Sign In
Introducing Albion and Cooper, from Walden by Colette Patterns
I’m frequently asked which pattern in our line-up is my favorite.
I think people are surprised when I’ve said it’s the Negroni shirt.
Why Negroni? I just think there’s something intensely satisfying about making a man’s shirt. Menswear is so classic, so stylistically rigid, that making it really gives you a chance to focus on technique and small details.
I’m also proud of the level of instruction in the pattern. I really feel it epitomizes what I want our patterns to be: fun and fulfilling learning experiences.
I think you guys have agreed, because it’s been one of our most popular patterns. And little by little, I began to see women adapting the pattern for themselves too. I loved this idea!
So why not introduce more men’s patterns that women could wear too?
Walden, our specialty menswear and unisex line
Today, we’re announcing Walden by Colette Patterns, a specialty line of men’s patterns. This smaller line-up (which will now include Negroni) has a new look, with even cooler packaging.
(I’ll talk more about the packaging at the end of this post, but for now, let’s move on to the important part… say hello to our 2 new patterns, Albion and Cooper!)
Introducing Albion
I have always loved a classic duffle coat on both men and women. A style taken from the British military and popularized in the 60s and 70s, it looks just as modern today.
Simple, clean outerwear
We kept the overall construction simple and the lines clean, so with its simple straight shape, this is one of the easier pieces of outerwear you might sew.
At the same time, we didn’t neglect the important details that make a coat look polished.
The Coat
Version one is a longer lined wool coat, designed to be made in a typical wool coating and lined with flannel, just like a traditional cozy duffle coat.
It has both outer patch pockets and roomy in-seam side pockets, so there’s a place to warm your hands and a place to stash a wallet and phone.
The 3-piece hood also has a completely removable button-on neck tab to keep you extra cozy on blustery days.
The Jacket
Version two is a shorter unlined jacket, a great transition piece or rain jacket.
The jacket works beautifully in a sturdy canvas, like the blue canvas version Zoe wears here. You can also use a waxed canvas for a more water repellant finish, like the deep green jacket worn by our male model. Or try a heavy twill or a strong waterproof fabric.
Because it’s unlined, the seams are neatly finished in a combination of felled seams and bias-bound seams. The in-seam pocket has a clever construction, so it also acts as a hidden interior pocket. This jacket looks as good inside as out.
Unisex style
Albion looks great on women as well as men (I’ve actually taken the navy sample Zoe is wearing home for myself).
Because Albion is available in sizes XS through XXL, even smaller women can likely find a size that will fit. You can wear it loose and boxy with a slightly dropped shoulder, or follow some of the tweaks we’ll be covering in our soon-to-be-released companion book to give it a more feminine shape.
Get more help and sew along with us!
Outerwear can be a little intimidating, but it’s so much fun to make a big project like this with other people.
We’ll be announcing a sew-along for Albion coming up in a month or so, along with an optional companion book. So you can get plenty of support when you make this beauty.
But first, we’ll be working together on our other new pattern.
Introducing Cooper
We wanted to do something a little different for Cooper: create a truly practical, versatile, and well-crafted bag that men and women could both use.
We turned to our friend Laura, designer of Pansy Maiden bags, truly an expert on creating exceptional non-leather bags (though you can use leather in making Cooper too).
Laura designed this fantastic bag in 3 variations, with just the right hardware and details to look professionally crafted.
Messenger, Backpack, or Satchel
Version 1 is an adjustable messenger bag, great for carrying a laptop or transporting books to work or school.
Version 2 is a backpack. It has adjustable straps, a hanging loop, and plenty of pockets inside and out.
Version 3 is my personal favorite (by just a hair). It’s a satchel with clips on the back for attaching to your bike rack.
The Companion Book and Sewalong
If you’re new to bag making or just want tips and instructions for customizing your bag, check out our brand new Cooper Companion ebook!
Like our Anise Companion before it, the Cooper companion offers tons of extras to help guide you through the bag-making process.
It includes:
- Hundreds of step-by-step photos. Over 400 photos fill this 130 page ebook to the brim with in-depth visual detail.
- Learn more about bag supplies. We included lots of information about fabric choices, hardware, and special tools that might make your job easier (and more fun).
