If you've been following along with us, you'll see we have released some absolutely AMAZING new coatings in various weights and textures. Our influencers have been knocking their creations out of the park.  HELLO sewing goals!! Maybe you're like me and think "Hmm, I’d love to try making a coat". But are feeling apprehensive because it's uncharted territory. No matter your reasons, we're here to help you pave the way to success. Shoot, even I want to conquer my fears and stitch up a jacket. And if I, a self-proclaimed adversary of zippers, ironing, and practically all tasks tied to tailoring woven fabrics (knits hold my sewing heart), am willing to give it a whirl, then so can you! Perks of sewing your own coat: Customization Choosing the fabric, color, and style you love allows you to create a jacket that truly represents your unique taste and personality.​ Perfect Fit Sewing your own jacket allows you to tailor it to your exact measurements, resulting in a fit that’s often more comfortable than off-the-rack options. Why are the arms always so tight?? I can’t be the only one! Skill Development Sewing is not just about stitching fabric together; it's a journey of skill-building that amps up your crafting game. It's like leveling up in real life, where each stitch is a step towards becoming a crafting ninja. You'll pick up nifty tricks that you can whip out for your next creative adventure! Cost-Effectiveness Crafting your own jacket may involve an initial investment in materials, but it can prove to be cost-effective in the long run, especially when you choose premium fabrics. The personal attention and care you put into making it ensures a durable and long-lasting piece. Contributing to a more sustainable fashion practice compared to mass-produced garments. You might be thinking, Okay now what? Well now the fun begins. Step 1 Really you could start one of two ways here. Either by knowing what fabric is calling your name or what pattern you’d like to use. Both are great inspiration starting points. For the sake of this, lets start with the fabric. Decide which one has to be part of your wardrobe. Also get personal with your fabric. Know its content, width and its structure. How does it move or stretch. This will be helpful in choosing your pattern. Keep in mind, the amount of fabric you need will vary depending on the style of coat you want. So both steps really go hand in hand. Step 2 Select your pattern. I know this isn’t always easy. When you look at your fabric, can you envision it finished? How do you want it to look? Do you have an inspo photo?  Utilize the sewing community if you’re stuck. Share your inspo/fabric pics and ask them for suggestions. Guaranteed someone out there can direct you to what you’re looking for. We have a wonderful group of sewists in our Fabric + Flow Collective page on Facebook There are so many amazing pattern companies out there, your choices are endless. I have found many pattern companies also include video tutorials within their instructions.  This is a tremendous help. Step 3 The fun continues... You’ve picked your pattern and got it ready in your size. Like all patterns, you will need your measurements. Gathered all necessary notions and prepped your fabric. And away you go! But wait, you’re still not feeling confident. You want more support. Did you know that some pattern companies also offer detailed courses? You can use these to your advantage. They will guide and support you through the coat making process. From start to finish, you will have one on one video help. You’ll gain all sorts of knowledge, like pattern adjustments and sewing techniques. Here are two I have found: Love Notions Octave Coat Course - Love Notions Sewing Patterns (can add on the pattern). We've partnered up with Love Notions for the month of November to help you make an amazing coat, whether its your first or you tenth. You can save 20% off any off their Outerwear Patterns. (Not valid on sale items) Closet Core Coatmaking 101 | How to Sew Coats | Online Sewing Class – Closet Core Patterns  Happy Sewing friends, you’ve got this. If you decide to embark on the coat making journey, I hope you’ll tag us and show us the finished project. Allison Coating Collection: Coatings – Fabric + Flow Textile Co.

From Fabric to Fashion: Create Your Fall Look Fall is all about the return of those cozy fabrics, with cool textures and heavier weights. Hello plaids, sweater knits, denims and coatings! Let's get you inspired for sewing your fall wardrobe! This week's email is all about blending textures to craft the ultimate autumn ensembles. Imagine the possibilities with our cozy brushed plaids, soft ribbed bamboo, and the versatile Denim jeggings. Dive into the season with these fabulous fabrics! We've collected a few photos of amazing fall outfits and have some  great pattern suggestions to get you started on your new fall wardrobe. Love this look?? Pattern Suggestions: Clef Coat - Love Notions Sewing Patterns I love that this coat has a few finishing options. The Button up Hooded version is calling my name. Bonus, they also have a pattern for Men and Kids. The whole family could have matching coats. Logan Shacket – Casual Patterns – Style Arc This one is great is your looking for the more traditional Shacket vibe. Or even this one: Styla Tahoe – Styla Patterns Again quite a few finishing options. Pair the Shacket with a long or short sleeve tee. By using the ribbed bamboo you're adding great texture. And makes the basic tee not so basic. There is quite a few out there, and many free. Here is one to get the vibe going: Crew Neck Top Sewing Pattern – Swim Style Patterns Finish the outfit off with denim, well jeggings actually. Complete comfort, ultimate style. Crescendo Jeans - Love Notions Sewing Patterns  This more your style! Rise & Fall Turtlenecks - Papercut Patterns Turtleneck - a fall staple. This one has two versions. Encore Skirt - Love Notions Sewing Patterns I love all the options this pattern has (HELLO it has pockets!), making it perfect for year round projects. PDF Skirt Pattern | Women's Circle Skirt Sewing Pattern – Pattern Emporium 3/4 Circle Skirt with various ways to finish Finish this outfit off with a waist length denim jacket = Perfection!  Shop the collection: November Fall Fashion – Fabric + Flow Textile Co. We cannot wait to see how your Fall Wardrobe develops. Happy Sewing, Allison        

