Mama Coats -- made one, anybody?

[fraya]

I'm pregnant with #2 and due in February, so it'll be rainy. I'm thinking about making myself a mama coat. I've only seen the one by Japanese Weekend and the pattern by ELK. Anybody made one? Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Pamela

[Kari_mom]

bumping because I am interested as well....

But in lieu of any actual experience, I have always thought than when (if) I make one, I would use a jacket pattern from the fabric store and create a center panel myself. The hardest part, it seems to me, would be keeping track of the two separating zippers so that they can zip in the end. My friend has the older style JW coat and there really doesn't seem to be any special features in the jacket itself, just the panel.

[fraya]

Thanks for the bump and response.

I actually haven't seen one in person, so the description helps. I'm having a bit of trouble understanding what you mean by keeping track of the two separating zippers at the end ... you mean so that they 'end' at the same exact spot? So that you will be able to remove the panel and still use the jacket (i.e., so that your separating zippers are going in opposite directions -- left to right and right to left)?

Also, what fabric would you advise after inspecting your friend's coat? I'd considered both windpro fleece and a very lightweight nearly waterproof fabric like nextec. Do you think that two-way zippers would be useful at all?

I plan to use the jacket primarily for carrying the baby under the jacket in inclimate weather (in a sling or baby bjorn carrier), if that helps!

Thanks!

[Kari_mom]

So that you will be able to remove the panel and still use the jacket (i.e., so that your separating zippers are going in opposite directions -- left to right and right to left)?

This is what I meant - I think! Another way to look at it is where the sliders are, if that makes sense. I just know I would have four perfectly sewn zipper tapes, but the two with sliders would be together, and the two without would be together when I tried to zip in the panel. I make these mistakes when I try to sew late at night with impaired reasoning. :LOL

I am really not that helpful, it has been a few years since I looked closely at a mama's coat. My friend's coat is a black fabric outer layer, something like a twill cotton, with a knit or flannel print liner. There might be something in between the layers, I am not sure.

I definitely remember thinking about a waterproofed nylon outer with a microfleece liner in the body of the coat, just for a little added warmth and support. A lightweight windpro would be nice too. I think it would be better if the panel fabric had some body and did not drape closely over the baby, both for looks and function, but that is just my opinion.

I don't think a two way zipper is really necessary, but might be nice for when you use the jacket without the front panel.

Are you thinking of a pattern like this? Kwik Sew 2792 . The pattern says it is designed for heavyweight knits but suggests flannel for lining, so it must not rely on stretch for fit.

What I would really like to do is figure out how to add a panel to my Columbia waterproof jacket that is otherwise perfect. A compatible zipper and coordinating fabric and I would be set!

[fraya]

In my reply post, I had pondered adding a panel to an existing coat, but I think the biggest problem (aside from aesthetics) would be the practical aspect of getting a coordinating zipper that would function with the zippers on either side of the existing jacket. I suppose one possibility is to use it with a jacket that has an additional velcro/snap placket, and then just use those. Either way, it wouldn't look great; it'd have to be functionality as the goal!

Did your friend hold her baby in a sling inside the jacket? I'm curious about that, too ... because it seems that the middle panel would need to be unzipped at least a little bit for air/air circulation.

There's a Mama Coat pattern by Elizabeth Lee Designs which is what I was considering. It's not exactly my style (most of their stuff isn't), but I thought for a jacket it might do ... Still, it's even more freeing to be able to use any jacket pattern and then add an extra panel. I think my current issue of Ottobre Design contains a jacket pattern for women, actually ...

[kerc]

Originally Posted by fraya

There's a Mama Coat pattern by Elizabeth Lee Designs which is what I was considering. It's not exactly my style (most of their stuff isn't), but I thought for a jacket it might do ... Still, it's even more freeing to be able to use any jacket pattern and then add an extra panel. I think my current issue of Ottobre Design contains a jacket pattern for women, actually ...

I have this pattern, cut out to I think a L. I never made it because, well my fleece didn't arrive in time. I think the directions are pretty good and might help in converting a pattern from the local store. Anyhow, I've been looking to sell this pattern for 3 bucks ppd (but, umm, obviously not seriously because I've never actually posted it fs). PM me if you're interested.

[Kari_mom]

In my reply post, I had pondered adding a panel to an existing coat, but I think the biggest problem (aside from aesthetics) would be the practical aspect of getting a coordinating zipper that would function with the zippers on either side of the existing jacket. I suppose one possibility is to use it with a jacket that has an additional velcro/snap placket, and then just use those. Either way, it wouldn't look great; it'd have to be functionality as the goal!