- Learn special technique. Get even more information about special techniques like reinforcing stress points, installing magnetic closures, and squaring corners.
- Customization tutorials. We give you instructions for even more options, like making self-fabric straps, adding a key ring attachment (so useful!), installing feet, waxing your own canvas, and creating a shoulder guard.
We’ll also be announcing our Cooper Sewalong tomorrow. We’ll be covering the whole process in the sewalong of course, so you don’t need to purchase the companion book to sew with us. But if you want all the fun extras and an extensive bag-making guide to hold onto for the future, it’s a great supplement to pick up.
Get going with kits
One of the challenges with making a bag can be sourcing all the hardware and specialty materials. With hardware especially, you often have to buy large quantities, which can get expensive, or get something not-quite-right.
So we have kits to help with that, available now at Gifts for Crafters.
Our hardware kits come in an aged bronze finish, so everything will match. Choose from a kit with enough hardware to make the messenger or backpack, or a separate kit for the satchel.
We also have full kits for making a beautiful forest green and oak brown bag in waxed canvas. Waxed canvas is a heavy cotton impregnated with special waxes and oils to repel moisture. It ages beautifully, with creases and scratches giving it a wonderful patina over time. Many of the bags above were made with it, and you can see how well it holds its shape, and the aged look it develops.
These kits include the same aged brass hardware, along with fabric, ripstop lining, and cotton webbing. They are a very limited edition item, so once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Pattern instructions that lay flat!
Finally, I wanted to show off our fancy new packaging for Walden!
Take a look at those new kraft paper covers and spiral binding. That’s right, these new patterns will actually lay flat while you sew!
With me all the way to the end? Let’s review!
- Walden is our new specialty line for men (that can also be made for women).
- Walden patterns have fancy new packaging, including lay-flat spiral binding.
- Albion is our brand new duffle coat, in sizes XS to XXL.
- Cooper is a 3-in-1 everyday bag, including messenger, backpack, and satchel.
- We have kits available for Cooper. Purchase just the hardware, or a complete kit with hardware, webbing, beautiful waxed canvas, and ripstop lining.
- We’ll be announcing a sewalong for Cooper tomorrow.
- Our companion book for Cooper has hundreds of step-by-step photos and even more variations.
- The sewalong and companion book for Albion will be coming up soon.
If you buy Albion, Cooper, or the newly revamped Negroni through Gifts for Crafters, you can get 15% off when you enter coupon code WALDEN at checkout. That coupon is good until Friday, November 15 at midnight PST, only at Gifts for Crafters.
You can pick up any of our patterns at Gifts for Crafters, along with kits, tools, and all kinds of other goodies.
Comments
emily
November 12, 2013 #
You’ve outdone yourself! I am very very very happy. :)
Laura
November 12, 2013 #
You guys really knocked this one out of the park. Both items are so beautiful and thoughtfully constructed!
Laura
November 12, 2013 #
WOW. You all have been BUSY! These are beautiful. Congratulations!
Jess
November 12, 2013 #
These are both wonderful! Well done.
Beth B.
November 12, 2013 #
WHOA! I love ALL of this SO much!! Thank your for what looks to be a wonderful men’s pattern, something that is lacking in the sewing world.
Tilly
November 12, 2013 #
Sooooooooooooooooo cool!!!!! LOVE all of this! Pretty sure I’ll be making at least one of each, maybe his and hers of both… Good work, you guys!
Melissa
November 12, 2013 #
Wow! These are amazing – totally worth the wait! I want to start making them right now :)
Meigan
November 12, 2013 #
Brilliant new patterns! Wow, just wow!
Kirsten D
November 12, 2013 #
Your not helping in making my sewing list shorter! LUV!
Emme
November 12, 2013 #
I love it i love it i love it!
Amy
November 12, 2013 #
These are above and beyond beautiful. Such gorgeous patterns- I must have them right away! I can’t wait to make the bag and at least two coats. Wonderful work, you guys!
Tsigeyusv
November 12, 2013 #
These are gorgeous. I love the lay flat pattern instructions AND the kits. I know, having made a lot of tote bags for gifts just has sourcing the magnetic closures can be, at affordable prices.
Great Job!
