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Dec 23, 2013

Tweed Coat Selfies + New Hat!



Readers, is it still called a selfie if you balance your camera on a flat surface and switch it to auto mode, or do you have to be holding it in your hand and standing in front of a bathroom mirror?



I took some shots of my coat during today's afternoon dog walk, and you can also see my new hat, just purchased from J.J. Hat Center, where one could easily burn through a couple of grand if one wanted to.  My brown melton wool cap was only $35, which seemed like a lot until I priced some of their other hats (like a $350 Borsalino fedora).

It's a belated Coatmas present to myself.



Thankfully, the dogs match my outfit.



And here's a photo of my coat turned inside out, for those who enjoy such intimacies.  One of the really nice things about this tweed is that while it's not lightweight, it breathes (as does the rayon lining), so it wasn't uncomfortable on a warmish day like today.  It also holds up just fine in a drizzle.



In other news, I wish I could say I'm in the holiday mood but I'm not.  With Coatmas behind me, all I really want to do is sleep.

Michael and I don't really exchange presents but I was thinking of making him a coat beginning (and hopefully ending) in January.  Am I crazy to take that on?  Once one catches the tailoring bug, it's hard to shake!  (I did end up purchasing a used copy of "Vintage Couture Tailoring" and look forward to reading it.)  Would you sew a coat for a loved one?

OK, it's 5:10 pm and pitch black outside -- very depressing. 

Have a great day, everybody!

40 comments:

  1. Your tailoring projects are utterly inspiring, so expect to be egged on. Doing another tailoring project will reinforce the lessons you've learned and build your repertoire of techniques. I'll be interested in your opinions of Vintage Couture Tailoring.

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  2. I am totally with Paula here: of course you will make a coat for Michael! You know you want to ;-)

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  3. Don't you just love it when garments look as good on the inside as the do on the outside. Great work Peter. Go for it with the coat for Michael while the sewing Mojo is with you.
    G
    xx

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  4. Oh dear Peter, you sound quite down in the dumps! I hope this week brings you (and Michael) some unexpected good cheer. And then yes, more tailoring please - I think you know you want to!

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  5. You did a fantastic job on this coat! Indeed, I would sew a coat for a loved one, what a wonderful gift!

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  6. I cannot believe how dark it is at 5pm these days. Spring, hurry on up!!

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  7. Coat, shmoat. You said before you were making him a cranberry corduroy jacket. Do you think we forgot?

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  8. I would sew a coat for a loved one, if I could sew a coat. I have spent a lot of my time sewing less intensive but more urgent sewing in my life, so I envy you that skill. Lovely coat. Michael should have one too.

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  9. I must tell you my first thought (after admiring your beautiful coat), was "he simply must make each dogma tweed coat to match his!" Now wouldn't that be adorable? :) Merry Christmas to you and I hope one of those unexplained, unexpected beautiful moments comes your way in the next day or so.

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    1. Oh good grief! That should be "make each dog a tweed coat".

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    2. I thought you were sounding dogmatic... ;)

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  10. well, on the other side of the world it is a balmy 33 degrees Celsius, about 60% humidity, and the idea of cooking a turkey in the oven makes me sweaty just thinking about it ... in short not exactly traditionally christmassy, but this season is what you make of it. So Christmas for us is a cold beer, some burgers and a dream for air conditioning :-)

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  11. I actually just finished a coat for my partner, based on a Victorian double-breasted frock coat. I earned many points!

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  12. I love the selfies with doggies. ;) too bad you can't train one of them to take the pictures, that would be too funny.

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  13. PLEASE make a coat for Michael?! It's so blooming interesting following your progress, not to mention inspiring. And MIchael totally deserves a coat too :)

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  14. I sewed a coat for my mom but I didn't like the way it came out. She's only worn it once, so I guess she didn't like it either. I would definitely like to make her a better coat, a tweed coat à la Coco Chanel.

