lovinging it...you are so rocking this look.....To warm here to evev think about wearing coat. 85 today......Great job

What I love most about your outfit is the shoes! And to answer your question, I make a lot of my clothes because I want what I want and I want it to fit. And sometimes it's just easier to make, say, a black skirt than to hunt all over for one that I am actually willing to pay for.

I just learned to sew a year ago. So far, I sew because it's fascinating :)

I am generally sewing work basics because, who wants to pay $100 for subpar poly blend slacks at the mall? I've recently start to sew weekend wear (because M-F me is a scientist and dresses bland) so that I stop schlumping around in a tee shirt and sweats for two days straight!

Love the denim on denim - always have - paired with the coat is fabulous!

Erica, love the look of the denim and camel. I sew as much as I can because I love it and I love to add to my wardrobe.

What a great look! I really admire your personal style. And I wish I could wear heels like you do.

I love your style! Such an inspiration! Thanks for sharing,

I am an absolute 0 (zero) as far as sewing ability. I've made a few easy maxi skirts and maxi dresses. But I follow you and a few other professional level Sewist because I appreciate your craft, your attention to detail and overall style. Eventhough I don't totally understand all of the sewing terminology used here I do find myself examining the heck out of a garment before I buy it. I now pay attention to a lot of stitching detail, fitting details, fabric choices and many more things than I did before. And now I better understand why something DOESN'T fit correctly. I've learned much here!

AND..I LOVE that coat. It is a beautiful timeless classic!

Love this coat even more!! Right now I'm trying to learn as many techniques as possible. I'm also trying to drop some pounds so I'm scared to devote myself to anything so I tend to make trendy items that I can't buy because quality items +trendy+ plus size doesn't always happen in retail stores. I'm itching to make something big (like a coat or "perfect" fitting pants) so I may just cut the crap and do it (what's the point of being able to sew if not to fill your wardrobe with wonderful things..). You give me motivation though so we'll see. :)

I have enjoyed reading your blog throughout the years. I sew because I want my clothes to fit me. I wish I could sew more but my other obligations keep me busy.

Beautiful coat Erica, love this look!

I WANT to be in it to win it... the kind of seamstress who is building her wardrobe. The problem is that I am such a magpie when it comes to buying fabric. I often have no idea what I will use a particular fabric for and consequanetly I have a stash full of lovely prints but no plans for any of it. Crafting a plan and sticking to it is a challenge. I like seeing how you gather inspiration ahead of a project as part of your planning phase.

Dear Erica, you look great as always, I so enjoy your style and your skill in sewing is second to none. Your makes always have a clean professional look to them, never becky-home-eccy

Erica, as always you look amazing. I love that your having this plateform, I'm definitely in it to win it. I've been sewing for over 40 years, Since I've tuned into your blog the past 3 years or more (I'm a faithful follower), you keep me inspired. What I love most amout your fabulous wear, it's so classy and age appropriate . Thanks again for keeping me inspired.

Great outfit! I love the casual chic look.

I'm kind of new to sewing...for myself, that is. My mom is a seamstress and I watched her sew all my life. Growing up, I helped her with a few side seams and hems every now and then, but I never really got into it until now. I'm married with kids, and as much as it's a hobby, I'm also building my closet (I need clothes in my life!) and learning a lot about sewing. I recently started a DIY blog: www.mystyleoasis.blogspot.com.

Keep up the good work! And have a great weekend!

Hi Erica,
I've been following your blog for quite a while - was it originally about knitting? I love your style & your ability to get the fit right. I especially loved your Chanel like jacket. But this camel coat is really stunning! Personally, I sew for myself, my family & friends, & lots for profit. I've found a niche that really works for me. And word of mouth & social media is taking me to the next level.

Love your coat! Sewing for me is a hobby. I'm definitely wanting to build up my wardrobe. This year I'm buckling down and actually sewing these things instead of just collecting fabrics and patterns but never doing anything with them.