I still have the very first jacket/coat I made. It was from a kit from Sierra Designs, I believe. It was great not having to source all the correct materials and it became a much less intimidating project.
mary
November 12, 2013 #
wow wow wow! gorgeous stuff!
Rachel
November 12, 2013 #
Sorry, this is a pass for me. I don’t wear the unisex look well and I don’t sew for other people.
Burke
November 12, 2013 #
I think the coat in a feminine wool would work quite well. I wouldn’t do the waxed cotton either, but in a great wool coating, why not?
Miet
November 12, 2013 #
Love them! Awesome patterns!
Darcy
November 12, 2013 #
These are so lovely! The bag is fantastic–guess I know what my husband is getting for Xmas this year! The kits look great–any chance you’ll be doing them in the grey/brown combo? Or, alternatively, do you know of some places that source waxed canvas pre-waxed?
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
I’m going to put together some supplies resources in the next couple days, so keep an eye out!
Nicole
November 12, 2013 #
LOVE!
Laura
November 12, 2013 #
Just wondering….would it be easy to substitute buttons for the toggle closures? My husband is not a toggle kind of guy but otherwise would like this coat I think.
Rachel
November 12, 2013 #
Sure! Toggles work well if you have many layers of thick fabric (like the Albion coat) so if you use buttons instead, just make sure to make a longer button shank and reinforce it well.
Sharon Pickles
November 12, 2013 #
EEEEEP! Here’s hoping these new patterns get to the UK before Christmas!
Grace
November 12, 2013 #
Beautiful patterns – congratulations! The only thing holding me back are the high shipping prices to Canada. Do you have any plans to release the patterns in pdf format? I love that bag!
Kenn
November 12, 2013 #
Of course! We have downloadable PDFs available for all three of these in our shop.
Grace
November 12, 2013 #
Thanks, Kenn! I was too excited to see straight. But I ended up breaking down and paying the postage for the printed pattern – the design looks so great on those new ones. Congratulations again!
Rachel
November 12, 2013 #
You definitely do NOT disappoint!
Jacqui
November 12, 2013 #
So impressed. I love that Colette is expanding to include simple, classic designs that can really work for a range of personal aesthetics. Still working on sharpening my sewing skills, but when I do, that jacket is ON.
Lize
November 12, 2013 #
OMG! I love these patterns! Do you think the cooper backpack is big enough to put books and folders in? I’d like to make one for school.
Rachel
November 12, 2013 #
It is! I can fit my MacBook Air in mine. I would just suggest that you use canvas, as the twill makes for a more slouchy style bag.
Ashleigh
November 12, 2013 #
Awesome versatile collection!! And I love the hardware kits, that is so helpful and motivating to get a project like that underway (I usually have no clue when it comes to hardware haha). You’ve outdone yourself, keep up the good work!
Inna
November 12, 2013 #
SO COOL! I am have a beautiful piece of leather for this bag! YAY! Great stuff!
Scarlet Threader
November 12, 2013 #
I’ll be passing on these. I had high hopes for something feminine for the holiday as I don’t wear unisex clothes and my bags are all purchased.
Hanna
November 12, 2013 #
These look wonderful! I love the new bag and unisex coat! And the new spiral bound packaging is awesome. Thank you for sharing these amazing new things with us! I will have to order these patterns even though I already have so many Colette patterns I have to work on :)
Elise
November 12, 2013 #
Love Cooper! Is the coupon code only good on pattern or on kit as well?
Diane @ Vintage Zest
November 12, 2013 #
Nooooooooo!!!! These are awesome! The only reason that it isn’t a “yesssssss response” is because now I know my sewing list is going to be getting longer before the holidays, especially if my guy sees these patterns are now available for him too!
gabriel ratchet
November 12, 2013 #
love ’em both, wish only that the companion e- book could be purchased pre-printed. i don’t like my craft/art materials on devices. in fact, if you ever publish nutmeg as a physical pattern, i’ll buy it again. but that’s picking at nits….
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
Yeah, I like that idea too, it’s just that printing a 130 page book would be pretty expensive for a small operation like us (since we wouldn’t be printing 10s of thousands like a large publisher). But we are exploring some options like this for a future project we’ve got in the works!
gabriel ratchet
November 13, 2013 #
i love anticipation…. meanwhile, back at the ranch, improvisational bookbinding is under way…
Lindsay
November 12, 2013 #
Love the Cooper bag! And I totally agree with you about men’s shirts – they’re one of my favorite things to sew too!
