Burdastyle Parka 01/2016 #124

As soon as I saw this coat in the January 2016 Burdastyle magazine, I knew I had to make it. I loved the casual, oversized style and all the detailing. I filed the idea away in my head for six months until winter in Perth, then dug out the magazine and got to work.

Burdastyle 01/2016#124

I love the khaki version in the magazine, but I made myself a khaki coat last year from a Patrones magazine pattern so another colour was required. I decided that this coat was going to be bright orange and utilitarian. My other coat was slim-fitting, so this one had to be roomy and perfect for layering over bulky jumpers. I didn't make the fur-lined vest part as it's just not cold enough here.

The fabric is ripstop cotton from Fashion Fabrics Club in the US. I bought it as part of my prize way back for the jeans contest on Pattern Review. I love this fabric.

I made the jacket exactly according to the pattern in my usual Burdastyle size 40. It has just the right amount of ease for the style. I followed the instructions as best I could, but there were large swathes of information missing on how to neatly finish the side zips, front hood etc. that I had to work out for myself as I went along. Much unpicking took place at all stages of construction!

Here are some of the details of the jacket.

Upper welt pocket and two lower welt pockets with flaps, drawstring waist, front zip and snaps, hood lined with khaki knit fabric (outer edges lined with main fabric):

Longer back section with drawstrings, lower side zips:

and elbow patches:

Despite the missing instructions, I was very impressed with this pattern. The attention to detail in the design is fantastic and the drafting was spot on. It has a very ready-to-wear feel. The fit is also really good on the jacket and the hood.

I struggled to find anyone who had made this pattern on the internet. There were a few examples on the Russian Burdastyle site (always my first port of call for finding real life examples of Burdastyle patterns), but they tended to be very padded, winter versions. While the pattern is challenging and not for the faint-hearted, I think it's fantastic and well worth the effort.

I couldn't be happier with this coat. It feels very comfortable and stylish to me and has the added bonus that my children will never lose me in a crowd. I can stride off towards a distant fabric sale and they'll spot me at 500 paces.

Win!