This is the first winter we have had a nursing coat pattern and it has been fun to get your feedback! So many moms have written to tell us how much they liked the pattern and how fun it was to sew. This pattern is probably the most complicated of any pattern we have ever designed, so I worried about how well everyone would handle it. Well, the verdict is in! If you follow the sewing guide and go step by step, you'll be able to sew a great coat in no time at all. I have to laugh a little about it, because we have had lots of letters from moms telling us that they were concerned if they could do it or not, but they followed the instructions and their coats turned out great. Then I got a phone call from a sewing professional and she was having lots of problems. The biggest problem was that she didn't want to read the sewing guide. This is one pattern you NEED to read the sewing guide on. I wouldn't tell you that if it wasn't true!

Jennifer Robles, pictured to the right, made this darling coat, baby panel, and matching baby hat from Nursing Classics #206. She wrote: "Polar fleece is very easy to work with. I'm a quilter, not a sewer. I have made about 5 pieces of clothing, total. The instructions rated the project "medium" whic h I hadn't noticed until AFTER I bought the pattern. I might not have bought it. However, it has been so easy to do. Take it slow and follow the instructions. Any beginning sewers who want to make this jacket should tackle it without apprehension. It's really easy even though it is rated medium. The coat is easy to sew. The instructions are clear and broken down into easy to follow steps. I think I had a few moments of confusion while sewing the front overlay on, but that was only because I was wrestling with several pieces with no obvious front or back." [This IS the most complicated step. We suggest labeling the front or back of each piece with a piece of masking tape to help you distinguish between sides.] She continued. "The instructions weren't confusing at all; that is, I didn't sew any mistakes that had to be taken out. Usually, I have to resew at least one seam. When I showed the coat to my mother, she was astounded that I made it! She thought it looked like a professional had made it, which I think is a testament to your patterns and directions. They are so easy to follow and give such great results."

"My husband picked out a Cheetah skin polar fleece at Jo-Ann's Fabrics. It was double-sided black and tan and was $9.99 a yard. It probably wouldn't have been my first pick. However, now I'm really glad that he did pick it. The fabric has a directional nap; the spots fall in a subtle stripe. I ran the stripe vertically because that is the way it came on the fabric. I didn't think about it because I had made most of the jacket when I noticed the stripe on the sleeve. Anyway, my point is, for a beginning sewer I strongly recommend using a fabric that doesn't require matching the stripe or pattern at the zipper. I think that would make the project much more frustrating. Many polar fleeces are available that don't require the matching."

"I am 5'7" tall and I weigh (gasp) 200 pounds (hopefully, not for long). I made the XL and it is roomy. I wanted a loose fit. According to the size information and my measurements, I could have made the Large. I really like the fact that it is long. It comes down past my hips and covers me well. Most jackets do not." We absolutely loved Jennifer's coat and appreciate her sharing her story and photo with us.

Another neat idea that has come up is how to take in the fullness of the baby panel at the neck edge if you are wearing the coat during pregnancy! We were so into " mom and baby" stuff we didn't even think of this earlier! Placing 2 sets of snaps on the upper edge of the baby panel to pull in the extra fullness will work great for this!

Just fold 2 large pleats in the upper edge of the baby panel and then snap the pleats into place. When your baby is born, just unsnap the pleats. You could also make the baby panel longer (with a longer zipper) so it covers more of your neck during pregnancy. See our snap page for ordering long prong colorful snaps!

Now on to the drawstrings! In designing the NC#206 jacket pattern, we originally planned on putting the drawstrings on the outside of the jacket, but as we became aware of the new drawstring laws, we switched the drawstring to the inside of the jacket. Many accidental deaths and injuries were caused by drawstrings being caught on the school bus as the child exited, and then the bus driver would unknowingly start driving, unaware that a child was "attached" to the bus. There were also many strangulations caused simply by the child becoming entangled in his clothing. Hence a law was passed eliminating all drawstrings on children's clothing. I don't know if any of you remember a few years ago when they quit making the baby gowns with drawstrings at the hem. This was part of the same legislation. A similar reasoning is followed regarding adult clothing. If you were carrying an infant and you suddenly became entangled in something it could be a dangerous situation. If you prefer drawstrings on the outside of your coat, sew a small buttonhole at each end of the casing and thread the drawstring to the outside. We think once you try the inside drawstrings, however, you will be happy with the look. They adjust quite easily and then all the "stuff" is hidden inside the jacket.

Even with all of these great ideas, there are even more in the works! Barbara Palansky is making a raincoat out of the jacket pattern with a waterproof outer shell and a cotton flannel lining. We will keep you posted on her progress and give you more ideas on how to use this pattern in future issues of our newsletter. Meanwhile, have fun sewing your jacket this winter. It isn't too late to get it done! Nursing Classics #206 is also perfect for spring weather. Enjoy taking your baby with you wherever you go!