Valentina
November 12, 2013 #
I love both new patterns, congratulations! I am an advanced beginner but I am sure that with your step by step instructions I will be able to learn to sew a lined coat! Thank you
noreen
November 12, 2013 #
The jacket is gorgeous! My husband has been wearing a coat that he picked up at a yard sale a decade ago, and he refuses to part with it because it is a) long enough (he’s tall), and b) warm enough. My only hesitation with the pattern is that he DOES NOT do hoods. I wonder if there would be a way to convert the pattern to have just a collared version? I’ll have to look around and see what I can come up with…
Rachel
November 12, 2013 #
If you line it and use the same neck measurements, you should be able to easily install a self drafted collar. Let us know what you decide!
Melissa
November 12, 2013 #
Love the name Walden too :)
Julia
November 12, 2013 #
Wow love them all! And need them all… early christmas prezzies for myself?!
Melissa S.
November 12, 2013 #
That jacket! That beautiful pattern book! So wonderful. I’d like join the sew-along for sure. I’ve never sewn outerwear before but I’ve always wanted to, so this sounds like the perfect time to take the plunge.
Shannon
November 12, 2013 #
Wow. Your Cooper pattern is the answer to all my problems!! ;-). My husband has two Barbour waxed cotton coats and I wanted to make him a messenger bag (with upcycled waxed cotton from a HUGE dog bed that my husband bought and we’ve never used). So, this is perfect! And all of your new Walden patterns are gorgeous. Thanks!
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
Those Barbour jackets are so amazing.
Natacha
November 12, 2013 #
The wait is over and I do love these two patterns. I can easily picture myself in a warm Walden (love the name, so beautifully chosen!) coat and thanks for the idea for the bike bag !!!
You did great, thanks so much !
Natacha
November 12, 2013 #
Ok made a mistake about the name of the coat. Walden is the name of the men’s collection. I nevertheless repeat that i think this name is a great choice : ” I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
Jana
November 12, 2013 #
So, I have two questions/observations. I see that Rachel has already half-answered one (thanks!), but maybe I can get a more accurate answer.
1. Can we get finished measurements for Cooper? I love the backpack version, but I’d like to make sure that it’s actually big enough for my needs before I buy the pattern. Being able to fit a MacBook Air into it is good, but I need to be able to carry some more stuff besides my notebook, so I’d really like to compare the Cooper measurements to the (ratty old) backpack I’m currently using (and have been wanting very badly to replace!).
2. I was going to ask about an update to Negroni that includes the XS size for those of us who have already bought the pattern, but just saw that I could download the new version from my account. Thanks so much, that’s awesome! You might want to update http://help.colettepatterns.com/patterns/size-charts; it doesn’t have men’s XS yet. (The size chart included in the updated pattern has it, so that’s good.)
If only I hadn’t promised my boyfriend a Negroni that I haven’t yet made, I could make one for myself now. Guess I’ll have to buckle down and actually make his at some point so I won’t feel bad about making one for myself as well. (;
Thanks so much! If my boyfriend were willing to wear a duffle coat, I’d grab Albion too. Since he isn’t, I might wait a bit and eventually get it for myself instead. Ha!
(I’ve just finished a jacket for myself and need some other stuff more urgently, but I’m really tempted anyway. I love duffle coats!)
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
We had a problem with the “supplies” section being missing earlier, but it’s fixed now! If you click the supplies tab for Cooper, there are some finished measurements there.
https://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/cooper
Negroni sizing is updated too now! And I’m glad you pointed that out… anyone who has purchased a Negroni digital pattern in the past and wants an updated version with the new look and XS size can download it from their account.
Jana
November 12, 2013 #
Very helpful (and quick), thank you!
Amanda
November 12, 2013 #
I am so in love with both of these patterns!! They are just beautiful, and so timeless. It’s hard to decide which one to tackle first, but because of the Cooper kit I think I’ll go with that one! It will be a fun project for school break over the holidays.
I’m wondering about the instruction booklet that’s included in the Cooper kit. Is that the same as the ebook that’s available for sale?
