Day 109: Raincoat Review

Yesterday we had flood watches and tornado watches and today we have snow and a freeze warning.   Granted it was very very very minimal snow that was not even sticking, but it is still snow in April.  Welcome to Indiana weather! Where one day I could be wearing shorts and the next bundled back up in my winter coat.  I think it is time to discuss moving somewhere that has much warmer weather year round, like San Francisco.  Too bad that will not be happening, like ever.

 

At any rate here is my review for the McCall’s 6517 raincoat.

 

Pattern Description: 
Misses Jackets, belt and boot liners Loose fitting, unlined jackets. A,B,C,D have self-lined hood or collar and narrow hem. B: Purchased bias tape finishes garment. C:flaps. A, B, C: mock front bands. D: Wrap, self belt. Boot liners E have pleated heel and cuffs. I made view B.
Pattern Sizing:
B5(8-16) F5(16-24) I made a 24 for the added ease.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, other than my minor changes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
They were very easy. I only changed two things from the way the instructions said. First, because of the vinyl that I was using I opted to sew my sleeve flat into the armhole and then close up the sleeve and side seam as one. It was just easier to maneuver the fabric this way as opposed to closing the side seam and sewing in the round to set the sleeve. The only other thing I change in the instructions was how I added the bias tape. The instructions said to fold in the fullness at the corners. Instead I sewed the bias tape to the hem first and cut it off at each front seam. Then I sewed it from the bottom of one front piece all around the collar to the bottom of the other front panel, folding in the raw edges. I did the same for the pockets but sewing it to the top of the pocket first and then around the curved edges.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like this pattern. It was very easy to put together and looks completely unique to me.
Fabric Used:
I used 3 yards of lace printed vinyl that I got from Jo-Ann’s for $4/yd. Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Other than the instruction changes I eliminated the buttons. While sewing this I realized that this was not going to be a long lasting garment because the vinyl crinkles really easily when folded wrong. I decided I didn’t want to put the effort or money into awesome buttons for it to not last more than a handful of wears.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would sew this again. I have my eye on some laminated rainwear fabric in super fantastic prints at Hobby Lobby that would better stand up to regular wear.
Conclusion: 
While I know this jacket is only going to last me maybe one season it is still something that I love! It is very unique to me and that is what I look for when sewing for myself.