Exactly! If I couldn't find a matching zipper and fabric, I wouldn't do it. I don't really like the 'loving hands at home' look. Out of curiosity, I tried to match the zipper to four adult jackets in my closet with similar style zippers, and one worked! They were both YKK brand. But it would probably be easiest to make a jacket from scratch.

Did your friend hold her baby in a sling inside the jacket? I'm curious about that, too ... because it seems that the middle panel would need to be unzipped at least a little bit for air/air circulation.

My friend uses only her jacket with a sling, I have not seen more than a sweater and a hat on her babies even in snowy winter weather. The middle panel does not come above the head of her babies in the snuggle hold or the kangaroo carry. I think it might be nice, actually, to have an extension flap that comes up to cover the baby's head, that perhaps hides in a zippered pocket. If the baby is in a cradle carry, then I agree I would want the coat open for air circulation if worn for long periods.

I have gone back and looked at the EL pattern again, and I remember why I haven't just used it for a mama coat. I don't want nursing access slits in the jacket itself. You could probably just sew them closed and skip the extra inside layer if there is one. But since the front panel really is just a rectangle with zippers on the side and elastic at the top, how hard could this be to duplicate?

I will probably see my friend Saturday, I think I will ask her to bring her coat and go over it in detail again. She is a sewing momma, I know she won't mind. So let me know if you have any more questions!

Kerc, that is a great offer and good idea. I would consider standing second in line behind Fraya if I thought I would actually be able to make this coat soon!

[fraya]

Kerc, I'm sorry, I'm not sure I follow the 'lingo' of acronyms ... ppd is postage paid? fs is for sale? I'm normally a small or medium, but I was HUGE after my last pregnancy (I gained 60-70 lbs!), so perhaps large would be more advisable!

Kari_mom, if you really like your Columbia jacket, why not contact them, tell them your need, and see if they have extra zippers (or even fabric)? I might do the same with my Helly Hansen jacket. But I really do like the idea of having a warmer one for those times when it's just so cold -- wet, windy, whatever ...

I figured I just would leave those nursing slits out, ya. I think it's a neat idea because when it's cold, it's nice not to have to be bare, but it seems like there's plenty of room to nurse inside the jacket... although I guess the nursing slits also would be appropriate for use with the jacket after the panel is out (when baby is a toddler and not being carried around)... still, it makes the jacket more bulky ...

[mimim]

Originally Posted by Kari_mom

Are you thinking of a pattern like this? Kwik Sew 2792 . The pattern says it is designed for heavyweight knits but suggests flannel for lining, so it must not rely on stretch for fit.

I'm planning to add a panel to this exact coat pattern! I'm thinking of using windpro, lined with microfleece or maybe flannel. I'm only 9 weeks, so I'm not planning to start right away, but I'll let you know how it turns out. I'll probably start working on it in early November (after halloween costume season) so I can use it as a winter coat.

I'm still considering the EL pattern too, but it calls for way more fabric so I'm sure it would be a lot bulkier. I've heard the nursing openings are handy for adjusting clothing to nurse without unzipping, even if you don't really need to nurse through them

[kerc]

sorry bout the shorthand. my office mate was chatting away as i was typing and i didn't pre-read the post.

fs: yes, for sale.

ppd: postage paid. as in I'd pay postage. or in other words, postage is included.


I'll try to dig out the pattern and see what i actually cut it out to. I believe you'd still be able to do a small or medium, but XL and XXL are gone.

[Kari_mom]

mimim, that is an interesting thought, to have opening to reach through to adjust things. I really can't imagine wanting to nurse through a coat, and I have imagined and tried a lot of nursing tricks in my 11 years of bfing. But I could just unzip the coat. In all honesty, I would probably find a warm seat inside rather than walk around in the cold breastfeeding.

This reminds me of the slits found in men's overcoats so they can reach their trouser pockets. Very practical.

I liked this pattern for modifying because it doesn't seem bulky and doesn't have a zipper flap to work around.

fraya, I think I will look around and see what I can find for my Columbia coat.

Can we all come back and share what we find or end up doing? I would definitely be interested. Thanks!

[kerc]

i checked the pattern and it is cut to a large. If anyone wants it I'd be happy to part with it. I bought it because i thought I'd love it over the baby bjorn. Well it didn't get made and umm, well frankly it wasn't warm enough for me in dec and jan with a wee one. I ended up just wearing my coat, zipping it over dd and then putting a blanket over her. She was wearing a fleece bunting. Recall it is like 10F here in winter so you need the extra warmth.

I seem to recall from reading the directions 2 years ago that the nursing slits are basically optional -- i.e. you can sew them closed if you want. I think the cut is very similar to the KS pattern someone posted, but there are seams along the nursing slits -- think princess seams. Which is probably where the extra fabric comes in.

