• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Tutorials
    • Vintage Hairstyles
    • Knitting
    • Sewing
  • Patterns
  • Sewing
  • Home
  • Knitting
    • Patterns
    • Free Vintage Patterns
    • Knit-alongs
  • Wardrobe
  • Travels
  • Contact
Tasha Could Make That

Tasha Could Make That

Vintage knitting, sewing, and a lifetime of craftiness

It’s going to be a queue jumping duffle coat!

January 22, 2015 by Tasha 25 Comments

Sometimes I find a pattern that tickles my fancy and suddenly I must make it nowwwww! Everything else gets put on hold. This is definitely one of those times!

When I saw the new pattern from Grainline Studio this week, the Cascade duffle coat, oh my goodness, it was love at first sight. An A-line silhouette on a classic coat style, that still looks feminine. (Did you know duffle coats gained popularity due to the British Army wearing them in World War I? Thanks Wikipedia!) A longer version and a hip-length short version. With a mix and match collar or a hood. A hood!!

Cascade Duffle Coat from Grainline StudioSource: Cascade Duffle Coat Pattern by Grainline Studio

I need to start planning another coat project like I need a hole in my head, but who am I to avoid the siren song of an awesome pattern? I’ve always loved toggle coats, I love hoods, I wear A-line jackets a lot in fall and spring, and I don’t have a versatile hip-length spring/fall jacket. So I can mush all of those together with the Cascade duffle pattern and make a short, hooded version!

Even better, we’re planning to go to Paris with friends most likely in the fall (sooo excited, but it’s still a long ways off yet). Doesn’t this coat seems absolutely perfect for that trip?! Visions of a duffle coat, Breton tops, cigarette pants, cute flats and matching knitwear accessories are dancing around in my head.

I’ve already purchased my fabric, which was kind of an eye-popping splurge even on sale (fortunately the short version doesn’t take much yardage). It’s a wool and cashmere blend from Britex Fabrics, in a gorgeous yellow ochre that they’re calling spicy dijon. I think it’s going to be delicious. I can’t believe I’m so excited over pooey greeny yellow brown, but there you have it. My mind says it’s totally a neutral and will go with everything!

I’ll probably line the body and hood with a bright plaid flannel for fun (seen any great red ones with a bit of yellow?), and the sleeves with a silk charmeuse or rayon bemberg for ease of getting the jacket on and off. I may want to underline it but I’ll make my final decisions on lining and whatnot once I get the fashion fabric in my hot little hands. Right now, in my head it’s looking about like the below montage…

planning for the Cascade duffle coatSources: Fashion fabric from Britex / plaid flannel from fabric.com / silk charmeuse from Mood Fabrics / line art from the pattern, with me tacking the hood onto the shorter version

Ironically earlier in the year I’d purchased the yellow Boden duffle coat in Jen’s inspiration post, but one size was too big and the next too small, so it went back. I’m really excited to make my own even better (well I hope) version! Plus, I love seeing symbolism in the little things… a jacket to take to France in a color called dijon? Totally meant to be.

I’ve already started a small Pinterest board for my inspirations for this coat. I’m not really planning to stray from the pattern (although I kind of like the idea of adding sleeve tabs!), but I do think I may try a different way to do the toggle closures. After seeing a few different vintage 60s and 70s examples where a self-fabric loop was used, I kind of fell in love with that idea. I think it looks really neat, and would add a nice vintage touch!

1960s red duffle coat for sale on Vintage TrendsSource: 1960s Mighty Mac coat for sale on Vintage Trends
1960s German Loden coat for sale on Vintage TrendsSource: 1960s German Loden coat for sale on Vintage Trends

As luck would have it, with a little hunting, I found a couple of vintage sewing patterns showing this same closure style. I grabbed a $3 version of the below early 60s coat pattern on eBay. It has self-fabric loops closing one of the views, so I bought it for research purposes! Hopefully I can work something out, although skinny little loops in coating seems potentially really difficult and annoying to work with. Like how the hell do you turn in the ends, and what does it look like on the side with the toggle? I wish I could see those coats up close.

Simplicity 4110Source: Simplicity 4110, for sale on Etsy

So yeah, suffice it to say this coat is going to do some queue jumping, and I’m totally okay with that.

As it turns out, the timing is perfect. It’s actually better for me to sew the duffle coat before my swing coat (but an update for you on that front: the fabric arrived and it’s totally amazing). Why? Because the swing coat has a hood too, but the pattern’s construction with regard to where the hood and lining meet isn’t great. I want to glean some ideas from Jen’s construction to apply to the swing coat project. So, a cute duffle coat for me and a learning experience to put towards another project. Win!