These were worth the wait!! Congratulations on all your hard work. I can’t wait to see what others make of these patterns!! :)
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
The ebook and pattern are different. The pattern includes our standard (and pretty extensive) pattern instructions along with illustrations.
The ebook includes hundreds of photos that illustrate each step, along with extra technique tutorials and variations you can do. It’s 130+ pages, so there’s just a lot more room to go into depth!
Amanda
November 13, 2013 #
Thanks so much! That makes perfect sense. :)
Ann frederix
November 12, 2013 #
I LOOOOOOVE these patterns. Just have to wait till they arrive here in Europe. I prefer paper pattern over PDF! Wow,so great what you made.
F. K.
November 12, 2013 #
This is so awesome! I’m going to be looking forward to seeing all the unisex items you come out with!
Helen!
November 12, 2013 #
I’m so excited to get my Albion and Negroni patters! I’m loving the Albion jacket, especially in the navy. Looking forward to the sewalong.
I’ve a few mens’ shirt patterns from the 60’s/70s, but they don’t fit my 6 ft husband. The Negroni has that vintage look and in a variety of sizes that I can fit both my sons and dh. Well done, Coletterie!
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
They’re easy to lengthen/shorten too. Our model was 6’3″.
Katy
November 12, 2013 #
I couldn’t be more excited about both these patterns. I often lament the absence of decent mens patterns. My poor husband gets nothing except pj’s! With Christmas coming up these are perfect. THANK YOU!
Adair
November 12, 2013 #
What’s the fabric requirements on the bag? I like to research sources and such before I purchase a pattern.
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
The supplies were missing from the pattern page earlier, but they’re up now!
https://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/cooper
Xenia Kathryn
November 12, 2013 #
Great work, Colette Team! Love it, as both items would make great gifts for loved ones!
Kathy
November 12, 2013 #
Really, really lovely patterns! So well done. Congratulations, Colette Patterns!!!
But I did notice and error on the Albion jacket page, the tab for “SUPPLIES” is completely blank! Oh, no!! I wanted to see what it would take to make one up. Thanks!
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
We’re working on this! It should be up soon.
Kathy
November 12, 2013 #
I see it’s up and at’em now… now time to see all the details for the supplies :)
Trisha
November 12, 2013 #
HA!! You totally fooled us! Good job! It’s so much fun when it’s a surprise. I was delighted to see the bag and coat patterns today. So practical, and something I could really use….or make for my boyfriend. What a great idea! Unisex patterns and menswear. I love the name, too. Excellent choice. And a sewalong! Thank you, everybody at Colette Patterns! Your blog is so fun.
Samina
November 12, 2013 #
Love, love, love both patterns. I’m definitely ordering the kit for the bag. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
Amiria
November 12, 2013 #
It is times like these that living down under in New Zealand really does feel like the other side of the world. I’m making mental lists of sewing projects for summer and Colette brings out a beautiful pattern for a winter jacket! Which is probably why I’m super excited for the Cooper bag, something I’ve always wanted to make yet is not season specific!
Dana
November 12, 2013 #
These are brilliant. I have recently purchased a Gazelle electric bike (instead of a car) and have been looking for a great bike bag and coat.
Congratulations on the new men’s line!
ultrahedonist
November 12, 2013 #
PHWOAR I want to marry that guy.
Also, great patterns :)
Sarah
November 12, 2013 #
LOL RIGHT?!!!??
Nina
November 12, 2013 #
Duffel coat – I guessed right! Yay! And also, yay for the patterns! So classic and classy.
Amelia
November 12, 2013 #
OMG, I love both of these patterns! I’ve been looking for a good Duffle Coat pattern because I have a coat someone gave me but it’s black and I want one in a brighter, jazzy colour. My boyfriend also loves them, so I think a his and hers are on the cards. I also love the bag – I’ve needed a new bag for aaaaaages – I like rucksacks but don’t like sporty-style ones, so this is perfect!
A Morris
November 12, 2013 #
I thought it was going to be walking stuff and bags
..excellent news, keep up the good work.Can’t wait until available in UK stockists….Can we get our hands on the kits or are they only available in US? Thank you !