Guest Feature by Karen Dolen from @intostitches Crafting the Puffer Vest: A Journey of Collaboration and Creativity When Fabric + Flow approached me about a collaboration with a selection of their new Euro coat fabrics, I decided to take a look and see what they had (I'm a sucker for anything having to do with coats). I instantly became obsessed with ALPHAMANIA, a quilted polyester piece (in what I thought was black). I love graphic prints and especially letters. When I saw that this piece was embossed with letters and numbers, I couldn’t resist. When the package arrived, and I opened it, I was shocked to see that what I thought was black was actually blue . . . and I don’t do blue (more on that later)! My amazing daughter convinced me to pretend I was on Project Runway, that they had just handed me this piece of fabric, and my job was to Make It Work and WIN. Challenge accepted! (Let me know how you think I did.) Here's a look at the process I went through to bring this creation to life. Inspiration and Concept This project allowed me to pull together the many design elements floating around in my head (and some PINTEREST inspiration) that ultimately resulted in a unique and stylish vest. I wanted to blend functionality with fashion. Design I searched through patterns for something that might come close to what I was envisioning but didn’t find what I was looking for.  For the body shape, I had previously made a VikiSews Cheryl oversized jacket and loved the way it fit so I used that as my starting point. I cut the front and back out of muslin and stitched them together. It was just a bit more oversized than I wanted so I took the side seams in as well as shortened it a few inches. After I was satisfied with the shape of the body I traced about 2” in from the outside edges all around the muslin (while it was joined together) and created a continuous facing that started at the back V went around the back, up the front, along the neck and back down the front and back. Fortunately, with careful layout before cutting, and a bit of extra fabric, I was able to cut the entire facing in one piece. Next, I added the fun design features from my Pinterest inspiration photos. A deep opening for the arm hole (with added facings) A V cutout in the center back .  A front band with an interesting curve at the bottom so that when it is buttoned you can see a bit of an opening on the lower edge of the band). The band I just drew on as part of the front so that there was nothing to attach, and it was cut as one piece. I try to avoid a lot of seams when working on this type of fabric.    Topstitched front band    That took care of the shape of the vest body.Next I needed to add some extra fun features. I found the Tuski Cargo Vest Waffle patterns. I used the large cargo pockets and the stand collar with concealed hood, and I just love the way that came out.      This combination of elements from different patterns allowed me to create a vest that was both functional and stylish.  Sewing and Construction The sewing process required careful attention to detail, especially when working with quilted polyester fabric that has been stamped together in some places. I totally cobbled everything together as I went, ensuring that each piece fit together seamlessly. I decided to finish all of the visible inside seams by stitching right sides together, folding the seams toward the back of the vest and folding the edges under and sewing close to the folded edge for a flat-felled seam. After attaching the collar, I enclosed everything with my large facing piece, stitched right sides together, trimmed the seams, turned and edge-stitched all the way around.For final touches, I added grommets, snaps, and cording with nice metal end caps. Puffer Vest Trends for 2024 Puffer vests are making a big statement this season, and here are some of the top trends: Layered Over Sweaters: Puffer vests are being styled over chunky knit sweaters for a cozy yet chic look. This combination is perfect for fall and early winter[1]. Bright Colors and Patterns: This season, puffer vests in bright hues and bold patterns are making a statement. They add a pop of color to any outfit[1]. Oversized and Belted: Oversized puffer vests, sometimes cinched with a belt, are popular for a more structured and fashionable silhouette[2]. Sporty and Casual: Pairing puffer vests with leggings and sneakers for a sporty, on-the-go look is also trending[2]. Final Thoughts If all these details want to make you run screaming . . . I can highly recommend this fabric using the VikiSews Cheryl Jacket (exactly as drafted) or it would be fab in my favorite Boxy Parka pattern by Tobias Konrath. I’ve made both patterns in pre-quilted polyester, and I LOVE them. Surprising Conclusion Collaborating with Fabric + Flow turned out to be a great experience that allowed me to push my creative boundaries and produce a designer garment I am thrilled with. AND – shock of all shockers . . . I'm kind of in love with this color, the blacks in my wardrobe are going to have to make some room for this newcomer because I will be wearing it a lot! About Karen Dolen Also known as @intostitches on Instagram.  It was love at first stitch as Karen began her sewing journey at the age of eight (Over 60 year ago).In 1974, while working on her degree in Fashion Merchandising and Textiles, she bought her first sewing machine, an Elna SU, on a layaway plan.  She began her first “industry” job when a sewing machine shop hired her to sell sewing machines and teach customers to use those new machines.  Two similar jobs followed. One of which also involved making draperies. After discovering that sewing for homes was more profitable than sewing for bodies, Karen began her own custom interior business, working for decorators in the late 70’s through early 90’s.  Circumstances changed and she found herself entering the commercial finance industry in 1994, where she remains today. Throughout all the changes, Karen has continued to sew for herself.   In high school, she made her first coat and has been fairly obsessed with them ever since. Currently she has over 50 coats/jackets in her collection, ranging from Chanel style jackets, leather moto’s, Burberry trench copies, and my “Queen Coat”, a copy of a Pierre Balmain Afternoon Coat designed for the Queen of Thailand in 1960.  These days you will find her sewing on weekends and any other free time she can find (and occasionally teaching at sewing retreats).  Sewing allows her to set day-to-day life aside and mix her love of fabric, fashion and style, into one-of-a-kind pieces that she loves wearing as much as making. Be sure to give her a follow on Instagram @IntoStiches! References [1] The 18 Best Puffer Vests of 2024 - Byrdie [2] Puffer Vests Aren't Going Anywhere This Winter — Ways To Style The Trend