Finished! Optimatium Denim Coat
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This past week I’ve been busy sewing a coat version of the Optimatium dress.
The Optimatium dress is a zero waste pattern which appeared in Tauko magazine last year, and is now a pdf pattern in extended sizes. The pattern is in my shop – please enjoy 25% off until June 26th.
![](https://lizhaywood.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/back-and-front-sketch-shorter-1024x644.jpg)
For the coat, I used some Japanese heavyweight (10.5oz) denim with a little bit of stretch, deadstock ex-Celine. I did red topstitching and made a belt with some red D-rings.
![](https://lizhaywood.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_8876-shortlist-flat-lay-817x1024.jpg)
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It came out so well and I’m so thrilled with it. I don’t sew for a hobby anymore, but this ignited the little spark of excitement I used to feel when sewing something just for me.
Frankly, I feel like a rock star when I wear this coat!
![](https://lizhaywood.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_8779-shortlist-1024x1024.jpg)
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![](https://lizhaywood.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_8741-shortlist-1024x1024.jpg)
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Do you have this pattern, either from Tauko magazine or as a pdf? Here are the notes for converting the dress to a coat. The main change is making the sleeves wider. There are also details for making a lining. Click on the chevrons in the top right hand corner to download.
From today onwards these notes are included with the pdf files when the pattern is ordered.
UPDATE: A Youtube video demonstrating Step 2 of the coat instructions is here (2mins).
Cheers! Liz
Now you got me interested! I don’t wear dresses with buttons, but I do have some water repellent fabric that I wanted to use to make a trench coat but I haven’t found a pattern I really liked yet.
And if I begin now it might be done when it’s the right season to wear it!
Just going to have to wiggle my budget a bit to fit it in…
It could be a contender for your next favourite coat!
I was not able to download the coat version. I bought the original pattern and would like to add this coat version to it.
I have emailed you 🙂
That is sharp! I love the contrast top stitching.
Thanks Michelle – who knew that I used to be anti-topstitching? Now I’m a complete convert! Haha!
That coat looks cool!
Thanks Laurinda, I feel great when I wear it!
I love clothes that put an extra spring in your step!
And we all deserve that