The Never Ending Trench - BWOF 10/08 #104

Pattern Review





Pattern: BWOF 10/08 #104 Trench Jacket

Description: The trenchcoat is fashionably cropped to jacket length. Cleverly constructed, dual-function patch pockets are double layered and have open tops, fold-over flaps and zip opentings.

Sizing: Sizing 36 to 44, I made a 38 and I think it is big. As I am writing this review and looking at the trench on the model it does look big on her and has fullness in the middle. My fabric is stiffer than the taffeta used in BWOF.

Instructions: The instructions were pretty good for the construction of the jacket. Now for the lining you have to see style 122 and follow those directions. I had just made Voge 2614 in October so I used that pattern for lining instructions.

Now this pattern is rated 2-1/2 dots and I felt it was worth every dot. All the details of this jacket lead to a lengthy construction project.

Likes/Dislikes: When I received this issue, I immediately marked this jacket. The sleeve tabs just did it for my decision, along with the button belt loop tabs.

My dislike would be it took FOREVER to construct this. Not only the construction time but the time to gather all your supplies, especially with no sewing store closer than 45 minutes. I made 2 trips for zippers and buttons.


Changes: I used 9” zippers for the pockets, the instructions call for 7” zippers but I wasn’t able to find those. The construction process on the pockets make it difficult to shorten the zippers. Take a close look at the pockets on the model to see what I mean. This made my pockets a couple inches bigger, but I don’t think it hurts the look of the jacket.

I believe the jacket would have been more trendy, if I could have found metal zippers. The only metal zipper I could find in the 9” size had gold teeth, that wouldn’t have worked with my silver/black buttons.



Fabric: An outerwear from Joann’s. I used every bit of this fabric. In fact, I made the pockets twice. First time, I totally misread the instructions and had to throw that set away. This was the 2nd trip to Joann’s for zippers and I was so short on fabric, the pockets are pieced to get the correct size.

Now I have to say, I love these buttons, I found them at Joann’s . The minute I spotted them, I just knew they were the “look” for this trench.




Conclusion: I really like the style of my jacket but I think It might be a bit big but I can live with that. I took such a long time making this jacket, the weather went from lightweight trench to heavy winter coat weather. I am sure we will have some prettier days here and there and I will be able to wear my new trench. This is one pattern I will make only once, too trendy, I think.

A bit of advice – gather all the notions and save yourself some time.





Zippered pockets

Side view

Back view - I topstiched each side of the seam, this fabric didn't want to press the best.

Check out my 300th post for a chance to win some patterns. I will draw on December 11th, the twins' 14th birthday.

What am I sewing next? Some simple, quick knit tops. I need instant gratification and my wardrobe needs some new things, especially before the holidays.