Pattern variation
Colour-blocking The Shawl Collar Coat

Unlikely colour combinations can be really effective and show that colour blocking doesn't have to mean primary colours with black and white. It was quite by accident that putting together similar weight fabrics for the Spring 19 magazine colour-block story threw up this combination.

The proportions of colour were prompted by the pattern. As the starting point, the line where the pockets started seemed the obvious choice. I toyed with the central band being deeper but this would interfere with the fastening and collar roll. So the optimum finished width here was 11cm. On the pattern pieces, I drew lines for the colour changes. From here the easiest thing to do is to trace the blocks off adding 1cm seam allowance on each piece where the new seam will be. I assembled the top of the coat first - all the cream pieces, followed by the peach colour and finally the red lower section. The three bands of colour were then stitched together. I felt that if I had constructed each colour blocked coat piece first that matching would be trickier. The smaller portion of peach works well in the finished coat.

The approximate fabric quantities used for this size 12 coat were 1.5 metres of cream, 1 metre of red and 50 cm of peach coloured fabric.

And how to wear such a statement coat? Pair with a solid colour dress or separates. Here I've chosen the Shell Top and Stretch Pencil Skirt.