I'm in it to win it, but I'm still learning...not up to a structured coat YET. :o) I'm sure I could do it, but right now there are these little guys that call me mom that make "big" projects a little daunting. :o) Right now I'm happy sewing dresses, blouses, and skirts that I just love to wear. I also sew shirts and shorts for them. :o)

Today's outfit really, really makes me with I hadn't passed up on a very similar coat while Thrifting over Christmas Holiday. *Sigh* there just wasn't room in my tiny closet or my coat rack for another full length coat. However; I still think I can recreate a similar look with another coat I have. :o)

www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

I cannot get over this coat--my jaw actually fell open when I saw your first post about it! Your skill and style are such an inspiration.

I've been sewing for almost a year, and I sew because I love fashion as well as history and vintage clothes; most folks don't make their own clothes anymore, and learning to do that makes me feel like I'm preserving something significant from history. My grandmother sewed, and I feel like she'd be proud of me for learning all on my own! And my goal is to be great at it, and not to just "goof off," so to speak. Following sewists like you helps keep me focused on improving my skill set. =)

I'm new to sewing and I have been inspired through your blog to learn more! After sewing a few projects, I have learned the importance of selecting the proper fabric and knowing your fit. Thank you for sharing your amazing style and knowledge.....it is greatly appreciated. Take care

I so want to be a serious wardrobe sewist, but my crazy job leaves me as a weekend dabbler. I mostly sew quick little projects but have been inspired by your blog and so many others that I follow and am branching out into more garment sewing. Fit still gives me trouble but I'm sticking with it and learning from amazing sewists like you!

The coat is GREAT Erica. When you didn't post for awhile I thought "I bet she's making some BIG project"! I was right! Did it take as long to make as your Chanel style jacket. Anyhow it is wonderful! I have made a few coats in the past but never a "classic" like this one.

I like to think I'm in it to win it. I sew what I want to add to my closet but sometimes I just make something to learn a new technique. I just love sewing! I don't have too much occasion to go out much and I must wear all black to my job (cosmetics) so I tend to sew a lot of black things to at least get creative there. Waiting for the day I can sew for some grandbabies! By the way how is your little sweetie? Getting big I'll bet.

Thanks for sharing with us! Keep inspiring us!

I have been such an admirer of yours for a long time, and i love the way you know what suits you. I think i am a weekend seamstress slowly trying to move over into serious wardrobe building. My main barrier is fear. There are so many things i want to make but i buckle at the thought of work involved. This year i have decided to sew few but wardrobe building things. Starting with a white suit inspired by you.

I get most of my sewing done between Friday afternoon and early Sunday afternoon. I do hate it when I have to make myself "turn off" on Sunday because it's then time to refocus and start getting ready for my work week. During the last few weeks though I have been getting in some sewing on week nights to facilitate finishing up my current project. I guess I am basically a wardrobe sewer, making pieces that suit me and my job; but I do so love sewing classic pieces as well (like jackets) because they pull me out of my comfort zone and make me to improve my skills. I have learned so much over the past 7 years (and so much from you too), but still feel that I have a long way to go.
Thanks again for your help the other day!

Amazing!! Lovely coat, Erica!

And your beautiful coat totally made me forget to answer your question LOL! I'd definitely love to learn as much as I can in terms of sewing. Right now, I'm trying to get the basics mastered. I don't think I'll be doing a lot of sewing for others, but I'd love to become skilled at many different things. I'm in it to win it!

What a great coat! As for me, my 2 and 5 year old girls keep me more or less a weekend seamstress at the moment . Having said that, I generally choose interesting/challenging projects with the idea of 1) making something I want to wear for a long time, and 2) learning something new. It's much slower to tackle some of the Vogue designer patterns (instead of sewing up simpler skirts, for example), but I enjoy splitting the difference.

I can't say that I am in it to win it but I do like a challenge. I don't fear anything when I sew and I will always give something a go. I am not always happy with the result but I put that down as a learning experience.
The main reason I sew is that pants are always too short and gape at the waist, sleeves are too short or I just would prefer it in a different colour. I am also a bit cheap and I can't bring myself to spend $300 on a dress (which is common in Australia).