1930s Purple Wool Jacket

During the summer I thrifted a piece of gray faux fur that I really liked - I'm picky about faux fur, but this one felt quite realistic instead of like plastic fuzz, and was a low, textured pile in a tonal color - both of which I loved. It's probably quite expensive to buy by the yard, but I only paid a few dollars for a pretty large piece. I knew I would have to use it for some contrast in winter outerwear, so here is the first project that features it. 

 

The jacket was actually a 1940s pattern, but by the time I was finished with it, it looks more 1930s to me - though I will use it for both eras, I'm sure. 

I used 2 small pieces of vintage wool I'd thrifted some time ago, which used together was just the right size for making a jacket, so it was a nice stash busting project. I really like the weave and color of the fabric, but it is pretty heavy, so it makes the jacket feel and look a little bulkier than I prefer. At least with outerwear, such things don't matter as much.

 

This was my very first time to work with faux fur. It sure makes a mess when you cut it! But it wasn't actually that hard to work with, which was a pleasant surprise. I cut the yoke pieces out of the fur, and did self drafted decorative sleeve caps.

 

I'd intended to just do a band of fur across the top of the sleeve to line up with the yoke, but at some point in the process, I decided that the sleeves needed more than just sleeve caps across the top, so I added dramatic points, and really love how 1930s they look. 

 

To do the sleeves, I first cut the entire sleeve pieces out of wool, then stitched a piece of fur directly to the sleeve, right sides together. Once I flipped the fur up towards the sleeve head, I could trim it down to match the sleeve head easily. Because of the deep pile, faux fur hides a lot of seam mistakes and is easier to fudge a little when matching lines. The sleeve caps are actually 2 pieces, yet you can't really see the seam at all, even under close inspection. 

 

I recently got these gorgeous vintage coat buttons of the perfect shade of gray at a steal, but there were just 3 of them. I had nothing else that would work so well. But I also didn't want to do giant buttonholes in that raveley wool, (and have been too lazy to get around to learning bound buttonholes...) so I ended up sewing the buttons on just for decoration. The jacket actually shuts with hooks and eyes, and snaps.

 

Again, my stash dictated my closure as well, which ended up being more creative than originally intended. I planned on using big snaps like you see on coats, but didn't have any. Instead of spending more money and ordering some (and having to wait to finish the project until they arrived) I used what I did have on hand. I only had 2 large hooks and eyes, so those I put at the most stressed places - at the bust and at the waist. Between those, I used smaller snaps, with a small hook and eye in the fur to keep the neckline in place.

 

There is no way the smaller snaps would hold the jacket shut on their own, but the hooks and eyes take most of the strain, and the snaps do their job of keeping the edges in place quite nicely. 

 

I did not line it, but I did interline the sleeves with some satin, so I would not have the itchy wool next to my bare arms and could slip sleeves in more easily, since this is to be worn over dresses and not as a suit jacket. It's still quite warm, even without lining, and I like light coats for long car rides (of which there are plenty, when you live out in the back country like I do).

 

The short length makes it not exactly ideal for skirts and blouses, but it will work well to wear over dresses, which is what I had intended it for. It didn't quite turn out as I had envisioned, but I'm reasonably happy with it - and quite happy with the fur part, which is all my own addition to the original pattern. Not every project is a resounding success, and that's ok.

 

The beret I cobbled together at the last minute so I could coordinate with the jacket. Again, the faux fur hides a lot of mistakes; but I have a good idea of how to better it another time. 

 

I wanted to get pictures of it in the snow, but after our Thanksgiving snowfall we haven't seen much snow so far, so these photos will have to do. 

 

And I have to put in a good word for my new Aspen boots from Royal Vintage Shoes. I didn't think I would wear their boots, though they certainly were cute, but when they came out with a brown and white combo it was too cute for me to resist, so I pre-ordered them this fall to try. I knew from my first wearing that I would definitely not be returning them, and they would be an absolute favorite for winter.

 

They are warm, stylish yet comfortable for long periods of time on your feet, and while they are definitely more weather/snow protection than regular shoes, they are lightweight enough you could even dance in them if you so desire! Absolutely ideal for shopping trips in messy weather, or even church if it's snowy. I am definitely sold.

 

I really have transitioned to winter sewing now, after working with cottons much of the time recently. Wool and fur are about as wintry as you can get, and I have some plans for some of the other cool-weather fabrics in my stash, though I will still sprinkle in some cotton here and there. Speaking of which, I must get back to working on my Christmas dress...because Christmas is next week already! 

Comments

[Julie]

Love it! The hat looks great as is. Doesn't look like there are any mistakes.

[Dee]

Finally, we get to see the project with the faux fur!! Wow, this looks great and the hat too. On the side, the points look like teardrops. This gives us a great idea how to use small pieces of faux fur. I don't think the color purple shows up well here so, it must look so much better in person.

Merry Christmas to you & your family!
Dee