Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Finishing the 1960s Jacket


No matter how "simple" the project, there are always a bunch of finishing steps that need to be done.  This is probably one of the reasons why I always underestimate how much time a project will actually take.


Once again, this vintage pattern goes above and beyond most or perhaps any contemporary pattern I have come across.  They suggest reinforcing the sleeve with interfacing.  So, I did.  I have a roll of this bias tailoring canvas stuff that I thought would be perfect for the task.


After some pinning and catch-stitching, and everything was ready to go.


I had some old shoulder pads (actually removed from my eighth grade graduation dress - mid-90s Gunne Sax, anyone?) that were perfect for the job.  They look much better in a jacket than a dress, I must say!


Seam binding was applied to the bottom edge of the jacket as if it were seam tape.  A lining will cover it, but because the upholstery fabric likes to shred at the cut edges, this seemed like a good solution.


And then, of course, I needed a lining.  This rayon satin is much heavier than bemberg and I wish I had purchased a bunch more when it was available at fabric.com some ten years ago.  The problem with ordering online is that by the time I figure out what a treasure any particular item is, it is most likely sold out.


I am hoarding it in a couple of pastel colors, but this jacket deserved most of the ivory yardage that I have left!


The lining was then stitched to the shell by hand.


It's a process that I love!


And the sleeves also needed the same treatment.


Did I mention how much I love hand sewing?!


The final touch, of course, was to add a personalized label to the front facing.


And that means this project is complete!


7 comments:

  1. You are mid-century magician!

    This coat is most certainly stash-worthy of a lining. Will we see you model it in one of those diners with a post and hook between every booth? Or maybe you'll find a corner storefront with a curved glass window, and with the afternoon edition under one elbow, you'll be holding a compact and giving your powder a touch up? Then again, being an ambitious career woman, you may head into the big city and pose near the only vintage office tower without a Starbucks dominating the retail space?

    Do get out and about, and do as you do (it's really the only kindling I can find to build a good rant up - and let's face it, you are more than overdue for the overheard).

    Kind and gentle,

    A loyal reader

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  2. There is nothing quite like a 1960s’ coat design, and you have served it well with this exquisite creation. Just lovely! Wear it well and often...

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  3. Your garments have so much joy and precision sewn in to them; it's absolute marvel to see! Your hand sewing inspires me!

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  4. So beautiful!! I love, love, love hand sewing, too!

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