Followers, here are pics from the photo shoot, a beautiful fall day on Portland Maine's Eastern Promenade. Thanks to huzbears Brian and Martin for being my photographers. The sewing machine is going to be put away temporarily while I work on insulating the attic here at "this old house". When I return I may work [...]
Category: balmacaan
Putting it all together
I really worked at a fever pitch to wrap this project up. My goal was to wear it to the Met Opera simulcast of Das Rheingold on Oct. 9th. Huzbear Brian was planning on wearing his black opera cape, and although I couldn't compete with THAT, something long and purple would be better than the [...]
Finally, something on a hanger!
I really get a surge of excitement when all the bits and pieces come together and I actually have something that can go on a hanger. The interfaced under collar is attached. The plaid outer collar assembly is complete and will be attached to the lining. I will actually end up making the coat twice [...]
Confessions of a hand baster
Here are some construction detail pics. The layout diagrams for this coat showed something (interfacing?) along the seamlines between the front and backs where they join the raglan sleeves. An expert sewist from Pattern Review advised me that this is a product called Wigan. It's purpose is to reinforce the seam and to help it [...]
God? Devil? in the details
I forget which. I've completed the inside chest pocket. Once again I deferred to Edna Bishop who provided very clear instructions on how to finesse this tricky bit with just 3 pieces. My Japanese version featured 4 pieces that in no way resembled what I ended up using. The area was first reinforced with a [...]
Saying NO to Japanese pockets
Against all your wise advice, I've cut out the coat and started construction. BTW here's a photo of the design. Black flannel... Yawn. Maybe now you can see why a contrasting collar might bring this severe design a little life. One of the photos shows the wool glen plaid fabric that I'll be using for [...]
The agony of grain perfection defeat
Getting this project off the ground has been a challenge. It should have been cut out and half sewn by now. Hmmm. wasn't this supposed to be my Fall coat? The sticking point has been that, try as I might, I can't align the grain of this fabric. Nothing so far has been easy. The [...]
I’m just here to draw your blood
I've finished the muslin for coat #2. It has all the charms of a phlebotomist's lab coat. I hope you're not squeamish at the thought of blood! I was actually able to incorporate the adjustments that I made to the duffle coat "on the fly" so to speak. I added 1/2" to the shoulder width, [...]
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