The coat is a great trench with lovely classic details. I would describe as relatively fitted across shoulders and A-line from the waist. I would size up to be able wear a jumper underneath, maybe grading to my actual size from waist downwards – see details below. It’s an in-depth project, although it’s a series of lots of steps which you can do in stages.
Sizing & Fit
I didn’t make a toile but I A) read every review I could find B) purchased Guthrie & Ghanie “Lauren’s hints and tips” video C) made up the lining to check fit and D) cut the sleeves once I had made up the main body and could gauge the length needed.
I found sizing runs true, BUT, if you want to wear this with a jumper or something thicker, I recommend sizing up in the shoulders and bust. Bear in mind, if you pick the size based on your full bust – the bigger your differential between full and upper bust, the more room you will have in your shoulders.
I selected the size based on my bust measurements and can comfortably wear this with a long sleeve T-shirt. I can also get my padded gilt on too, but I couldn’t wear it with a thick jumper. I’m a dressmaker’s B/C cup.
One review which said they’d graded down 2 sizes. I can only think this was from the waist, and that they were not pear shaped, because in my experience even 1 size down would not fit across the shoulders and bust. I would describe the arms as “slim fit”. I don’t have big arms but needed to reduce the seam allowance as much as possible to improve ease. I found the sleeve length out of the packet about just right, whereas I usually need to lengthen sleeves by 1-2 inches, i.e. the sleeve length comes up relatively long to other patterns.
The trench is drafted for 5 ft. 8, and I added an inch in the lower half of the garment to match my own height. This coat is going to keep me dry top to bottom in a shower.
Pattern pieces and instructions
There are many positives about this pattern but, here are a few things to bear in mind:
(1) I normally trace patterns but not with this one given the number of pieces. I had bought the paper version but contacted Named with proof of purchase and they sent me over the PDF files
(2) The pattern doesn’t include pieces for interfacing around the necklines and hems of the main parts of the pattern. There are about 10 or 11 pieces of interfacing that you have to draft yourself. It’s not difficult, but it you plan on making more than one version of the coat I recommend drafting those pieces on paper. Also, because the hem interface pieces help guide the finish, I think accuracy is important
(3) Although the pattern instructions are good I found in some places for me they lacked detail. E.g., when sewing the welt pockets, I thought the diagrams lacked some context of the rest of the garment to enable me to understand which way round I was sewing something. With hindsight the diagrams and descriptions are obvious, but I don’t think I’d have worked this out easily without referring to Lauren’s hints and tips video. Minerva also has a free sew along video on you tube, although I didn’t refer to that
Construction
Some things I found:
(1) The pattern has you overlock raw edges on the lining and the main coat. I didn’t want the imprint of the overlock stitches showing through after pressing on my main fabric. However, I did overlock the lining to improve longevity of my coat because the fabric frayed a lot.
(2) In order to bag out the coat, the pattern has you leave a gap between the facing and the lining. I thought this may be visible when I wear the coat open, so I opted to leave a gap in the side of the lining. Doing it that way also meant I could under stitch around the facing where the facing meets the lining, which I also liked as a finish.
(3) Some reviewers of the Isla coat mentioned it being difficult to sew through many layers when you have the cape and the coat. I didn’t encounter any issues with that, but I do have a sturdy sewing machine
(4) I would say it would be relatively easy to leave off the cape, or just put in the back or front pieces of the cape as storm flaps.
In terms of pattern positives – the welt pockets are very professional. They have a facing so the lining fabric doesn’t show when the coat is worn. The cape is relatively easy to construct and add to the coat. As long as you ensure everything is flat when you add it, it should work out well. I would say it’s important to ensure that when cutting out the back cape on the fold, watch out that you don’t curve up at the fold, so that you retain a smooth edge left to right, without it dipping up in the middle.

I decided to cut out the slight neck scoop which turned out bigger than I would like, however this top today is perfect for layering, I will need to wear something underneath, it is too much neck for me. It was extremely easy to sew, I did it all on my overlocker, then finished with maraflex thread to keep the rib seams flat. Next time I will make the crewe neck and use a much better ribbing. This top has potential and will be a tnt for me.

I have just completed the Maker's Atelier Unlined Raw-Edged Coat. I am just getting back into my sewing journey and was using a boiled wool for the first time.
The pattern was extremely easy to follow and having already cut out the pattern I completed it in half a day. I used a popper closure with poppy buttons sewn on the outside for a specific event - I can then swap them out after.
As it is over-sized I went for a smaller size on top and then tapered to the next size up at the hip to hem as that better suited my shape.

