trench coat
"[REDACTED] within this context also demands the many different forms remain continually transient, without a singular location (see section 3.2.2. on transience)."
The pattern begins by making all the little extras attached to different areas of the coat, so I had a fun pile of completed elements of a coat, such as the pocket welts, collar, belt, and sleeves.
I purchased a plaid wool lining that was similar too, but still clearly not, the signature brand trench coat plaid. Here I was proud of how the lines of the plaid were matched after sewing two back lining pieces together.
I continued with the fine handiwork, including embroidery of the secret sleeve messages. I did use an embroidery hoop so the lettering would not wrinkle or buckle lining fabrics (to ensure the sleeve still fit well), and yet I could sew taut enough stitches that my hands or other fabric would not get caught while pulling the sleeves over my arms.
I also spent some time creating the secret pockets, which were fit specifically to objects I planned to carry with me in the coat. This little window pocket, about 2x2” was made with a clear acetate window to hold a hollow coin that itself holds a few miniature watercolor paintings inside.
Seeing the garment come together as a recognizable item is always the most exciting part of these projects. Here, I had just sewed the entire body together, including the rain guard at the shoulders and extra kick lining with a button flap closure. I also frequently tried the coat on throughout the process to make sure it still fit well.
I began to layout where to place the pockets, which was something of a puzzle. I wanted to balance overall future weight (so I wouldn’t carry all heavy items on one side only), and size, but still wanted to align the lines of the plaid pattern, as before. I also just had a lot of pockets to sew, and had to find space for them in the lining.
The following shows the progress from the time just after sewing the sleeves and collar to finishing the coat. I often took photos holding the collar together at the neck because for the longest time I had not acquired the hook and eye need for a closure at the neck. I was able to belt the coat closed without buttons though.
I kept my blonde wig handy in the studio, in case I had to take bathroom mirror selfies like this one. And with the final closures sewn, the coat was done!!
Once the pockets were sewn, I did preliminary tests in the studio, even before sewing the sleeves on. The pockets worked brilliantly!
