I wore my new tweed coat for the first time a couple of days ago when it was -11°C. My fingers were numb after five minutes of trying to take photos outside, but the coat kept me toasty warm. It’s a very simple coat – nothing super fancy or head-turning about it. The coat is wonderfully comfortable, and I’m glad I interfaced the back on the bias because it gives the feeling of moving with me instead of being separate from me. Like it’s hugging me and keeping me warm. I’m sure I’ll get a lot of wear out of this garment. Here’s a shot of the back pleats. 
I’m a little disappointed in the way the pleats fall during wear. When the coat front is open, they fall perfectly. 
When it’s buttoned, they spread. The side hangs vertically in a straight line while either buttoned or not, so the pleats should hang properly during wear, but they don’t. 
If you look at pictures on the web and read reviews of this pattern, you’ll see that this is a problem on all versions made of this coat. Personally, I think it’s because I assumed the empire back and pleats would eliminate the need for a short back adjustment of 2 inches, and there’s some tweaking that needs to happen with the pattern to get the pleats to lay perfectly flat. The side back pleats need to be much deeper and shaped over the hips, imho. Here’s a view, buttoned, on my dress form.
At least it mimics me in shape and drape! And now the interesting collar: View C with the very high collar.
I don’t have a particularly short neck, but you can see how the collar is too high for me. Here’s a shot of it unbuttoned and folded over at the CB, which I think is much more flattering. However, in a gale, the high collar will definitely keep frigid winds away!
And here’s the last finishing details. I finished the hem edge with bias taffeta.
I added a hanging chain loop.
And, of course, an extra button along with the wonderful Harris Tweed label that accompanies every length purchased from one of the mills in the Hebrides.
Looks a little 70’s, don’t you think?
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Mezzo Couture 
Oh my gosh, this is insanely gorgeous!!!! Simple it is not… classic, elegant, perfectly tailored, and stunningly beautiful it definitely IS! 🙂 I love the colour, all the special details (how cool is fabric that comes with its own LABEL??) and the fit is just absolutely perfect – you look stunning!
Thanks! I love wearing it!
There’s definintely a 70 vibe going, which works really well and the coat is just beautiful. Gosh, but the process has been interesting and it seems as though you’ve thoroughly enjoyed it too.
I too like the collar both ways because I feel the cold and this will keep you toasty.
Such a gorgeous coat! You look beautiful in it, and where you live I’m sure you will get to wear it lots:)
Yes! Where I live is going to be the perfect environment to get all the wear I hope to from this garment! 😀
What a beautiful coat , I love everything about it. Wear it with pride.
It looks fabulous, what a great classic! I’m loving how crisply the fabric shows the seam lines and the folds at the pleats. And in that color i am sure you’re finding that it goes with lots of stuff inyour closet. That is indeed a lovely Harris Tweed label. I’ve never bought real Harris Tweed, hmmmm…
Another master piece! All the construction details were a joy to see and the result is absolutely stunning. You chose a great neutral colour for this beauty!
It’s a beauty! Truly classic and super flattering. Great job 🙂
What a gorgeous coat! I love your fabric. The pleats are such a pretty touch and the high collar looks comfortable for winter. Your workmanship is impeccable. Thanks for sharing your process and construction details.
Nicely done! I wouldn’t describe it as 70’s, I’d call it classic. The tweed is beautiful and looks great against your green scarf.
Congratulations! It’s a classic.
It’s really beautiful and the fit and finish are inspirational. I hear your disappointment about the way the pleats fall but I think it’s only something you would notice, because you sewed it, and we always notice the things that are not quite right about things we sew. You look wonderful in this coat and it is so beautiful and feminine – I hope you get lots of wear out of it.
Its a wonderful coat. Great tailoring and finishing and the fit is spot on. I think you should definitely think about the back pleats a visual movement!
I’m starting to think differently about the pleats already! 😉
Nothing simple about it! It’s really lovely, classic, timeless and very well made.
Thanks, Ruth!
I think it looks very nice!
Thank you! It’s very comfortable to wear.
Wow, that’s too gorgeous!!!
Thanks!
It is a beautiful coat. I don’t think the open pleats detract from it, but I can see how the design issue would be annoying after all your impeccable work.
The whole outfit looks very smart. The length is just perfect with your skirt and boots.
What a gorgeous coat! I admire all the work you put in it. Actually, I like the open pleats in the back, they give the coat visual movement.
Thank you, Uta! I had not thought of ‘visual movement’. 🙂
What a lovely coat! Well done!
gorgeous! this is such a classic coat, and beautifully constructed! the lines on the back are so nice, even if the pleats don’t fall the way you’d like. love the tag and extra button on the inside, i’m sure this will be well loved for years to come!
Thanks, Lisa. I’m liking it already!
Wow, absolutely worth the wait. So classically understated & beautiful. Love the back pleats. You are going to get alot of wear from this. Great job.
Very 70’s but so well sewn and thought out. If only everyone could know how much work went into the inside of the coat as well as the outside. Top stitching and buttonholes are gorgeous and the back pleats are just a design flaw, not a sewing problem. Most of the time you will have the collar open but it must be nice to have it up to protect you neck from harsh winds and blowing snow! Great job with the fit and beautiful finished product!
This ‘reveal’ post was well worth the wait! What a great classic! I like the collar both ways. And the pleats show a bit of movement. Congrats on a coat well made!