Simone's Cambria Duster by Friday Pattern Company

Pattern: Cambria Duster by Friday Pattern Company
Fabric used: Cupro Tencel Linen in Henna with matching thread
Simone chose to make her duster out of our Cupro Tencel Linen in Henna which we are almost out of (though we do still have some limited quantity black!). If you would like to replicate the flow and drape of this fabric, we recommend our Brussels Washer, available in a variety of solid and yarn-dyed shades
Size Made: XS
Modifications: Shortened 2”

I’ve been dreaming of a rust colored trench coat for years, but have been too intimidated by outerwear to ever delve in. Enter my first project as a Fancy Tiger Crafts Brand Ambassador: the Cambria Duster by Friday Pattern Company. This pattern is specifically for confident beginners which makes it a great place to start.


Photo Credit: Simone Nelson

Friday Pattern Company’s commitment to making and doing good things with beautiful, easy to sew patterns makes them one of my favorite designers. Not only do they donate 5% of all proceeds to charity, they also offer minimalistic designs with instructions that are fun, encouraging, and easy to follow. The Cambria Duster’s proceeds benefit The Innocence Project.

Photo Credit: Simone Nelson

Fabric:
The Cupro Tencel Linen in Henna is almost exactly the color I had in my head (though black was also calling my name). This fabric is even more beautiful in person and perfect for this pattern. It’s slightly textured, super soft, and has the dreamiest drape. It was easy to work with which is always a bonus and I love the character the bit of wrinkle brings too.

Photo Credit: Simone Nelson

Size + Modifications:
I made size XS based on my 32” bust measurement. Since the pattern is drafted for a height of 5’5” and I’m only 5’ tall, I decided to shorten it by 2” which is the only modification I made. The finished length hits me just below my calves. If you’re in between sizing, I’d recommend sizing up. Although this size fits me pretty well, I could see myself sizing up in the future for a roomier fit in the shoulders especially if I planned on wearing thicker layers underneath.

Photo Credit: Simone Nelson

Finishing Seams:
The most intimidating part of this make is deciding on a seam finish. The instructions offer some recommendations, but it’s ultimately up to the maker to decide. This pattern is unlined which means some seams are more visible than others, most notably on the folded sleeves. I decided to do one of the most time consuming options: bias bound seams. Although I’ve done bias binding before, this is the first time I’ve done it so extensively since every raw edge is bound either together or separately. The only seam I didn’t bind was the arm sleeve which I serged instead. I made over 12 yards of bias tape from my fabric remnants to match. I forgot to account for that in my yardage,but luckily had just enough. It was quite a laborious affair, but I love the end result. If you’re unfamiliar with bias binding, it really isn’t too difficult and this is a good way to practice.

Photo Credit: Simone Nelson

This final make is a dream come true and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. When Fancy Tiger Crafts asked me what dream project I wanted to work on, I referred back to a trench coat I saw on TV years ago. They suggested fabric and pattern options that might work and I was instantly closer to making my dream come true than ever before. Sometimes you need someone to tell you that you can do something to make you finally realize you can. If you have a dream project you’ve been too scared to start on, what are you waiting for?

If you would like to follow Simone you can find her at:
Instagram: @intenselydistracted
Website: Intensely Distracted

Photo Credit: Simone Nelson