https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:52:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1112020 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 17:18:21 +0000 Word Lily 1112020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love what you did with the sweater and wouldn't make the collar any smaller. The clouds a bit larger (or more visual weight however it happens) would maybe be nice, but not necessary imo. The coat looks too big to me (The underarm space, does it impede movement?), but I could be wrong. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111924 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 15:28:29 +0000 Alassë 1111924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very cute oversized coat outfit with the rolled jeans &amp; hobbit shoes! I think it looks oversized in a good way on you, plus I can almost feel the cuddliness. Great job on the DIY. I fall in the "might like to see the collar a little smaller" camp, though it does bookend the jeans nicely... I'm no help either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111790 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:10:48 +0000 Anonymous 1111790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would have made the clouds bigger, and the collar I like as-is. So fun!</p> <p>The coat I like, except the sleeves look a bit too big. But looks like you have your money's worth out of it, so keep your eyes out and you'll find a replacement soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111787 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:07:11 +0000 Anonymous 1111787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the info, E! That sounds potentially doable even for a non-sewing type like me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111779 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 12:56:57 +0000 retailgirl 1111779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sweater is absolutely adorable!&nbsp; It looks like something from a boutique...very intentional and not "loving hands at home".&nbsp; The cololr of the collar is great.&nbsp; Love it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111614 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 04:44:13 +0000 Diana 1111614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a clever fix for the sweater! &nbsp;I like the big collar - I think it adds a bit of drama - although I do think Donna's idea of making the clouds bigger might be good as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>The coat does look a bit oversized but I think you carry it well. &nbsp;My one quibble is that I think the sleeves look a bit wide - I like the long length&nbsp;but they look like they have rather a lot of excess width especially in the upper arm area. &nbsp;Unfortunately that's not an easy fix. &nbsp;It's not a dealbreaker for me though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111607 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 04:38:07 +0000 rachylou 1111607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The clouds are very clever! The coat is tough. It looks like a really useful coat, but I find the shape of the collar a yuck. However, I'm pretty sure I'd wear it to death anyways and I think you've got the style strength to take the collar on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111587 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 04:23:02 +0000 E 1111587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thnx Pil &amp; Shevia! Perhaps I'll pin the collar smaller and take some pics.</p> <p>Aubergine, it's pretty simple if you use felt, because you don't have to worry about fraying. You can get wool felt from etsy if you don't feel like thrifting a sweater &amp; felting it yourself. Then you just figure out the size you want,&nbsp;cut two pieces, and sew them on (if you want a shape &amp; aren't sure how to draw it, just google image keyword + silhouette for a print out).&nbsp;That being said, it took me longer to sew on the clouds than the collar, because sewing in the middle of the sleeve is a bit trickier as you have to scrunch up the rest of the sleeve and finding the best hand grip/position can be a challenge (of course I have arthritis so maybe it's only a challenge if you have joint issues). I'd say each cloud took about an hour to sew on, with some five minute&nbsp;breaks. To make it easier sew it with thread that matches your felt so that you don't have to worry so much about the stitches' appearance!</p> <p>Oh and it's way, way easier to figure out where to put the patches if you have someone else to pin them on the sleeves while you're wearing the sweater! Although since you've got holes to cover up that might make it easier too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111575 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 04:14:37 +0000 Anonymous 1111575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The new collar for the sweater is really creative! I kind of like the size as is, but could also see it working if it were smaller. Which is&nbsp;probably not hugely helpful. I actually do get elbow holes in my sweaters, so I wonder if the patches would be easy enough for someone with no crafting skills to do. There's a few sweaters I could at least save for around-the-house wear with something like that.