1/20/11

The Hudson Bay coat

This is the first coat photoshot. I don't know who first called it the Hudson Bay coat but the name has stuck. Here's my review.

For me, the coat is kind of short. I wish it was about 3 inches longer so it would cover my "sit upon it" in the car. But, hey ho. the stripes match across the front. Unfortunately, I couldn't work it out for the sleeve stripes to match the rest, but oh well.





Fits good across the shoulders. Plenty of room for a fleece and a flannel and a shirt and an undershirt and whatever else I want to squeeze in under there.



Good in the shoulder. Smooth and round. I was actually talking to Rob, not being frightened by him when he took this pic.




And, it hangs well in the back, not baggy, but plenty of room. Folds in the right places.



The buttonholes are on for this weekend. Because they're already cut, I'm going to do them on the machine as satin stitching along the edges of the holes and then tacks across the top and bottom. Wish me luck. Fortunately, there is interfacing on both the collar and the collar facing and lining between them and that gives me lots of stability. And, the softest, yet sturdiest collar. I love it best. I can duck my head down in it to cover my ears and keep my scarf in tight.


That's my coat. Have a great day.


Post Script: I wrote this last night and this morning, I put in the buttonholes and buttons. I guess I woke with some extra confidence and just dove in. They came out good, although I found that the front and back holes were not in the same place on the finished collar and collar facing and I had to sew them closed on the facing. But, it's not too noticable of a patch and is on the inside of the coat. Of course, like everyone that creates, I am my worst critic. My biggest complaint about the coat would be that it is very bulky under the arms; a frequent complaint I have about coats. I made three terrycloth bathrobes out of the same pattern a long time ago and they were all bulky under the arms as well, so I guess it was something in the nature of the pattern and the fabrics I used.

I got lots of stares this morning, but I don't know whether they were thinking "nice coat" or "that man is wearing an old blanket."

Take care. Lane










21 comments:

Hazel said...

I bet they were thinking "nice coat "I know the length is a personal thing but I like the length .Nothing worse then trying to get in and out of a car with a longer coat .Congratulations Lane I think the coat is awesome .

Impera Magna said...

Love your Hudson Bay coat... and you wouldn't want the sleeve stripes to match with the stripes on the body of the coat... would be too "broadening"...

Congratulations on completing the buttonholes this morning... I'm sure you're pleased with the results!

Auntie Em said...

Congratulations, Lane! You should be really proud of yourself, not only for a finished coat that is just superb, but for the perseverance you showed in seeing it through until the end.
Hope you have a lot of fun wearing it.

Becky said...

I sure like it and it looks great on you! It's very unique....hence the looks, I don't see a thing that would elicit a "weird coat" look! Just beautiful!
I know I would be looking in the "that is nice, wonder how it is made"....attitude.

greg @ grey dogwood studio said...

It looks great! It makes me want to chop up my vintage blanket, too. People are gonna look at anything that isn't boring (think puffy, black down coats). The Hudson's Bay coat is a timeless design that you'll be able to wear for years.

lw said...

My first thought was, "What a good looking man" then "hey, the coat turned out great." I like the length on you (but then I prefer men to wear coats that don't cover one of their best assets.)

Duluth Trading Company sells coats with gussets under the arm to reduce bulk. You could buy one of theirs on sale, and then take it apart for a pattern.

Tammy said...

When I saw the photos I was thinking fantastic coat Lane. I'll bet it is warm. The fit is very good. Now you have a really unique recycled wool coat. Bravo well done.

Liz said...

Lane, Bravo on a job well done. You look great in your coat. I found your blog through Peter's MPB. As a northern neighbour from freezing Canada, I wanted to pass on some history of the HBC coat. Here's the link: http://www2.hbc.com/hbcheritage/history/blanket/history/

I wish I had an HBC coat, it would come in handy with today's -16 degree celcius (not sure what that is in your temperature!).

Coloradolady said...

Oh, this looks wonderful! I bet peeps were wondering where you got such a great coat! You should be so proud of yourself on a job well done!! Loved all the pictures as well!! Very nice looking young man you are Lane!!! My favorite is the first picture!!

Patricia said...

Good job! I agree, I don't think it is too short, but then I am not feeling the "draft". It doesn't matter about the sleeves---ever look at some of the "store bought" striped shirts/coats!

Pauline said...

Beautiful job. You now own a treasured heirloom!
I like the lenght, if it gets too cold for your keister down, wear some longies. Lands End still sell silk thermals, not bulky and very warm and comfortable. BTW: If you get into making shirts and you like western, look for "Authentic" brand patterns. They go together nicely, easy to fit, look professional. I made 22 one summer with my right arm in a cast. Fell off my horse and broke the wrist in 5 places. Even thoght sewing was awkward, it was almost the only thing I could do that summer, so somebody got 22 of them.
Love your work!

Piece by Piece said...

Good job Lane, the length is just right. It looks nice and warm
Patricia

Irene Onderweegs said...

Where the hell did you get that marvelous coat! Wanna have that too! This centainly is going on in spactators minds :^} You're a necktwister, that good!
Congrats, Irene from Amsterdam

Anonymous said...

Great coat! I think the name Hudson Bay comes from the mfg of the striped blankets. The more stripes the heavier the blanket - at least that's what my relatives in Canada told me! your coat (jacket) looks great. You are going to get LOTS of compliments on it, too. Great job!

Elizabeth said...

Your workmanship is beautiful. That is a very nice coat with a really fun name. Glad it turned out and you enjoy wearing it so much.

xo -El

Anonymous said...

It sure looks like an HBC point blanket coat to me :) I have been longing to make a real one but can't really afford the astoundingly expensive blankets at this time. Looks warm and cozy!

Quiltluver said...

Congratulations! Good job on the coat. I've never been able to get clothing I made to fit properly, so I know what an accomplishment that is. (thus, I quilt)

Anonymous said...

I think it looks great, Lane. Don't know if it's your first attempt at a coat or jacket but it doesn't look like it's your first attempt.

F.Y.I. the sleeves, the dropped raglan style sleeve is always a little bulky under the arms but it's a much more comfortable fit because it doesn't bind under the arm either and gives lots of room for a sweater underneath. Love the fabric, you didn't say what it was but looks like nice wool coating.

Gail :)

Anonymous said...

Very handsome!

~ PattiLynn

Vesuviusmama said...

Surely they were thinking "nice coat" and wondering where they could get one! Great job!

Nancy said...

I think your coat is great! Did you felt the wool first? The coment about a gusset is a good idea. I was just reading one of the sewing magsazines - Threads probably - and there was a good artoicle on gussets.