October's contributing designer is Trudy of Poppy Von Frohlich. Read on to learn about her first hand experience with our beautiful wool melton.
"The coat is my own design and pattern. I chose this rich Charcoal Melton and I accented it with a colorful Italian knit. The knit is backed with a silk organza that is fused and then blind stitched to the knit using the finest silk thread from Japan. I lined the body in flannel and the sleeves in poly satin. The buttons are mock because I felt the knit would unravel if I cut buttonholes, so I used a hook/eye and some snaps.
I try to make my coats have a balanced serious-charm. The deep charcoal color in the structured Melton offsets the colorful Italian knit and the playful peter-pan collar and bib design. The bib is great because it appears to be all design but in reality it is a dart, it creates shape for the bust. The back pleat is left soft at the hem and the pockets are hand stitched on so it evokes a vintage hand-made feel. Melton is tricky because it is easily scorched with the iron. I used paper between the iron and wool and again under all seam allowances while pressing. I did get a little scorch mark under one of the pockets and I was able to minimize it by pressing over it with the paper and some steam.
Wool coats have been my focus for about 6 years. I have been making coats for private clients and last month I opened my on-line boutique to the public. I am specializing in limited edition designs, made in sewing factories in San Francisco and made with beautiful fabrics. I make the samples myself that go to the factory with highlighted notes of exactly how I like things to be sewn. It took me a long time to find a factory that was willing to do the special hand sewing my coats required but I finally did and I love them! Since I am my own retailer I can keep my prices a little lower than traditional retail. All in all, Poppy Von Frohlich is my dream company and I am so happy that wool coats are in my life every day."
Thanks to Molly for participating in our photo shoot. See more pictures of the wool coat on our Pinterest page.