Vintage Faux Shearling Coat

Pimpin
I recently completed my take on Simplicity 8709, a vintage faux-shearling coat from a pattern I found on Etsy. I used a fantastic faux fur from Fabric Outlet in SF.   A note about your fabric - I looked around for a while and ordered swatches before finding this in store. I almost bought some while at Joann's, but it was shedding all over me in the time I walked from the rack to the cutting table! What I bought will shed a bit, when you're sewing and handling it a lot, but it doesn't with just walking around in it. It was pricey ($40 a yard, 2.5 yards, but it was 30% off), but everywhere else its usually at least $20 a yard, and its not as nice. This was also heavier - it would really keep you warm, and a lot of other stuff I looked at was very thin. So shop around, get swatches and hold them, shake 'em and see if they shed.
 
In progress.

 You have to cut this on a single layer, so they actually give you 2 of everything - a L/R sleeve, front, yoke, etc, so you can lay it all out (which was good because i JUST barely fit it on 2 1/2 yards)  A modern pattern would never be so thoughtful! It actually comes together pretty quickly, because there's pressing or seam finishing (I did press them with a little hammering).T
There are some tricky elements. If you've sewn leather you know to use paper clips or some substitute for pins - for this I used binder clips except most of it is NOT sewn right sides together, its just overlapped and topstitched. So I basically clipped each end and then went slowly and used my fingers to try and keep the seams even, because you can't clip it along the way. There's also no messing up and ripping - I don't think the fabric could take it. So you have to just go for it! Luckily it is a coat without tailoring, so there is some room for small imperfections.
Too warm for CA 'winter'! But looks good. Maybe not with sandals...
(Photos were taken before I added the buttons, but you get the idea).


It's badass.  Can't wait for us to have winter and its cold enough to wear it.  Way cooler than all the North Face puffy coats and vests we see at the train station every morning!


Popular posts from this blog

A Carhartt-inspired jacket : (modified) McCalls 7638

Image
We recently received a catalog in the mail that contained a selection of Carhartt jackets, among other items.  Tim liked the look of this one: a sort of classic, basic mens' work jacket: So of course he asked if I could make him one!  He has a couple of handmade coats (a faux shearling from a few years ago and a Goldstream peacoat I made in early 2018) but wanted something a little more casual for everyday - but also warm enough for Syracuse winters. I found my fabrics first: Carhartt Expedition canvas from The Rain Shed with a faux shearling lining (from my stash, originally from Mood Fabrics.) For extra warmth, I tried something new: interlining the shearling with Thinsulate! I ordered a swatch set from the Rain Shed and chose CS100. The website information claims that "the Polyolefin microfibers trap body head and keep you warm even in damp conditions because its fibers absorb less than 1% of their weight in water." OK then! I couldn't really find a
Read more

Carhartt Canvas

Image
A version of this post originally appeared on the Cali & Co blog   I was beyond excited when I saw that Ron had listed Carhartt canvas in some 20 (20!!) colors on the Cali Fabrics site.  If you aren’t familiar with the brand, Carhartt is known for high-quality, premium-yet-affordable workwear in sturdy fabrics like denim and duck (aka, canvas). You may have seen their recent feature in Threads magazine, with a tutorial for the Detroit cuff. I knew this would be fantastic quality canvas and Cali Fabrics has it at a great price and it’s 69” wide! So, the fabric: the description online is very accurate. It is a 12 oz. heavyweight but it has a softer hand than you would expect – it isn’t stiff.  I washed it in cold water and tumble dried on low – this fabric really responds to a hot steamy iron especially when it is just a bit damp.  I recommend serging or pinking the edges pre-wash because it will fray a bit. The color didn’t fade or bleed at all and was very satur
Read more

Boss Blazer - Pagoda Shoulder Jasika!

Image
Looks like it’s time for what has become my annual blog post! I thought I’d share some details of my pagoda shoulder blazer.  A little history? Pierre Cardin is the inventor of the pagoda shoulder. The name refers to the cornices of Chinese towers. Cardin created new shoulder silhouette that dipped from the collar along the shoulder line, before rising again several inches from the edge. They became popular in styles for both men and women. Pierre Cardin himself was known for wearing the bold shoulders throughout the 1980s.   Pagoda shoulders later became a signature for Alexander McQueen, particularly in his menswear, but they were more subtle than the Cardin style.   Today the pagoda shoulder may be most commonly associated with Balmain, who often uses a highly exaggerated and sculptural version of the design.   Which brings us to my jacket – the fabric is Balmain deadstock from Selvedge and Bolts, so I thought I would do something with some Balmain flair. I started with the Jasika
Read more