My head is now full of ideas for how to style it. Have you seen the Cascade duffle coat pattern? Can you picture yourself sewing it? I know it’s an extremely involved pattern but I’m optimistic and will just take it slow. Plus Jen said she’s going to do a sew-along!

How would you style an outfit around a short duffle coat to give it a fun vintage twist?? I’m thinking late 50s and early 60s as a bit of inspiration. I can’t wait to dive into the project and plan some outfits around it!

  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • Print

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: cascade duffle coat

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Natalie @ Threads & Bobbins says

    January 22, 2015 at 9:26 am

    I love the fabric you have chosen! I’m looking forward to seeing you progress through this make! One of my goals this year is to make a coat, but I’m not quite sure whether or not I’m brave enough :-/

    Reply
  2. Mia says

    January 22, 2015 at 10:22 am

    My very first real winter coat was that particular style in the mid 70s. And my mother made it for me out of corduroy that she had to special order from the US. We were living in Panama and being transferred to Virginia in January. And no coats to be had in the catalogues so she found a pattern and made it. It was a nice coat that I wore and wore. I liked the style.

    Reply
  3. Shanni says

    January 22, 2015 at 10:24 am

    This pattern is pretty awesome! It’s def on my want list. Excited to see yours!

    Reply
  4. Ginger says

    January 22, 2015 at 10:38 am

    I can’t wait to sew this coat!!! I have not one, but TWO fabrics picked out for it… one that I’ve had for a year in anticipation of this pattern (sad and creepy, no?). It’s just such a classic style! Who doesn’t love a duffle? 🙂 Now, I just have to finish my faux fur jacket first… and my bomber jacket… holy crow, I’m going to die buried under a pile of handmade jackets, aren’t I???

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      January 22, 2015 at 12:47 pm

      Don’t worry, I will be buried under there with you!! I have this short one planned, the swing coat, still want to do a vintage souvenir jacket, I’m leaning towards eventually doing a long version of this duffle too and… oy! I can’t wait to see how your Rigel and your faux fur ones come along!!

      Reply
  5. Charlotte says

    January 22, 2015 at 10:43 am

    Oh I do love a good duffle coat. I’m excited to see your creation, such a lush colour fabric you’ve chosen!!

    captaincharghley.blogspot.com

    Reply
  6. Camilla says

    January 22, 2015 at 11:48 am

    I’ve just surfaced from making a winter coat so I’m going to wait before I go near another coat project. I am so tempted by this duffle pattern, it’s adorable and give you the opportunity to customise your coat like you’re doing. I’m a fan of mustard too. Your coat is gonna look the business. I wonder if you back one side of the loops with lining as this would reduce bulk and allow you to turn it out.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      January 22, 2015 at 12:41 pm

      Ooh now that’s a GREAT idea! Thank you! I’ll have to play around with some ideas, and that will for sure be one of them! Especially if I use a plaid flannel for the lining, that could be really cute if I’m wearing it open and you got glimpses of the lining on the loops.

      Reply
  7. Michelle says

    January 22, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    This is a great pattern! I think that it’s absolutely worthy of a queue jump! We’re planning a group trip to Paris in the fall too! I wonder if we’ll be there at the same time!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      January 22, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      Nice!! We’re going with out friends who are living in Wales, so we have to do it on the work break of our friend who teaches and is in grad school, so it’ll be end of October. I’m already totally planning ideas for knitting and sewing in my head. lol

      Reply
  8. Jane says

    January 22, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    If ever a pattern had your name on it Tasha, then this is IT! It’s so perfectly you it’s ridiculous! I love your fabric and colour choices too, I think a red tartan lining would be awesome. Best of luck with it, I’ll be following your progress with interest. x
    PS. Paris in autumn, how cool is that?! Any chance of a day trip to London while you’re there?! 😉

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      January 22, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      YES!!! Nothing is official yet since it’s so far out and flights are still in the “if you’re planning this far in advance there’s no way we’re giving you anywhere near to a deal” zone, but it’ll be the end of October and we’ll almost definitely fly into London for at least a day first, meet up with our friends from Wales, then take the Eurostar. Once I have a better idea I will absolutely email you! 😀

      Reply
      • Jane says

        January 28, 2015 at 1:53 am

        Yay!!!!!!! x

        Reply
  9. Gia says

    January 22, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    The pointy tailored ends of the self-fabric loops look great on the olive green example. I think you should do that!

    Reply
  10. Kittee Bee says

    January 22, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Is it wrong that I want to make one in double knit?
    xo
    kittee

    Reply
  11. Laura says

    January 22, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    This was my exact response to this pattern too. I am dreaming of a splurge of wool shetland plaid for the jacket view. SO MUCH LUST.

    Reply
  12. Rochelle New says

    January 22, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    This coat is going to look amazing on you and I’m LOVING that Dijon colored wool!!

