Fashion Sewing Group 1963 coat. Version 4

I have made this coat several times in a number of different fabrics. The shorter version was done in pleather and was very chique. The pleather recently started do disintegrate. I did a long version for Vancouver in a water resistant plaid that is almost a Burberry plaid. That one is long with velveteen collar and cuffs. I call it my Fauxberry.

   For Chicago weather I made a gorgeous camel wool, over 15 years ago. I relined it last winter but it is looking a little tired. My son and I have a trip to Toronto planned for February. Perfect excuse to sew something fabulous! 

   Fortunately I have, in my stash, 3.5 yards of wool houndstooth that has been waiting for me to be inspired! 

Deciding which side is the right side is tough. As long as I decide and have that correct on all the pieces no one will argue. 

Step 1 is to do all the ironing piled up on the ironing board. 

Step 2 is to steam the fabric. 

    Some people send it to the dry cleaner. Others put it in the dryer with a damp towel on fluff or cool. My preference is to steam it with my iron. It is an opportunity to examine to whole piece, particularly as it has been stored for some time. I use the extra steam button on my iron and move the iron one iron width at a time, overlapping a little each time. The iron should not be pushed across the fabric. Rather it should be lifted up and placed in the new spot. This prevents the iron pushing the wool out of shape. My fabric is fairly loosely woven and could easily be stretched. That would make matching the pattern more difficult. 

   I leave it out to dry completely. This is a  process and is cheaper than dry cleaning and gentler, I think, than a ride in the dryer.