A few months ago I was out and about and saw a woman across the street wearing a beautiful green coat. I did a double-take and realized the fabric was Mountain Views canvas from the 2015 nani IRO collection. She must have made it! I love that moment, seeing fabric I recognize being worn or carried, loved by someone. And even though we don’t know each other I feel like we are connected in a way. I wanted to make something similar for myself but I’m a little colour shy and probably wouldn’t wear that much green, no matter how much I love it. Luckily though my sweet little girl will wear a green coat, because she likes “all the colours” now, so I made this one for her.

It’s a spring-weight coat in nani IRO Mountain Views canvas and I love how striking the print is in contrast with the simple lines of the coat design. Kokka has really perfected their cotton/linen blend canvas and it is such a pleasure to sew with. I’ve started to call it “the fabric with no surprises” because it does what you want it to do every single time. Wash, press, cut, sew, press, press, press and you’ll end up with a beautiful finished product. Once you’ve unpicked the sleeves you sewed partially shut twice, that is. Or so I’ve heard.

The little fox brooch is from Maiko at Decoylab. I won it in a giveaway years ago and love it to pieces.

The pattern I used is Pattern O – Border knit coat from A sunny spot – 女の子のまいにちの服 (ISBN978-4-529-05069-2) but obviously did not use a knit fabric. I made a size 120cm and it is a little roomy on her. I forget that while she is growing quickly it is mostly in height, so probably could have sized down but kept the length.

I made a couple of modifications such as lining the main body instead of using facings, and finishing the armholes with bias trim for a cleaner look. I omitted the front pockets, because there is already so much going on with that amazing print, and the buttons, because we at the studio couldn’t agree on whether they were necessary or not. I quite like it worn open like this and I guess the Sumo pose adds some charm too.

Tomorrow I’ll be announcing the big giveaway and An from Straightgrain will be here to share her nani IRO month creations too. I can’t wait!

Thank you, Naomi-san for making the most gorgeous textiles, and thank you to those reading here and sewing along with us too! #ilovenaniiro