</p> <p>The coat looks maybe a little big, but certainly wearable as is. I'd maybe just shorten the sleeves a little so the rest of the fit looks more purposeful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111525 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 03:38:53 +0000 pil 1111525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Clever solution for the sweater! Count me among those who would like to see the collar a smidge smaller. You could really go to town and add one of your brooches at the midpoint The coat looks so cozy, I'd want to keep it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111499 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 03:22:33 +0000 Jaime 1111499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am torn about the collar - like Suz I love the way it bookends your jeans here but I would have to see it smaller to be sure. I just can't visualize it right now. I do love the coat and imagine the long sleeves are nice and warm to hide your hands in. And wearing light colors is very important at night so I say keep! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111469 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 03:01:29 +0000 E 1111469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thnx for weighing in everyone! It looks like there's a divide re: the collar size so I'll hold off on any irreversible cutting for awhile.</p> <p>MG, do you mean the princess seams on the front? Pretty sure my body extends further than them in space, although I'll check next time I put the coat on. The fabric is super thick and heavy &amp; more than one layer so there's no way I can take in the seams by myself (even on a sewing machine I think I'd need a special needle/attachment to not break on it).</p> <p>Jeanie, you know, I've never gotten a hole in an elbow of a sweater or jacket! Maybe I don't bend my arms enough? ;)&nbsp;Thnx for the boost&nbsp;&amp; glad the coat looks intentionally oversized.</p> <p>Suz, your wardrobe is super cohesive and thoughtful too! You're definitely one of my inspirations so thank you for the compliment. I'll be able to just fold the cuff over and whipstich it on the inside without too many problems.</p> <p>Sarah, I've definitely had unsuccessful DIYs too! (I learned the hard way last winter that you can't just take the sleeves off a long sleeved dress and have it be sleeveless; the proportions look strange and bad.) Thnx for the thoughts on the coat: there are lots of looks I have to enjoy vicariously too so I get where you're coming from!</p> <p>Donna, if I'd made the clouds any bigger they would have extended on to the front of the sleeve, which I thought would look odd. I suppose I could have made them fatter/taller though! As of right now no one would see the elbow patches &amp; collar the same time, but I'll keep that in mind. My niece thinks I should add some rain drops coming down from the clouds, which would give them more heft. </p> <p>Carter, thanks! In the pics they're actually tucked up a bit compared to their full length. Either I have short arms or the coat was designed for someone very long limbed. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111466 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 02:59:26 +0000 carter 1111466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The sweater's fantastic and I love the coat. If you like the sleeves long, I'd keep them long. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111429 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 02:12:15 +0000 DonnaF 1111429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The sweater is so cute, and you are so clever!&nbsp; I think the collar is a tiny bit large for you, but I think narrowing it at the shoulders would work (vs. extending to the back).&nbsp; I think the cloud elbow patches are a wonderful idea, but I'm wondering how they would look if they were larger and more in proportion to the collar? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111417 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 02:00:22 +0000 Sarah A 1111417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great DIY! I really like how the collar comes out almost to your shoulders, something feels very balanced by doing it that way. I am super impressed the sewing project has made a new favorite (I have a tendency to put a lot of time into such things then and up donating the items anyway LOL). </p> <p>I like the coat as is. Yes, it is oversized, but I think the rest of your looks (that ive seen at least!) are quite pulled together and your build slight enough, the point being where an oversized choice looks very intentional.&nbsp; As much as I'd love to pull off some of these oversized looks they dont relate the same on a larger body so I will enjoy vicariously </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111396 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 01:42:42 +0000 Suz 1111396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are so clever! What a fabulous idea to renovate your sweater that way. The cloud elbows are just delightful whimsy and I love the collar too. I actually like it this size for a bit of drama and also because it bookends the jeans so well. The whole outfit is incredibly cohesive. I can't believe how wise and careful you are about this. When I was your age I did not have a clue. I still don't have as big a clue as you do! Taking notes!&nbsp;</p> <p>I think the coat works. For me, moving back, I'd get the sleeves taken up a bit, but to layer over a bulky sweater it looks a-okay to me. You have a thrifting genius.