I have taken a small brake from tablet weaving to sew myself a vintage coat. I found this pattern and I fell in love with this design from 1949.

I also have a stash of wool fabric that I bought for some medieval sewing project, that did not happen. I have been wanting to use up some of it and I realised that I had enough of this green quite thick wool fabric (since at least 5 years) and some black velvet (dating 20 years back…). I found some cheap sewing supplies in a second hand shop (the shoulder pads, thread and facing) which meant that the only new stuff I had to buy were the lining material, the pattern and the buttons (I keep searching on second hand for 4 nice buttons).

I am really happy with how it turned out. I only regret not finishing it earlier, since winter is nearly over in Switzerland. Also, I still have to add buttons (and the dreadded button-holes) to finish it off.

The pattern, originally from 1949

Me in my coat. I am already planning for a new spring jacket in 1970’s style.

Regarding learnings from this project, I have to mention a few points:

  • Sew the coat and the lining in parallel, to make sure they are exactly the same size in the neck, shoulder and back seams.
  • Make a first draft in cheap cotton (of the upper body at least). It made me realise I should add a few cm on the lenght of the upper body part and the sleeves.
  • Have the dicipline to stop when you are tired and continue the next day.