A “1938” Coat – HSF #2 (UFO)
Here’s my first entry for the Historical Sew Fortnightly! It’s a couple days late and there’s no fancy photoshoot because I’ve got a cold right now. Looking at the challenges, I think I’m going participate in about half of them and turn it into an Historical Sew Monthly – that pace will work better for me and the projects I want to complete.
Nearly 2 years ago I bought a vintage coat with a ripped and shattering lining. I HATE repairs and alterations, so it’s a sign of how much I love this coat that I was willing to work on it – except that I stopped right before it was done! The project stalled out in Fall 2011, with basically only the buttons and hems to go.
Originally I estimated this coat to be from 1939/40 and I was going to fudge it into this challenge (supposed to be 1938 or earlier), but then I came across this page of overcoats from the Sears 1938 catalog – the navy one has the same details as mine (wide lapels, princess seams, sleeve cap darts), so I definitely think my coat could be from 1938!
The old lining was shredding, so I carefully removed it and traced it off to make a new pattern. I referenced Easy Guide to Sewing Linings for this bit, and even though the process is fairly self-explanatory, the book had some good tips that made the project easier. I also handmade new shoulder pads and had it cleaned and pressed before inserting the new lining.
The Challenge: #2 UFO (UnFinished Object)
Fabric: Burgundy Rayon Satin for the replacement lining
Pattern: Traced off the original coat lining
Year: 1938-ish 😉
Notions: Handmade shoulder pads, replacement buttons, hem tape, thread
How Historically Accurate: Nearly 100%! It helps that I could use a machine and had the original to copy. The only thing that would have been more accurate would be rayon hem tape instead of polyester.
Hours to Complete: Maybe 60 total, about 8 hours for this challenge. I’m super slow!
First Planned Wearing: Saturday February 26, 2013 to the Great LA Air Raid
Total Cost: About $30, not including the purchase of the coat
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Nice! Great job. And I can't believe it was two years ago you got it! How did that happen?
Lovely! And I adore the coat with the plaid lining in the ad you posted — wish I had time to re-create it!
What a beautiful coat! I love the colour of the lining.
Wow, I'm so impressed! As someone who has only just lined her first couple of things (both skirts–so very simple in comparison), I'm so impressed that not only did you line this but deconstructed the original lining to do it. Amazing!