Bright Lights for Spring

lin1670 from Gorgeous Fabrics

I need to take a break from the Rucci dress; so the next project will be McCall’s 5525 in View D.    We’re expected to get a foot of snow today (I did plant peas yesterday though!) and even though spring is only 3 weeks away I need something cheerful and colorful NOW.  This is a great trench coat style, although the collar on View A is the kind  of  detail that really should be worn only by little girls under the age of 7.   I also think 10 years from now those cropped ruffle sleeves will be squarely in the “what-were-they-thinking” category, right up there with linerback shoulder pads and leisure suits.  This large scale floral will be lined with pretty pink rayon from Gorgeous Fabrics.   And I know what you’re thinking, “Phyllis, you’ve said before that florals are fashion death for women over 40, so why are you using this one?”  Yes, that’s true but there are always exceptions, and this stretch cotton sateen is a stunning fabric perfect for  a spring statement coat.  I like View D, but I’ll use the sleeves from View A and the length from View E without the pocket flaps, sleeve straps or epaulets.  A flannel interlining might be a good idea too because spring can be chilly here in New England even on sunny days.  I’ll replace the topstitching with black piping to break up the busy pattern.  Matte silver or gunmetal shank buttons and a matching buckle will be perfect.  All I need to add are black shades and my favorite black boots!