Rachel
November 12, 2013 #
The fabric kits are sold out, but you can buy the hardware kits from Gifts for Crafters!
Amanda
November 12, 2013 #
These are such great looking patterns! So professional looking. The craft shop is adorable too. Oh, and this is random, but I totally thought that was Christian Bale in the first photo! Hehe.
Ingrid
November 12, 2013 #
I am so excited about making a sturdy bag. Between biking and taking the train to work, my bags take a beating and I don’t use leather. Thank you!!!
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
We’ve been sewing some with faux leather and I actually really like it! It’s super sturdy, so it’s a nice choice for the bottom of the bag in particular.
Hannah
November 12, 2013 #
Lovely patterns, as always. Quick question for those of us who want to purchase the new patterns as a PDF (living in New Zealand makes shipping expensive, plus instant gratification, yes please!) AND take advantage of the 15% offer. I see in order to get the discount we must purchase from the new Gifts for Crafters website but there is no PDF versions available on this website only the Colette Patterns website. Is there a way to purchase a PDF version AND get the 15% discount? Thank you.
Rachel
November 12, 2013 #
The discount is for paper patterns only.
Adri H.
November 12, 2013 #
Neat-o! Nice job, Colette! these look great!
Colleen
November 12, 2013 #
I’m really flabbergasted. The bag is amazing on its own, but the coat is something to keep forever. Really beautiful. I’m so happy for you all.
Crystine
November 12, 2013 #
These are both so beautiful! Will you be doing any posts on sourcing fabric and supplies for these two amazing patterns?
Michelle Rose
November 12, 2013 #
I don’t know where you’re located, but Rose City Textiles (Portland, OR) has a fabulous selection of outerwear fabrics, notions, etc. They’re super-helpful and can help you out over email or phone.
Michelle Rose
November 12, 2013 #
And despite my last name, no I’m not affiliated. Just a happy customer.
Rachel
November 12, 2013 #
A Resource List for Cooper will be included in tomorrow’s post.
Sunni
November 12, 2013 #
Love the direction this is headed! I was actually just thinking of how much I would like a duffle coat for myself. I made my man one last year from the Japanese Coat Book and yikes – tracing off all those pattern pieces was murderous. Your pattern already comes printed (win) and there are english instructions! Yay! Beautiful work. Love the new spiral bound pattern layout. And the craft shop is extra lovely!
Jodi
November 12, 2013 #
Great work on the new pattern collection. These all look amazing. There is a shortage of Outerwear patterns available from independant pattern designers. You are filling a need here!
kate
November 12, 2013 #
Any suggestions on where to purchase waxed canvas? I can’t seem to find it in fabric stores in NYC and don’t know of an online source. I am starting a sewing with leather class this weekend but will probably start small with that material…..
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
I’m going to put together some resources for you guys, I have a bit of a list of suppliers for some of these harder to find things.
Tsigeyusv
November 12, 2013 #
WOW! the cooper kits are already sold out. In what? 5 hours!! AMAZING!
Any chance you might make up more??
Rachel
November 12, 2013 #
The fabric kits were limited edition, we will not be making more. We still have hardware kits available.
Meghan
November 12, 2013 #
I’m in love with that pendleton wool backpack! Both are fantastic patterns!!
You hit a home run!
Carolyn
November 12, 2013 #
I would love to know where to buy toggles for the duffle coat online. I am located in Australia – and I haven’t been able to find somewhere locally that sells them in the quality I’d like.
Ana
November 12, 2013 #
These two new patterns are fabulous! I’m already dreaming up fabric…
Shelley
November 12, 2013 #
It’s mentioned that Negroni has been ‘revamped’. Does that mean there are changes from the prior version? If so, can you explain what they are?
Thanks
Shel
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
We’re mainly just referring to the packaging (with the new binding) and graphic design. The only other change is that it now includes an XS size, to match the other patterns.
Rebecca
November 12, 2013 #
I love the patterns! Great job. And the male model is yummy….
Karyn Proudlock
November 12, 2013 #
Oh WOW. This is the most sensational job I’ve seen – I love the branding, I love the little touches, and most of all I love the patterns! Its really hard to find contemporary things to sew for men and I think the duffel coat is just fantastic. My husband had a duffel coat when he was young and he has been lamenting that he can’t find one he likes now. Guess I know what I’ll be making for his birthday!
