The Reversible
Jacket I’ll Never Sell
An Ikea throw blanket upcycled
into a reversible coat that
made me feel like a Met Gala
Renaissance Queen
Before This, I Kept That Ikea Throw Blanket in My Closet for 5 Years
You know those things you buy with a very specific vision in mind, and then life gets in the way? That was this metallic pink-and-gold floral throw blanket from Ikea. I bought it five years ago thinking it would make a stunning backdrop or prop for a future photoshoot. Spoiler: it didn’t.
It sat in my closet through a couple of moves, collecting ideas and dust. But in January 2025, something shifted. I didn’t want it to be a backdrop. I wanted it to be the thing. And the moment I laid eyes on Mood Fabrics’ Delphine Coat pattern, I knew exactly what this blanket was meant to become.
Making it Reversible (Without Losing My Mind)
The blanket already had two sides with completely different patterns — one a metallic gold, with blue and red accents in a fishnet motif, the other a decadent floral design in deep reds, purples, and blues. That meant no need for a lining. Easy, right? Ha.
I challenged myself to make it reversible – not a part of the pattern – and attempted flat felled seams for the first time. That was a bold move considering I don’t own one of those fancy free-arm sewing machines made for maneuvering sleeves. The arms were the trickiest, so I ended up using French seams there, which poke out when reversed — but honestly, I love that about it. It adds a bit of jester energy, a little character, and somehow makes it feel even more luxurious.
I kept the blanket’s original frilled edges and turned them into cuffs and a jacket hem. I added top pockets to both sides — one set machine-sewn, the other hand-stitched so the thread wouldn’t show through. I thought that would be the most tedious part, but it turned out to be weirdly soothing especially while watching a show.
Bonus: I made a matching headband too, because obviously.
This Jacket Made Me Believe in My Sewing Skills
When I first slipped this jacket on, I felt like a celebrity in a signature piece made for a Met Gala Renaissance theme. It’s a whole hell yes moment every time I wear it.
I’ve worn it to a tourism summit in Vancouver (where strangers in the ladies’ room told me I could sell it for stupid amounts of money — and honestly, they’re not wrong). It’s made appearances at our local Houston Chamber Awards Gala, at Valhallafest, and on more ordinary days where I just needed to feel extra.
More importantly, this was the project that made me realize how far I’d come. It was my first time making a reversible garment and tackling flat felled seams. It gave me the confidence to experiment with other upcycled pieces, and it reminded me why making things with your hands matters.
I’ve already got another throw blanket waiting in the wings for its coat moment. Stay tuned.
