this - I've wanted to make Em a raincoat for the longest time! Looks fantastic!

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