Tracy
November 12, 2013 #
I love that sample cooper bag in that brown & navy/gray colour. What material is that? Waxed canvas or faux leather? I’d love to hear where I can get ahold of that material for my very own cooper bag!
Also, what material is that last white & brown sample made of? It’s such a classic combination that looks so lovely.
Kristen
November 12, 2013 #
I used a faux leather for the main fabric and tan/white ticking for the contrast fabric.
Claire
November 12, 2013 #
A short anecdote: I had a long day today, starting with a genuinely crappy morning where I missed the bus and had to walk four miles to work through the snow in a less-than-safe neighborhood. I came home exhausted, and remembered the patterns were coming out today–though it seems like a small thing to be excited about, it really made my bad day a lot less bleak. I just wanted to say thank you: thank you for your hard work, for these awesome patterns, and making sewing exciting time and time again. Colette staff, you guys rock!
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
Awwwwww, thanks Claire!
dana
November 12, 2013 #
Oh! I need to make that bag! And that coat!
Will you be refilling the kits that sold out today? I hope so!
well done!
Sarai
November 12, 2013 #
Unfortunately, we bought the entire stock of the fabric our supplier had for those kits! But now that we know how popular they are, we’d like to do more limited edition kits in the future.
Bec
November 12, 2013 #
WOW!!! I love these! So glad you are doing a pack with goods included! It is so hard to find stuff over here in Aus! :)
Lisa
November 12, 2013 #
I LOVE these!!! Wonderful designs! I really want to make that bag.
laura versteeg – onthelaundryline
November 12, 2013 #
Truly fantastic! I haven’t had a chance to sew the Negroni yet, but I bought the pattern a while back and I’m hoping to give it a go for Christmas for my hubby. If he is excited to have a handmade garment, that coat is next on my list!! And this is all so beautifully styled, the promo video is just gorgeous.
maddie
November 12, 2013 #
Awesome job on the new packaging and patterns. I like this new direction!
Becky
November 12, 2013 #
So nicely done! I’m usually weary of the idea of “unisex,” but Albion is a perfect balance! Plus, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to increase the number of patterns you have for men anyway. I haven’t yet sewn anything up for other people, but this inspires me to practice menswear details for myself or for someone special.
And the bag! Love!
Dita
November 12, 2013 #
as I live in a tropical country, the coat will not be on my sewing list :( But I really love the Cooper bag. Will definitely make one soon :)
Jenny
November 12, 2013 #
Love the new patterns!! So beautiful. Can I also say that the hunkasaurus modeling the men’s versions is doing an EXCELLENT job :D
Kat
November 12, 2013 #
Excellent and beautiful! Well done. Does that fine specimen of man come with the kit too? :)
Carolyn
November 13, 2013 #
Good question – I didn’t see him listed in the shop… :)
Jeni
November 12, 2013 #
Can’t wait to see the fabric resources for the Cooper, I love all three styles of the bag but would have no idea where to begin finding fabric for it. My dad’s been wanting a satchel just like that, actually… Might just have to grab some of the hardware kits while they’re still available.
Isis St Pierre
November 13, 2013 #
Seriously guys, you’re just showing off now!!!!
But really I’m flabbergasted at your new releases, and I congratulate you on your hard work.
I will be making every one of these three new patterns.
Oh and love the new lay-flat patterns. nice one!
x
MHB
November 13, 2013 #
Oh my gosh!!! I’ve been wanting to make a duffle coat forever. I even bought an old 80s pattern that was horribly huge with inexplicably short sleeves. This is exactly the pattern I’ve been dreaming about! And just in time for Christmas gifts.. Can’t wait to see the resource list, because I can’t seem to find affordable waxed canvas (especially that ships to France). This is my first Colette pattern, and I’m so excited to see the direction that Walden is going in!
Beth
November 13, 2013 #
This is awesome- love both patterns. Love the kits. Love the updated lay-flat instructions. All of it is officially on my WANT LIST!
