In case you hadn't noticed, we've firmly caught the lilac lovers bug here at Tilly Towers. Not only did we pick this colour for the cover sample of our new Eden sewing pattern, I also made myself a winter duffle coat in lilac wool using the same pattern. I've been wearing this coat loads these past few months and absolutely lurrrrrve it!
I bought the wool/poly blend fabric from Doughty's, and used a silky mint for the lining. The inspiration for the colour combo came from a beautiful creation worn by Aquaria in season ten of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. I’d never thought to put lilac and mint together before until I saw her drop-dead gorgeous outfit. This one albeit more understated - but it still makes me smile, particularly as I slip the hood over my head on a frosty London morning.
This is the full length version of the pattern with storm flaps, zip, toggles and hidden poppers. You can also make it hip length without the storm flaps, zip and toggles, with visible poppers instead.
I sewed this sample to test the instructions while we were developing the pattern, so there are a few little things that have changed since - for example, I topstitched either side of the front placket, but we decided to omit the second line of topstitching from the finished instructions as it looks a little unbalanced. I was speed sewing as it was a test sample - I should have taken my time and sewn it with a walking foot to grip the top layer, as it's ended up a bit rippled at the bottom. It doesn't look as obvious in real life as in the photos, so I'm not in any hurry to unpick it... one day, maybe!
What I love about this coat is how cosy it is on a cold day. The combination of zip, poppers and toggle fastenings really keeps out the cold, and the high neck hood means I don't need to wear a scarf. The hood is a lovely size that is great for sheltering from the drizzle. The deep pockets are lovely for stashing bits and bobs like my phone, or for warming up my hands when I've forgotten my gloves.
I'm dreaming up another wool version for next winter and thinking about doing the bodice, storm flaps and pockets in two different colours. Probably a navy and soft blue full length version, possibly with red heart-shaped toggle covers like this Modcloth one worn by Kimmy Schmidt. Ooooohhh...
If you're making your own Eden coat, I would absolutely love to see it - or even just your work in progress or fabric choice! Do share on Instagram tagging us @TillyButtons #SewingEden so we can see :)
