Just Sew Nova by Just Sew Georgie

The Nova coat (formerly known the Sapporo) by Papercut Patterns was one of the first patterns that really caught my attention, shortly after starting my sewing and Instagram journey, back in 2019. I purchased the pattern fairly early on, knowing I wouldn’t even attempt the make for at least another year and a half because the thought of making a coat with my little experience just felt like a recipe for disaster. Boy, I was wrong! What a wonderful pattern to sew providing such impressive impact from little effort or knowledge.
If you haven’t already made this coat, I give you permission to stop reading and go do it now (but don’t forget to come back and carry-on reading!).

I’d scheduled in a sew-along with a friend between Christmas and New Year. After 10 days of isolating and feeling rubbish (thanks, Omicron), I couldn’t wait to get back behind the pedal and get making again. I really thought that this coat might have been one of those projects that I’d start, and it would be ongoing for weeks, maybe months due to the construction and complexity of the finished product. From pattern tracing, to fabric cutting, to construction and finishing, total time spent would certainly fall between 48hours – TWO DAYS FROM START TO END TO MAKE A WINTER COAT!!

Now I’ve raved about how much I enjoyed this pattern, I think we need to address the main talking point, don’t you? The fabric. I was very, very kindly gifted the Grey Leopard print Wool from Sew Me Sunshine to complete my Nova coat dreams. When this fabric arrived in the post, I tore it open immediately (as I do with all of my fabric deliveries), and I kid you not, I squealed. It was gorgeous. Even better than in the pictures. And this is also one of those times that I wish we were in the Year 3000 so all your senses can be utilised because you need to feel this wool.

The 90% Polyester and 10% Wool composition allows the fabric to be drapey and soft to touch without compromising on the thickness or warmth of the wool – the absolute perfect coating fabric. It was a dream to cut, the seams didn’t fray and there was no need to overlock during construction. Sewing was also surprisingly easier than expected. The fabric was easy to manipulate around the small curves of the pocket and collar and at no point did my sewing machine struggle with the bulky layers at the sleeve openings.

I opted for a plain black lining as I didn’t want any attention taken away the leopard print. Of course, I had to finish the coat with my ‘Just Sew Georgie’ label, joined with a Kylie and the Machine ‘Circa 2022’ from the advent calendar, to commemorate my first completed make of 2022.

Thank you, Sew Me Sunshine, for this gorgeous fabric, and for allowing me to create and own this show stopping coat that I will own for years and years to come.

Thank you, Papercut Patterns, for never letting me down with your innovative designs and easy to follow instructions. My favourite Indie Pattern brand.

*Georgie was provided the fabric of her choice free of charge for her blog post & she was provided with a £50 voucher as payment for her time*

You can shop all of our wool coatings here. Happy sewing!