I have just completed the Maker's Atelier Unlined Raw-Edged Coat. I am just getting back into my sewing journey and was using a boiled wool for the first time.
The pattern was extremely easy to follow and having already cut out the pattern I completed it in half a day. I used a popper closure with poppy buttons sewn on the outside for a specific event - I can then swap them out after.
As it is over-sized I went for a smaller size on top and then tapered to the next size up at the hip to hem as that better suited my shape.

This is a really really good coat pattern. The construction and instructions are fantastic. I made a couple of adaptations to the collar size and arm width just to meet my style vision!

Absolutely beautiful pattern with easy to follow instructions.

I bought this pattern may years ago but only this week decided to give it a go. The result this week is a lovely dress and I intend to make it again and again. I am experienced and the dress was a breeze to sew. I used the neck facing but stitched the light interfacing onto the fabric, along the bottom first, r side to r side and then I flipped the interfacing over and only then used the iron. A much neater result than a normal facing or bias

I also redesigned the inseam pockets, fixed to the waist, easy again. and being under 5` I did take 4 inches off the skirt length, I am leaving that on this dress but will be taking perhaps another 2 inches off when I make my next dress for autumn/winter, to wear with tights

I made a very quick bodice in calico to see if I could get it on without the back button. Yes, easy so I cut the back on the fold

I am shopping from stash for my next dress, perhaps a Japanese double gauze in winter colours and a good viscose for the next summer heatwave

Easy to understand instructions and beautiful finish on the inside! Always love In The Fold patterns.

Easy to follow and clear instructions! A fairly quick make, and the fit was good for me

I love this pattern. It’s well drafted, with clear, but not excessive instructions. They are stylish, comfortable and well, just perfect. I sized down in this pair, as I wanted less ease with this fabric. I have just made a second pair in a more substantial fabric, so sized back up.

I haven’t really seen this pattern around much but it was similar to a ready to wear dress I had seen that I was using as my inspiration image. I’ve made the Vivienne Shao Chen Bisque Trousers and really like them so figured this pattern would be a good one to try.

It’s a sleeveless button front bodice with gathered skirt (either a knee length or midi with an extra tier). The bodice has a few gentle gathers at the front and back that gather into the collar. The bodice finishes just under the bust which I like.

It’s a very loose oversized dress which I’m a fan of but as the cotton I used was a bit more structured and I’d lined it I didn’t want it too “puffy” so having looked at my measurements against the finished garment measurements I decided to size down

My measurements put me between a 12 & 14 bust, a 16 waist and an 18 hip but there is plenty of ease. I actually meant to make a straight size 12 but somehow I ended up making a straight size 10 by mistake. It actually fits ok but the bodice, particularly under the arms is just a little snug. So had I have made the size 12 that I intended to make it would have been fine

After sewing on the collar and trying it on it was sitting quite high and was irritating my neck so I unpicked it and trimmed down at the front by a good cm, maybe a bit more and it’s now much more comfortable. In a softer fabric I think it would have been ok

Length wise I had forgotten to make a note of the length I cut out so I can’t remember if I added length (the skirt is just rectangles and the instructions give you the measurements if you don’t want to print out the pattern piece) but it came out as a proper maxi length (I’m 5,7”) I ended up just trimming off around 1 1/2inch off of bottom ruffle. (I think I probably did add quite a bit of length having looked at the pattern images)

Sewing wise it was a nice sew and came together pretty quickly and the instructions were good.

I’ll definitely be making another version of this dress, I think it would be lovely in a viscose linen.

I really enjoyed making these trousers using a table cloth from a charity shop, they went together very easily, the online video was very handy and most importantly they are very comfortable to wear.

loved the pattern so much i made two in two days! Both C view, the first with elastic in a double gauze and the second (sized down) without any elastic in a soft cotton. love them both. May do another in a sweatshirt material. I watched the video and reaslised how easy it was. Also great for using leftover fabric.

This was my first make using an Itch To Stitch pattern and it won't be the last. The instructions were clear and easy to follow (plus there is a sew along too). I added.an extra couple of inches to the bodice but I actual probably didn't need to. I've had lots of wear from the dress and I'll be making it again next summer.

When I saw this pattern reviewed on The Edit, I knew that I wanted to make it. My version is made from some boiled wool and it's a really easy pattern, that came together very quickly. I love it!