It’s fun to open your mailbox and find a surprise!! Today I recieved a lovely package in the mail from my friend (and kindred spirit) Annette. In it was a copy of a Marfy coat that she has made. She wore it at the Philadelphia Pattern Review Weekend, and I loved it!
I thought it would be fun, and a good excercise as well, to make the coat as a sew-along for myself. I don’t often chronicle the step by step process of my sewing, but I thought it might be a good idea for this one. If it is easy, then maybe I can convince more of you to try Marfy’s. If it is difficult- um – then you get to suffer right along with me!!
This is what a Marfy Pattern looks like when it arrives in your mailbox.
No photo.
No description.
No instructions.
Only one size.
So why the heck would anyone want to make one? Well in my sometimes humble opinion they are very fashion forward. Check out the website and see for yourself if you don’t believe me. Count how many of them you absolutely crave…..see what I mean?!
The pattern I will be using is Marfy 1974. 
It is a hip length swing jacket with an otional hood. I will be using the size 46, which looks like it is between a 14 and a 16.
When you decide to make up a Marfy pattern, remember to-
- 1. Print out the photo AND save it online somewhere.
2. Look for details that might catch you up- this one for instance has some interesting seaming and welt pockets. And should it be lined? How do I attach the hood?
3. Try to figure out construction order.
4. Double check your sizing.
5. Suitable fabrics- It will say that on the site, as long as your pattern is still available! So save that information too. Print it out and keep it with the pattern.
Here is what this pattern has to say on the Marfy site. Mt. 3.20 alt. 1.40. – Available in sizes 42, 44, 46, 48. This jacket has broad kimono sleeves, a shirt collar closed with three buttons, yoke cut at the back and deep, un-ironed pleat, Can also be made with hood. Suggested fabric: casentino cloth or rubberized fabric.
It also states that the markings are for a size 46, so I will be okay there. I will be using a black raincoating fabric that I have kicking around for this one. Unless Fabricland just happens to have some grey metallic meterage….
This is what the darts, notches and interestingly translated pattern indicators look like.
Next time, I’ll show you how I cut it out and marked all the pieces.
An important Public Service Announcement…
Remember that when you are serging something important- something that can’t be stopped in the middle of- to check your thread or you might end up with…
this….
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a coat similar to this pattern which was awesome for the fall/winter months of my pregnancy! maybe you should make one for mic as well
Running quickly off the spool, the seamstress watched in dismay :0… Dangling serger thread?? Tee! Hee!!
I just changed the thread on my serger (I ‘wish’ that job would get quicker !) and STILL watch like a hawk, just in case LOL
Good luck with the Marfy – I’m still getting the hang of patterns that HAVE instructions !
Marfy patterns are delicious and each time I open the only one I own, I vow to remain sober during construction. That is why it still sits in the pattern box untouched.
I am excited to follow your journey. And if you need a drink-holler.
Glad you received it, Connie. I’ve been meaning to post about my coat but have been putting off taking a photo because it’s too darn hot in Philly to even think about putting on a coat.
I’m planning another so maybe we can sew them together? Mine is a lightweight wool so I won’t start until my current round of wedding sewing is done.
Annette
You GO girl, with that Marfy pattern. It looks very stylish, but the thought of putting something like that together with no instructions raises my blood pressure to an unsafe level!! I think I’ll restrict myself to some of the new designer Vogue patterns . . . they have enough tucks and darts and strange pattern pieces to keep me challenged for a while!
That is such a sad photo! (of the serger, not the pattern.) I will enjoy following your marfy adventure.