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111382 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 01:34:51 +0000 Jeanie 1111382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cloud elbows make me smile! &nbsp;How creative you are! &nbsp;I thought maybe you were going to say you were covering up holes in the elbows. &nbsp;I think I agree with MG on the collar being just a bit big. &nbsp;But brilliant way to change the color near your face. &nbsp;I like the coat oversized on you. &nbsp;It doesn't swallow you up....just look cozy oversized...like it was meant to be that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111310 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:16:28 +0000 MuseumGal 1111310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The cloud sweater is darling.&nbsp; I love the Peter Pan collar, but I do think the scale (of the collar) is a bit large for your frame.&nbsp; I love funky groovy shoes, so I like the hobbit shoes too.</p> <p>The coat is fabulous.&nbsp; It's hard to tell from the pics - but it looks like the princess seams are where your body actually ends.&nbsp; Is the coat one or two layers?&nbsp; If it's one layer you could actually just take it in on all the seams.&nbsp; Or you could keep it the way it is and wear it in NY with a very bulky sweater underneath?&nbsp; Again, I think the oversized look really suits you, but I can see why you're on the fence about it (the coat I mean).&nbsp; I think it comes down to how happy wearing the coat makes you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-making-do-and-keepdonate-a-coat#post-1111239 Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:18:27 +0000 E 1111239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had the cashmere sweater I wore on Sunday for around 4 years. I love the fit and the warmth and how well it's held up, but I thrifted it before I completely understood my colours, and this shade is wrong for me: I end up a bit yellow, a bit washed out. I didn't want to donate it though, so I channeled the 'make do and mend' philosophy and decided all I really needed was a way to bring a different colour up near my face. And I'd been lamenting the lack of peter pan collars in my closet...so a plan was formed! I pulled out my bag of thrifted felted wool sweaters, made a peter pan template, and got to work. Originally I was going to use a light grey I have, thinking to keep it as a light neutral sweater, but this blue-grey seemed to go so nicely I used it instead. </p> <p>Since it's felt there's no hemming, so I just sewed it to the sweater with some embroidery thread that matched the main colour, to make it look more intentional. Since I was hand sewing anyway, I added French knots every 3 stitches, for a decorative touch, but I think I made everything a bit too small, as from far away it looks more crooked than decorative! Then I decided to add in elbow patches to make the collar look more intentional; the colour reminds me of rain clouds so I made a cloud template and sewed them on using the same thread &amp;&nbsp;French knot detailing. </p> <p>I really love the result, and now this is one of my favourite sweaters! I haven't quite decided whether to leave the collar as big as it is (which keeps more flattering colour near my face) or make it a bit smaller; I also haven't decided whether to extend the collar across the back or not. But the nice thing about felt is it's very flexible. I promise the collar is symmetrical! In my contorting for the detail pictures (very difficult to photograph one's own elbow, hehe), I must've skewed the sweater without realising it. For this first wearing, I paired it with my looser pair of jeans and just a bit of tiny silver jewelry, as now the sweater has so much detail it didn't need much accessorising! Wool socks kept my feet warm.</p> <p>For my walk, my feet were feeling quite sore (arthritis) so I put on one of my most supportive shoes, from Aurora Shoe Co. I fondly think of these as my hobbit shoes, so I know they're not for everyone, but I like the kind of casual, easy going, functional, hand made, countryside&nbsp;feel of them. I added my pink hat for a bit of colour, and then this coat, which I would appreciate YLF opinions on!</p> <p>I thrifted it last fall, and it's a faux suede outer with a faux fur lining that makes me feel like I'm walking around being hugged by a teddy bear. It's good quality: the buttons have back buttons on them, all of the seaming is nicely done, the hang tag says 'Company' in cold and a regular one says 'by Ellen Tracy,' which I googled and seems a brand carried by Nordstrom's. I love the super light taupe-ish/beige-y&nbsp;colour, especially for when I'm walking around dusk/evening because I stand out more to cars (I also have a head lamp I wear around my neck for safety, although I'm on sidewalks and not in the road) and the a line shape. But is it too big? It's a raglan shoulder, so there are no shoulder seams to droop, but the armpit hits fairly low on me. It's obviously intended to be a swing coat, so that's why I figured I could get away with wearing it even though it's a medium, but I thought I'd ask the forum first. I have several winter coats, so if this one is relegated to donating (in reality I'll probably save it for my dark dog walks until I find another light coat but won't wear it out and about) I won't freeze. It was $12, and I wore it almost every day of a trip I took last fall to Montreal, Toronto, and upstate NY, so I've already gotten my money's worth. Feel free to be honest! I've included quite a few pictures so you can get an idea of how it sits on me (I could easily hem up the sleeve cuff inside to make the sleeves a bit shorter although I prefer my sleeves to come down further than most).</p> <p>Thanks in advance for offering your thoughts/opinions! Of course the whole outfit is up for discussion, but especially re: collar size/continuing the collar on the back of the sweater and the coat's fit. </p>