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shelley’s linen prado trench coat
The incredible Shelley, known as Lightning McStitch, is back at it again, sharing yet another fantastic sewing project with us! This time, she’s created a stunning Prado Trench Coat made from the most perfect linen fabric. We absolutely adore it, and we’re always inspired by how passionately Shelley approaches every single project, meticulously searching for the ideal fabric and styling it beautifully. (Those shoes in the last photo? Totally swoon-worthy!) Over to you, Shelley!
There are two main ways I get super excited about sewing something. First, there’s the sudden spark of inspiration where I just have to drop everything and make it immediately—what Liesl calls the "queue jumper." Then, there’s the project I’ve been dreaming about for ages, which finally becomes achievable thanks to the availability of either the perfect pattern or fabric, or even better, both!
A heavy-weight linen Prado Trench Coat was definitely the second type of project. For years, I had been itching to sew one, but I lacked both the pattern and the right fabric. My go-to green, ready-to-wear linen coat was my constant companion, paired with almost everything I wore. While it might not be the height of fashion, it gave me that Tintin-meets-Jodie Whittaker’s-Dr. Who vibe, which I find oddly endearing.
Then, when the Prado Trench Coat pattern was released, I began my quest for the perfect linen fabric—something substantial yet lightweight enough for the British weather. After much searching, I stumbled upon this beautiful Italian double-woven linen at a local store. When it went on sale, I snatched it up without hesitation. I washed it multiple times to ensure it would soften and pre-shrink properly.
I debated whether to use interfacing or not. Initially, I wanted to avoid it for that loose, duster-like feel, but once I started cutting into the linen and realized how much it frays, I decided to follow the pattern’s interfacing recommendations after all.
I made a couple of adjustments to the pattern: I added 15 cm of length and omitted the cape front and back. The linen’s weight (330 g/m²) provides ample warmth and structure, so the coat looks polished when fully buttoned and belted. However, it’s becoming softer with every wash, and I suspect I’ll mostly wear it open as I rush out the door to embrace whatever adventures come my way.
I’ve got another idea for the Prado Trench Coat in mind, and that one will be far more technically challenging. Let’s hope it doesn’t get buried deep in my ever-growing sewing queue—I’m eager to share it with you all soon!
You can grab your own copy of the Prado pattern right here. We can’t wait to see what you create with it and what Shelley dreams up next! Thank you, Shelley!
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