Photo Source: Indygojunction.com
The Indygo Junction Sophia Swing Coat is an unlined swing coat featuring raglan sleeves, a back yoke with a deep pleat and inseam pockets. The sleeves come in two lengths.
For the construction of this coat, I followed the instructions for the most part. After cutting all the pieces out, I serged their edges because the denim that I used was fraying quite a bit. I chose to serge the sleeve dart instead of using a straight stitch, because I felt it would help eliminate any bubbling that could have occurred on the dart.
I didn’t use any interfacing in construction, because the denim I used for the coat had enough structure on its own. I think most of Indygo Junction‘s patterns are intended to be able to be used with quilting cotton, because the yardage is given for 44″-45″ fabric, and if you were using quilting cotton you would absolutely need the interfacing.
I also didn’t follow the instructions for the back pleat, though the instructions given make perfect sense and would work wonderfully. I treated the pleat in a similar way to an invisible zipper, and basted the pleat shut, pressed it flat, and then once the coat was finished I removed the basting to have a very nice pleat.
When the coat was finished, I decided to leave it open instead of installing a button closure. I think I would feel like I was choking if I installed a button, but I am not a fan of high necklines. So instead of wearing it as intended, I will be turning back the lapel/collar and wearing the jacket this way.
I really like that the Sophia Swing Coat has pockets that are big enough to hold a cell phone and/or my wallet. The pockets are located in just the right spot so my hands slide in and out of the pockets without having to fiddle around to find them.
The back of the coat has a raglan style yoke with a deeply pleated back piece. I like the style of this, and can see me using this style for other makes along the way. The coat did turn out to be a little longer than I had envisioned, and when I make or hack this pattern again, I will certainly shorten the pattern a bit. In fairness to Indygo Junction the Sophia Swing Coat does hit me pretty much exactly where it hits the model on the pattern illustration.
One last thing that I am truly pleased with…the coat actually looks like the sample images on the pattern cover. Huge kudos to Indygo Junction for that!!!
Rating:
Size range: 5- The size range for the Indygo Junction Sophia Swing Coat goes all the way to a 3X (24/26) with a 54 inch bust and 56 inch hips.
Instructions: 5 – Though I didn’t follow the instructions to the letter (just personal preference on method) the instructions are concise and this pattern would be easy enough even for a beginner.
Construction: 4 – The construction of the pattern is pretty good. The shoulder darts on the raglan sleeves make for a great fit. I only deducted a point because the closed collar really did feel like it was choking me.
Final fit: 5 (with the collar turned back)
Overall rating: 4.75- The Sophia Swing Coat is an easy to follow pattern with a wide variety of sizes.
***This pattern was provided free to me by Indygo Junction, however all opinions expressed are the my own and not influenced by Indygo Junction Pattern Company in any way.***
GIVEAWAY: Indygo Junction has generously offered to give a 10-pack of their patterns and three yards of Crossroads Denim fabric to a lucky U.S.-based CSC reader, and a 5-pack of their PDF patterns to one of our international readers. Enter to win by commenting below by Friday, March 18 and indicate whether you live in the U.S. or outside the U.S.
I love the style of this swing coat. It looks fresh and comfortable.
Actually having the garment look like the pattern pic is amazing! This pattern must be incredible 🙂
I love this coat! Can’t wait to try it. I’d love to win the pattern and fabric!! Juliefillo@hotmail.com
I live in Mississippi,USA
I love the look of a swing coat. You look great in yours. I live in the U.S..
Beautiful choice of fabric. I’d love to have the pattern. I’m in Australia.
Thank you for the review! I love the look of swing coats and always wonder if it would suit me. It looks so lovely on you!.. in part because it is so well constructed, great work! I am definitely emboldened to give it a try. ? Thank you also for offering us a chance at the giveaway. I live in the US.
I love those pockets and how you turned back the collar. I don’t personally like a high buttoned round neckline on me. I’m in US
I am in Tennessee. I love the pockets on this. It looks much better with the collar area turned back.
Your coat is fantastic. I am going to forward the link to my Mum as I think it will suit her to a tee. We are in Australia.
This coat looks great on you. I like the back pleat and the pockets. Pockets which are mainly decorative and not functional are a pet peeve of mine. Glad to see these actually fit things! Great review and I hope you enjoy wearing your new coat!