Carolyn
November 13, 2013 #
I’m really blown away by the mountain of great work that you all have been up to behind the scenes. It’s amazing that you only have 5 people on staff! Congrats on this big release. It’s great to see a small business doing so well and a staff so dedicated to its customers. Very inspirational, well done! :)
Vairë Gwîr
November 13, 2013 #
I am blown away. I tend to like how your stuff looks on others, as it is as a general rule “too girly” for me. I really enjoyed sewing my Juniper, and every time you released a new pattern I kept my fingers crossed to see something that may fit my lifestyle better than a dress or a cute shirt. And here it is. I understand that you are taking a risk by departing from what defines your brand, which is feminine garments with a vintage flavour. Thus, I want to thank you for having taken that risk with this new pattern line. An instant favourite!
Sarah
November 13, 2013 #
Another triumph for Team Colette! Your hints really had me stumped! I love both patterns and would have definitely snagged Albion in navy for myself, if I had the chance – LOL! Congratulations!
Jessica
November 13, 2013 #
Gorgeous designs! However, my husband is very plain in what he is willing to wear T-Shirt/Jeans mostly and doesn’t really ask me to make anything for him even when I offer. It is just not his style. And for me Unisex or menswear for women really isn’t my style either, though I do think it works well for others.
How will you handle both lines in the future? Will you be releasing for them both at the same time, alternating, etc. Will this reduce the number of times you release for standard women’s wear?
Sarai
November 13, 2013 #
We plan to keep Walden pretty small. We haven’t finished planning 2014 yet, but it shouldn’t effect the number of Colette patterns we release next year.
Donna
November 13, 2013 #
I wonder if those clips on the satchel could be adjusted so they hook around the telescoping handle of a suitcase? It would be a great “personal item” carry-on bag, especially if it can be made to integrate with carry-on luggage.
Sarai
November 13, 2013 #
What a great idea! I think you could make that work.
Amy Peck
November 13, 2013 #
I love the Negroni shirt (and the new jacket and bag!!!), and was wondering if you had tips for making it a little more fitted/feminine? You may have posted this already but with so many comments I wanted to ask!
Sarai
November 13, 2013 #
The Albion companion will include some tips, like adjusting the shoulders or adding a drawstring at the waist.
We don’t have anything like that for Negroni yet, but I’d really like to put together some tutorials like that
Liz
November 13, 2013 #
I like Cooper’s uncomplicated, classic lines. Does the companion contain any customization for laptop holding, like a laptop pocket, padding, or securement?
Sarai
November 13, 2013 #
It mentions it as an idea, but there aren’t specific instructions. However, it would be very easy to enlarge the interior pocket pieces to make a large pocket that’s big enough for a laptop.
Rosemary
November 13, 2013 #
I have never been tempted to buy any Colette patterns before, but these look so lovely. Ill add them to my Christmas list.
Sarah
November 14, 2013 #
LOVE LOVE LOVE the new patterns! Sadly, being in Australia and one day late I have missed the Cooper kit. Glad to hear you will still have the hardware kits, that is really helpful. Can’t wait to make the cooper and I am going to make Albion for the husband.
PS. Had to check out Pansy Maiden – she is fabulous!
Michelle
November 14, 2013 #
I’m over the moon to see you’re designing more menswear patterns! I have an incredibly difficult time finding nice looking patterns to sew for my husband. I just sent him a link to check out the Albion coat to gauge his interest. :-D
Marike
November 14, 2013 #
For the first time, I’m REALLY impressed with what you guys (girls :-) have come up with ! I love the new patterns and the whole idea of a versatile, unisex menswear-based line. Kudos!
MTangel
November 15, 2013 #
Oh, I love the Pacific Northwest – so beautiful! Also, your models are gorgeous! These aren’t even my style and I’m still tempted.
Melanie
November 16, 2013 #
These are exquisite patterns. The details are beautifully done! I am right now trying to convince my husband that he should let me make him a duffle coat. Who wouldn’t want a classic piece like that? What would be really helpful is to know where you source fabrics. You see, to be very lucky in Portland, but I suspect that most of home sewers are working with limited access to fabric. I live in the 5 th largest city in the US and even here I have limited fabric supplies. Fabric Row lives in a different century and these days is mostly about upholstery or pagentry. While I like to source my fabric locally, I mostly end up ordering online. It would be great to have some Colette recommendations on where to buy fabrics online.