Vogue 1543 I’m not a fan of heavy, bulky coats. Maybe it’s my age (forty something) or just wanting my life to be “lighter”, but I don’t want to wear things that weigh me down. So this year I decided to take a jacket pattern and turn it into a fun, light weight coat. I used Vogue 1543 (OOP) and an animal print cotton twill. The pattern had enough ease to fit over sweaters, so I only needed to make a few changes.

First I did a FBA alteration,

sewed the side slits closed,

and added belt loops and a tie belt.

I have enough fabric left to make an additional belt with red twill on the other side.The pattern is unlined with bias binding finish. I added a lining and finished the edges with bias binding as a facing.

The finished coat is light and not at all bulky.

Even though this pattern is OOP there are similar patterns available. Make one for yourself this spring in pique, cotton/lycra blend or linen.