Hi Everyone
I just wanted to share my first finished project - my ladies over coat with vintage buttons. The fabric I used was not easy to press - I tried jetted flap pockets first but they looked awful owing to not being able get a nice crease in the fabric- so opted for patch pockets. I used velvet for my top collar (not easy and has a bit of teeth(? Is that the correct term?)
I started this mid December (using Rory's womens coat draft as the basis) and literally just finished. I wimped out of hand button holes as I didn't want this coat to be an experiment for that skill - but that will be next on project 2.
I have a face to face tailoring tutor in London (only up to canvassing in the process) so finished the rest of my overcoat using Rorys videos (yes they literally mirror what I am learning f2f - just a few style differences).
I personally learn better seeing one attempt through to completion - then learning, refining and focusing on my weak areas. Project 2 is now whizzing by much quicker.
one thing I identified as a query for the forum was my sleeve linings feel tight at the top of arm/shpulder ( I wondered if I should cut these more generously on an overcoat?) Or if a good iron of the sleeve head and lining may get it some extra give i.e. try to stretch/mamipulate a little in this area- the sleeves dip on slightly at the shoulder if you can see from the photos?
Good for you, Cara. That's a fantastic first effort.
Teeth at the collar can be an issue, particularly with velvet or any cotton, really.
A pro tip would be to cut the velvet top-collar on the bias. This allows more give when stretching.
You should be really proud of yourself.