Emma would make the perfect lead for a production of The Princess and the Pea. It’s a fairytale I remember finding ridiculous as a child, but now it is thoroughly believable! Emma has come a long ways from the days when we took her everywhere in her pajamas because they were all she would wear, but warm clothing remains a struggle. She understands that she can’t leave the house without long sleeves and tights or long pants, but we were stuck on coats. When she was shivering while carrying her coat instead of wearing it in 16F (-9C) weather “because it made noise”, I knew I needed to get creative. So we went to the fabric store, and she picked out this pattern. I created a simplified adaptation, added patch pockets instead of the inset ones found in the pattern, and cut it out of some fleece remnants I had in my fabric stash. The new coat is fully reversible, has no fasteners (as decreed by Her Royal Highness), and is completely silent – as Emma commented happily as soon as she put it on. And she is wearing it! Friday was another cold day, and as we took Johnny to speech therapy she was so happy and grateful to have a coat she could stand to wear to stay warm!
I’m linking this post to Make it, Wear it at The Train To Crazy and A Crafty Soiree at Katie’s Nesting Spot.
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
I missed this post somehow. The coat is beautiful, and so thoughtful. Super mom moment!
It looks super comfortable.
Wow! Kudos to you to trying so hard to find a solution! At our house that probably would have just turned into a giant power struggle… :-/
Forgot this, Lily is so cute in this picture–love her expression!
Oh Mary Anne! You did an AMAZING job on Emma’s coat!! I LOVE it! I know you are proud of her for wearing it, and I know she is very thankful to have such a comfortable coat. How special that you made it for her too.
Emma looks stunning! You are so talented!
Sounds like there are winners all round with your wonderful creation. What a perfect coat that looks adorable, is obviously comfortable and versatile. Nothing beats mummy made with love.
Way too cute! Is it fleece on both sides?
@Ticia – Yep, fleece on both sides. I basically made the same coat twice, then sewed the two together.
this is adorable! nice job!!
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Good work Mama!! I love the colors! And I find it hilarious she didn’t want fasteners. My kids won’t walk two steps if their coats aren’t zipped all the way to the top!
I am amazed with your skills! It’s a beautiful coat, and Emma looks so happy in it.
What a terrific solution! Emma looks so pleased.
I am completely in awe of your sewing skills. Fully reversible!!
Hurrah for a happy warm girl and her talented mama. :)
Very cute and it looks so cute on her!
Beautiful coat! How great to find something that pleases both of you!
Wow, you’re so talented in your sewing skills and SOOOO creative with your ideas on something Emma would wear! Amazing!!!
It’s adorable. You’re such a good mom for going to such lengths to find a solution.