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  15. Peter you look absolutely spiffing in your coat and the hat is a triumph. I'm a knitter but you are so inspiring I may take up the needle in 2014. I hope you and Michael have a happy Christmas.

    Jean x

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  16. Your coat turned out great - so impressive! Yes, make one for Michael! Hope you are able to conjure some holiday cheer, it's over in a blink.

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  17. Making a coat for Michael is an absolute must, but so is finding a balance between giving yourself a break, and not giving up the "itch!"

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  18. I would expect that Michael is very envious of good you look in your coat! What a nice gift. Anyone in my family would say "yes, please!" Of course I would love to see the pics of his coat, too. Yours is heavenly!

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  19. Ally - Design Rewind Fashions on EtsyDecember 24, 2013 at 10:47 AM

    When I was little my grandma used to make me take my sewing apart if the inside didn't look as good as the outside. Oh, how I hated when she would inspect my sewing but now I appreciate her need for perfection.

    Michael would be very lucky to receive one of your coats! Can't wait to see what style you choose if you decide to make one!

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  20. It's always a good idea to match your outfit with your canine companions! I would love to make my man a coat, but I would really love to make the one I want to make for me first!

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  21. I don't think I can afford to buy a coat the quality that you've made yourself and will make for Michael. It's a wonderful gift idea.

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  22. I know telling someone who lives in NYC where to buy some nice fabric is a bit foolish but I can't help myself. Check out marcytilton.com she has some really nice knit fabric perfect for a man on sale. I have bought from marcy and her fabric is of exceptional quality.

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  23. Merry Coatmas to you too, and to all who so celebrate.

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  24. Merry Coatmas to you, Peter! I'm a supreme grinch, although I have a lot to do, so I must buck up. I think you are wise to go ahead and make Michael a coat while the tailoring bug has you, and while you remember everything. You will also learn more if you dive in quickly, I think. The more I see your coat, the more impressed I am. It is just FINE. Love the picture of you and the dogs.

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  25. I'm with you re: these short winter days. Fortunately,
    the Winter Soltice was the 21st, so bit by bit the days will be getting longer again. Your new hat is really charming on you.

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  26. Of course you will make Michael a coat. Your coat is wonderful - the inside looks great, too. You have every reason to be proud of yourself and taking selfies with the dogs, They're enjoying a little time spent with you, I see. Do they sit near your works in process? It was hard for my Golden Retriever to fit in the sewing room, but he managed.

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  27. I am very impressed by your coat ! Well done ! You look good wearing it ! Happy hollidays!

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  28. The coat turned out fantastic! Yes, Michael's is next! Am also thinking maybe this Holiday is really hard for both of you this year...first Christmas without Michael's mom? It does get easier as the years go by.

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  29. If I could sew a coat, I am sure I would make one for a loved one. I might make something new and different this year besides home projects and accessories. I am going to tackle a dress for my daughter. Just bought a non slip foot thingy for my machine to sew silky fabrics. Not sure if it will work though. Haven't sewn any clothes for years. You have inspired me.

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  30. I love your finished coat, it is beautiful ( if you can say that about a man's coat?), it is impeccably made and looks fantastic. Michael will appreciate one too :)

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  31. I've been going to work inthe dark and leaving work in the dark! UGH!!! Where is that lottery and a nice place on the Big Island when you need it???

    I would definitely sew a coat for my husband - in fact I'm planning to. We'll see how that actually turns out in reality. You're so inspiring with your gorgeous coat. You know another one is calling you... ;)

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  32. That coat was fabulous to begin with - add the adorable (matching) chihuahuas and it is just too cha-cha for words!!

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  33. Your coat looks great!
    And yes, I have made a coat for a loved one. Several in fact. I think, especially if you sew a lot (like I do, and you) it's only natural you start making the occasional item for the person you share your life with… After making plenty of stuff for oneself, of course.
    Just don't put too tight a deadline on it, that's one certain way to spoil your fun.

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  34. Great coat - any left over fabric to make matching coats for the doggies?

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