Materials List

(updated October 2007)

 

Participants will need to bring the following materials. You may bring whatever brand/style/type of materials listed below unless indicated otherwise. Recommendations for the best materials are made whenever possible.

 

Patterns for the workshop will be provided.

McCall’s 4222 has long been the standard pattern to use for creating the “playa style” fur coat. Unfortunately, this pattern is now out of print. I will bring heavy-duty copies of this pattern in all sizes for participants to use during the workshop.

More advanced sewers may choose to work with a pattern of their own choosing. I ask that anyone interested in using a pattern other than McCall’s 4222 please contact me prior to the workshop to discuss feasibility.

 

Required materials:

 

You will need to provide your own fur. You will need between 3(XS short coat) to 5(XXL long coat) yards of fur. Also, keep in mind that fur is a directional fabric (it has a “nap”) and all the pieces must be cut according to the direction of the fur. It is always better to err on the side of too much, and have some fur left over, than to find you don't have enough. If you are extra tall or wear a plus size, you may wish to buy more than 5 yards to be on the safe side.

 

You can purchase your fur anywhere you like, but here are a few suggestions.

Fur is sold at JoAnn's nowadays, but the quality varies. If you sign up for the JoAnn’s mailing list, you can often receive coupons for 40-50% any one item (this includes a single cut of fabric). I also recommend shopping in the downtown LA garment district for fur; the prices are reasonable and the selection can't be beat. Most sellers are open to haggling/bargaining. One online retail recommendation I suggest is Denver Fabrics. You can order swatches of the fabrics first to see if you like them.

You may choose to work with whatever length fur nap you desire, but keep in mind that the shaggier the fur is, the more difficult it is to work with. It just means you will have to put a little more effort into your masterpiece!

 

3 to 5 yards of a contrasting fabric

Buy the same amount of this fabric as you buy for your fur. This will be the “reversible” side of your coat, or your lining. (I do all my coats so that the linings are reversible, I find not only is it more practical, but it's actually easier in construction). You will want a fabric that is similar in weight to your fur, but not super heavy (for example, you would not want to line a 3” shag fur with thin silk).

Fabrics I recommend: Fleece has always been my #1 choice. It is snuggly, of a similar weight, and easy to work with. It is also inexpensive, widely available, and comes in a great variety of colors and patterns. JoAnn’s often has a great selection of fleeces. I have also worked with heavier cottons, flannels, brocades, velvets and velboas. If you aren’t familiar with the different types of fabrics, you can follow signs at a fabric store, or ask the staff for help. You will need the same amount of this fabric as your fur, so keep in mind the advice mentioned above re: buying extra if you need it. Also, this fabric should be pre-shrunk before construction of the coat, so please wash any cottons, flannels or other shrinkable fabrics prior to the workshop. (Note: there is no need to pre-shrink fur.)

 

You will need thread to match your fabrics. 100% cotton or cotton/poly blends are good choices. Please buy spools, not large cones.

 

If you have a sewing machine, please bring it. If it has an instruction manual, please bring that too. We will have 2-3 sewing machines available for use and we will rotate and take turns using them, but obviously you will have more consistency and be more efficient if you bring your own, and it is always easier to work with a machine with which you are familiar. Please try to bring an extra bobbin or two with your machine.

 

Fur is HARD to cut. The best scissors for the job are sharp dressmaker shears. I will have a few pairs available to use but, like the sewing machines, things will be faster and easier the more pairs we have. Scissors look the same and are hard to tell apart--please put your name on your scissors. Feel free to bring other types of scissors but be aware that it is unlikely they will not work on the fabric. But regular scissors are always useful for cutting thread, cutting out patterns, etc.

Some people find it easier to cut fur with a razor blade or utility knife. Please feel free to bring these along as well if you desire.

 

You will need lots of pins. My best recommendation is to get the longest pins you can find, and get the ones with the bright colored ball tops. (Floral pins with the same tops can also be used in a pinch.)

This makes them easy to use with the fur. Pins will likely get all mixed up throughout the day, so you may want to buy a box just for the workshop.

 

You will likely want a few needles for your machine. It's best if you use one needle for your fabric and then change it out to work on fur. Regular sewing machine needles are fine, but I've found that leather needles can help when sewing the thicker furs. Needles are different for different machines, so make sure you bring the correct ones.

 

If you want to put pockets in your coat, you will need some material to make them. One of those “fat quarters” is usually a good amount. I will bring some pieces but they are old odds and ends and may not match. If you want your pockets to match, you will need to bring your own matching fabric.

 

Please bring an extention cord or power strip for your sewing machine if you have one.

 

 

For questions, clarification, pattern consultation, etc.:

Please email Ivy