I've sewn in the sleeves. So I'm almost at the finish line – but I thought I'd just get some final input before I do anything which I don't want to reverse!
As you can see, I *was* going to lengthen the back hem, but I'm not sure. Depending on how upright I'm standing at any particular moment, it seems slightly too short or about right. Should I err on the side of "too long or about right", and lengthen?
The other thing is that the sleeve heads seem to be coming out too far, so I get an indent. Can correct this? Do I just need to press it in a particular way, or take out some wadding, or is it a problem with the sleeve itself?
Thanks!
I see there is a place in Soho called DM Buttonholes. Don't suppose you've heard anything about it? (Perhaps during your Savile Row days?) I mean I guess there's only so far you could go wrong with a machine... I hope...!
If there is a tailor in the area with a button hole machine. You might want to sew it with machine and then top stitch it afterwards
Thanks Rory. I think it's probably a case of sleeve too narrow, as I had to widen the armhole quite a lot to get it to hang properly. I think it has got worse after putting in the wadding though... I guess more 'stuff' to get over!
I think I'll revert to the side vents for coat 3. I thought I liked the more casual look and it might deal better with my prominent seat. But actually I think I prefer the side vent style!
Very much dreading the buttonholes for this fabric – it frays a lot. No doubt you will hear from me again soon!
Back vents are tricky. They can open if the back balance is too long or too short. Sleeves can crease across the crown if the sleeve is too narrow or the cap is too high. Sleeve length is personal taste. Like mine to finish at the wrist bone; with about 3/8” of shirt cuff showing.
That’s a really decent effort and you should be very proud of yourself. There are a few small issues but my suggestion would be to finish it and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Savile Row tailors do say it takes three coats to get the prefect fit.
Pic 2 and 3: Too short. Pic 4 - too, but not as much. My opinion... as always!