[Dovie]

I have made the ELD jacket out of windpro fleece which is a very thick fleece and it is bulky. The lighterweight fleece was fine, but not wind proof. The jacket is fine and I have worn it a lot. I did put the nursing openings in it with zippers, not to nurse in but to use to reach in and make sling adjustments without having to open up my whole coat. That has been a nice feature.

You could absolutely put a panel into any coat pattern. Just buy two seperating zippers instead of one. Install a zipper into the coat as usual. Then make your panel out of two layers of fabric. Separate the zipper and lay one piece of the zipper on the right side of one piece of the fabric, teeth facing the center with the zipper tape even with the seam allowance. Make sure the bottom of the zipper is the same distance above the hemline as the jacket is. Baste it into place. Do the same for the other piece of zipper on the opposite side. Then lay the second piece of fabric over the first, right sides together and stitch all the way around, leaving a few inches open in the top or bottom for turning. (Stitch with a zipper foot about 1/8" away from the zipper teeth). Then Turn it inside out and slip stitch the opening closed.

Some things to consider with this: If you are wearing it for a maternity coat as well, the top kind of gaps open. Some possible fixes for this are to place a snap or two at the top part that snaps to create a "pleat" and takes up some space, sew elastic into a casing near the top that gathers the top together, or put a drawstring in a casing at the top that can be adjusted with a toggle thingy. Or you could just angle your panel in at the top some, but then it isn't as roomy when you are carrying your little one in the sling.

[fraya]

Thanks for the tips, Dovie.

A friend just gave me her maternity coat, so I'm really just looking for something that will make it easy for me to get outside with my son and the baby. Outdoor time is crucial for us, and in Portland, rain is a pretty steady feature in the spring -- at least steady enough that I'll have to contemplate solutions for getting outside with a newborn.

Since I plan on using it for a newborn, which I'll carry in the cradle hold (assuming all goes well with sling use, etc.), I'll need to figure out some way to let air in and keep the rain out (without hassling with an umbrella, yuck).

Thanks so much!

[Dovie]

Just thought I would pass along this link to a free pattern and a lot of instructions for making an insert to adapt a coat you have, or of course one you would make. It's like 27 pages worth of information plus patterns. A lot to digest, but maybe helpful? I have not used this particular one myself.

http://www.kiddiesgames.com/jacketinserts/

[Meiri]

I have a book: Make Your Own Japanese Clothes, or something like that, and I made the Happi Coat pattern for myself large enough that it wrapped when I was pregnant and then around DD in her sling.

I've since moved the pockets so I can wrap it smaller since I'm not carrying her anymore and I've lost weight. Very versatile design.

[jacket_inserts]

Free instrx & patterns for maternity and baby-carrying jacket inserts

Dear Fraya

I am the guy who put up the free instructions and patterns for maternity and baby-carrying jacket inserts on the web (http://www.kiddiesgames.com/jacketinserts/). Since the original thread goes back a few months, it may be a bit too late for you but you would have found a lot of useful pointers in the instructions (BTW, thank you for the plug, Dovie).

My instructions are long because, since jacket inserts are not available commercially, I wanted them to be detailed enough for people who are not very proficient at sewing to get by. Also, as pointed out in the prior messages, making sure that you will get a perfect match with the jacket’s closure is essential. My focus was on inserts for technical fleece and waterproof-breathable jackets to allow outdoor-minded pregnant women and parents of young babies to get out and hike in pretty much any weather. Therefore, I had to provide detailed explanations on matching the various kinds of regular and waterproof zippers as well as matching the storm flaps of waterproof-breathable jackets, etc. Finally, some pointers on safe use in pouring rain or very cold conditions were also necessary (I thought)

If you are i) already convinced of the usefulness of inserts, ii) proficient at sewing and iii) willing to skip through the instructions to focus only on the parts that concern your own jackets, you probably only need to read about half of the document and that’s if you are making all three kinds of inserts, i.e. a dedicated maternity fleece insert, a dedicated baby-carrying fleece insert and a dual-use, adjustable Gore-tex insert.

Good luck, smooth sewing and happy hikes.

Stephane Dupont

[fraya]

Thanks. I have an alternative idea for the spring, at least, which is that I made a pouch sling out of WindPro. A friend loaned me her maternity jacket, so that's covered, too. Eventually, I'll need something, though, so I've bookmarked the page. I think that for hikes, in particular, we'll need something that will really prevent rain from soaking our li'l girl. I like the idea of the Happi wrap coat, too. Sounds like a cool book.

[Meiri]

I like the idea of the Happi wrap coat, too. Sounds like a cool book.

It is. Everything is based on rectangles, everything. I will warn you though that it is bulky because of the design. Probably not practical for active outdoor activities.

OTOH, I did carry DD under it on my back in the sling once. I felt like a strange Inuit.:LOL