McCalls 5525 Premier Prints Twill Storm Trench

I can't remember that this lovely twill had the name Freehand Twill Storm when I purchased it from Fabric.com back in December. But this trench sure created a storm in my classroom the first day I wore it! I had it on one day, ready for recess and waiting for my dear class to return from lunch. When they caught sight of me in my new coat, the students stormed around me, touching the fabric and gasping in awe. "Wow! You made that, Mrs. Pilver?" "You are artistic!" Oh, the joys of teaching.

I made this trench back in December over my Christmas week break. I was first inspired by the Selfish Seamstress Key Lime patterned trench and then took quite a bit of time searching for the patterned fabric I wanted to use for mine. I purchased this McCalls pattern on ebay after reading so many positive reviews about it. I know I am really behind with this as it was a sew-along back in 2010 but give me a break! I just got back into sewing last summer. This pattern is worth making a come back! It sews up beautifully and I loved working with the crisp cotton twill. After wearing it a few times and getting caught in the rain with it at least once, I notice it is losing its shape. The next one I make (I have been eying a twill from Organic Cotton Plus), I am going to do what the Selfish Seamstress did and interface the entire coat.

I used a turquoise polyester china silk for the lining and top stitching thread for the top stitching. The top stitching thread was a must. As you can see, I did not bother to match the fabric pattern at all!

I really have to figure out how to take better pictures. These iphone shots just aren't cutting it.