(I’m non-US)
I’ve never heard of the company before, but will look them up, the coat looks like a great beginning coat. I’m in the US.
I agree with the comment that your coat turned out better than the pattern picture. I am in California. Thank you for the review!
I live in California. I love this coat! Thanks for the chance.
Not in the US but this pattern looks really good on you — I’d love to try it too.
You’ve convinced me to make this! Re sizing, is there room to wear a sweater or blazer-type jacket underneath in the size you choose by your bust measurement? Wisconsin, USA.
Great looking coat! I live in the US.
The coat and looks great on you, your sewing skills are amazing. Uk
I think your coat turned out much nicer than the picture on the pattern envelope. Choice of fabric is so important. I’m thinking of using this pattern in a shorter version as a topper jacket. I live in the Oklahoma, USA.
Turning back the collar is very becoming on you. I noticed your sewing is impeccable! I really like your technique for the back pleat. It looks so crisp. I just might try this pattern. Thank you.
I love the jacket on you! Very flattering, and so well done. BTW I live in the us.
I think it looks a lot better with the fronts turned back like that–adds a little interest to the front.
(I’m in the US. livinincolorblog (at) outlook (dot) com)
Love that Swing Coat. My kind of style generous fit, nice pockets, etc. I agree with you about the neck closing–seems a little high. I live in the U.S.
Love the change you made! Looks great! In the US.
Love the way you have turned back a lapel, that would be my choice too. You could use a feature button and loop at the turn point. Just coming into winter here in Australia so might give this a try. You have done the pocket stitching beautifully!
Your coat is super cute! I’m inspired to give it a try. I live in Australia.
I agree with others – the fabric choice is great. I have pondered using this pattern company but have not yet. This gives me motivation
I love the fabric you chose, and the deep pleat! Thanks for the review:)
The pattern and coat look lovely. Need to make one. I live in Canada
Ahh, the denim you chose is so great! Thank you for the giveaway! i live in the United States.
I love your fabric choice. I live in Canada.
I love the look of that coat, exactly the kind of thing I’d wear in spring 🙂
I live in the UK
Love the back! I’d love to try some patterns from Indygo Junction! I live in the US.
The perfect coat for our upcoming New Zealand Autumn! 🙂
A classic look that will work many different ways. I live in the USA
I like this very much! I live in Arizona, so I can imagine this in a lightweight or even handkerchief weight linen as something to wear in our chronically over-air-conditioned venues, and denim for the winter months. Like Pandorasews, I also hate a tight neckline, and would like to try doing a soft v-neck modification on the pattern. Thanks, Indygo Junction!!
Gorgeous! I’m in the US. chrisagriff2 at gmail dot come
I have the older version of this, I think it was “Sara’s Coat” It looks like IJ has done a little re-draft on this and expanded sizes.
This is the first I’ve heard of this company, and I kind of like their stuff.
Cute coat. I am in the US and will look at their patterns.
I’ve always been too intimidated to try and sew outerwear, but I think I could do this! It looks great on you : ) I am in the U.S.
I’ve been eyeing this pattern since I first saw it. Now that I see it I’ve definitely need to make it! This a versatile pattern and can be made in a many fabrics and for lots of occassions
It looks like a great casual coat, that can easily be dressed up or down by fabric choice and length. Nice! I live in the USA.
Love the coat. I would like to make one in fleece for next winter. I live in the USA!
I love the coat! Have looked at it many times and wondered how it would look on a real person…and it’s great! I’m in Canada.
I like what you’ve done with the collar. Looks really nice on you. Great give away. I live in Canada.
I really like this pattern and it looks great on you. A pattern BIG enough for me without an FBA! Wow – that has to be unusual. Would love to win it. I live in England (or outside the U.S.)
This is a wonderful giveaway! Your coat is really pretty, especially with the pleat.
That jacket/coat looks wonderful on you. I like the pattern and think folding back the lapels gives your face a pretty frame. Sometimes a happy accident turns out for the best. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the indygo junction giveaway. That is a very generous offer. I am glad you decided to make the indygo junction sophia swing coat.
Wow, what a generous offer! I think this looks great on you, and would love to give it a try, too!