Black Watch Plaid Taffeta Raincoat

While shopping at Hancock Fabrics in Asheville, NC in February, I came across this really great-looking poly taffeta plaid at an unheard of sale price of $2.95 per yard, 60 inches wide. I knew it could be made into a real statement piece if I worked hard enough.

It didn't take me long to settle upon this coat pattern, Vogue 8465: It's a wonderful pattern, especially the middle (red) view, which I chose. I loved the shorter length of the skirt which I thought would look great with narrow pants as well as knee-length skirts.

The other feature I really liked was the large asymmetrical portrait collar. I can't say that having such an open collar is conducive to covering up in the rain, but then I plan on wearing the coat on cooler sunny days as well. Plus I could always accessorize with a neckline scarf.

The fabric was easy to work with, and because I took care to match the plaids before cutting the fabric out, it came together nicely. Taking a couple of days to fiddle with pattern placement was time well spent. I used my walking foot, called an AccuFeed feature on the Janome 6600, and had no trouble getting those plaids to match just as I had placed them.

Raincoat photos: I had the purchased belt in my accessories collection already. I couldn't believe how well it worked with the raincoat. Here is a photo of the raincoat flipped inside out so you can see the lining. and facings. Materials:

Fabrics:
A black watch plaid poly taffeta rain resistant fabric from Hancock Fabrics, Asheville, NC
Navy rayon blend stretch woven lining fabric from my fabric collection.
Thread:
Mettler Plus 100% poly thread
MaxiLock 100% polyester thread in serger
Machine Needles: Size 80Universal
Machines: Janome 6600 computerized sewing machine
Elna Pro 905 DCX computerized serger

Things I did with this project (that weren't in the pattern instructions):
1. Replaced the button closure in the front with a purchased belt.
2. Cut the skirt and collar pieces on the bias.

Things I learned, or was reminded of in this project:
For my shape and size, a belted look is better for this pattern. The asymmetrical collar is a large focal point that shrinks the distance between shoulder and waist. Without a wide belt the coat had a more matronly look to it. So the belt was perfect, both in color and shape and in its ability to define the silhouette to my satisfaction.

Things I would do differently, were I to make this raincoat again:

I thought I would like to have a raincoat with French cuffs, and when I didn't use the amazing buttons that went so well with this plaid in the front closure (they were too much with the belt), I thought I would add the bias cuff detail. I made the cuffs but when I auditioned them with the coat, there was too much going on. The big collar, belt, and bias plaid details were simply enough. If I were to make this coat again in a solid fabric, I might give the French cuff idea another go.