Some weeks just don’t go as planned… last week, I had the best of intentions to get a million things done. I even wrote everything out hour by hour so I wouldn’t forget it all, but life had other plans.
My kiddos brought home their “back to school” illnesses and I had a visit from a migraine for three days. It wasn’t all bad, but I finally had to throw my plans out!
Now that we are all feeling better, on this sunny Sunday, I’ve finished my “Fake it Friday” – a Burberry raincoat!
Now, this isn’t quite a knock off since the coat is my design, but it’s the closest thing to a real Burberry coat I’ll ever own!
Burberry’s raincoats range from $590-$1,790 (more for the wool trenches). I love the classic colors and style of their coats.
About 10 years ago while shopping at Portland’s Mill End Fabrics store, I found this real Burberry rainwear for $14.99/yard. I think I bought 3 yards.
Mill End Fabrics has been in business and owned by the family for 100 years! It is a treasure trove of unique fabrics that you will not find in other chain fabric stores. Mill End sells the “mill ends” meaning they sell leftover fabrics from designers all over the world – Burberry included. Their selection is great and their prices are fair. You won’t find coupons or magic sales, but you’ll likely find what you need and pay less. For anyone lamenting the recent changes in Fabric Depot’s inventory (or lack thereof) be sure to check out Mill End. This is my honest opinion, and not a sponsored post.
Back to my coat!
I wanted a classic double breasted trench look, but with a hood – because it rains here a lot.
I also wanted the Burberry stripe to show, and since the fabric is bonded (double sided), that meant I had to forgo a lining.
I used flat feld seams, (I serged the armholes) and bound the front edge in narrow double fold bias tape. A simple addition of piping around the collar adds a nice finish to the coat.
The seam gauge is a great tool I use to make sure all my hems are even and straight.
When I was finished, I lamented the lack of pockets – I didn’t want big pocket bags flapping around the inside of the unlined coat, so I added patch pockets instead, and I love them!
And, finally, I couldn’t resist adding a slipperie label!
As it turns to Fall, I think my next “Fake it Friday” will have to be another warm outerwear garment… stay tuned!