    Reply
  13. Sarah says

    January 22, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    Oh, I love this plan! You are going to look lovely in your spicy dijon coat. I especially love the idea of a plaid lining – clever girl! My winter coat is a red wool duffle with a hood (I didn’t make it, it’s by Beaver Canoe) which keeps me toasty all winter long. I’ve worn duffle coats for years and love them.

    Looking forward to seeing your progress. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Jen says

    January 22, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    I’m totally in love with the toggles on those vintage coats! Also the mustard is SO good. I had this one mustard swing coat for years – wore holes in the elbows I loved it so much – the color was just too good to let it go though! Your coat is going to be AMAZING and I can’t wait to see it come together!

    Reply
  15. Lacey says

    January 23, 2015 at 2:38 am

    Thank you for the heads-up on this pattern. I don’t generally follow indie pattern releases, but I purchased the pdf version immediately after reading your post! You should seriously get some sort of commission. 😉

    When you figure out the self-loop closures, please show us how you did it. I’d love the option of using some special vintage buttons (not toggles) on my coat.

    Reply
    • Lacey says

      January 23, 2015 at 2:49 am

      Oh, and I’m definitely going to put flaps on my pockets, like on that ’60s Loden coat.

      Reply
  16. Jessica Cangiano says

    January 23, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    My first thought regarding styling is that it strikes me as something that Betty Draper might have worn in her more casual of moments. It (this style of coat) strikes me as something she might have worn with skinny ankle length pants and boxy blouse and moccasins or flats and indeed, that is how I’d be tempted to style it myself (at least come spring).

    Happy sewing, dear gal!
    ♥ Jessica

    Reply
  17. Polly says

    January 24, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    We Brits *are* pretty trendy! 😉

    Reply
  18. Lauren of Rosie Wednesday says

    January 26, 2015 at 10:08 pm

    Hahaha, I love the expression that you need something like you need a “hole in the head.” My grandma used to say it to me all the time.

    Your duffle coat looks like it will be lovely!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Coat toggles until the end of time | By Gum, By Golly says:
    March 2, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    […] duffle coat in-progress! You may notice it’s not the dijon coating I bought from Britex from my inspiration post. I’m actually doing a different version first. Think of it as a post-muslin / […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

About Tasha

Welcome! If you’re into vintage style, knitting, sewing, and general craftiness, well then grab your favorite drink because you’re in the right place! I’m Tasha. Read more...

  • P

Tasha Could Be In Your Inbox

Yes, add me, please!

My Knitting Patterns

Wondrella cardigan - new knitting pattern!

Wondrella cardigan – new knitting pattern!

Fortesse beret - new knitting pattern

Fortesse beret – new knitting pattern

Fortesse pullover - new knitting pattern

Fortesse pullover – new knitting pattern

Confidette bolero - new knitting pattern!

Confidette bolero – new knitting pattern!

Legendaire pullover hands behind head

Legendaire pullover – new knitting pattern release

Fayne beret: new knitting pattern release

Fayne beret: new knitting pattern release

Knitting pattern release: Sprigs and Berries

Knitting pattern release: Sprigs and Berries

Nisse: knitting pattern release

Nisse: knitting pattern release

Debut knitting pattern release: Victory

Debut knitting pattern release: Victory

Categories

Some Favorites

Getting a cardigan right

Getting a cardigan right

Our great 1950s kitchen renovation reveal

Our great 1950s kitchen renovation reveal

50s topper coat for spring

50s topper coat for spring

Nancy Drew and the Clue in the Epic Sweater

Nancy Drew and the Clue in the Epic Sweater

A plaid bolero, a dress, and a belt buckle walk into a bar

A plaid bolero, a dress, and a belt buckle walk into a bar

Spring green batwing sleeve bolero

Spring green batwing sleeve bolero

Topics

1940s sewing birthdays blouses briar rose knitalong butterick butterick B5895 buttons cardigans christmas clogs craftsy dresses fair isle knitting fall for cotton finished projects fitting a 1940s pullover project giveaways haircuts Hollywood 1678 jacket hollywood patterns knit for victory knitting patterns knitwear design mccall's outfits pants resizing knitting patterns reviews sew for victory sewing with knits simplicity skirts stranded knitting susan crawford tailoring vintage vintage clothing vintage hair vintage knitting vintage knitting college vintage knitting patterns vintage pledge vintage sewing vintage sewing patterns wisconsin

Posts

Footer

Tasha Could Be in Your Inbox

Yes, add me, please!

  • P
  • © Copyright 2023 Tasha Could Make That. All Rights Reserved.
  • • Privacy Policy
  • Created with ✨ by Moxie Design Studios
Scroll Up