Methods

All the methods used in this project are congruent with 18th century techniques.

Materials

All the materials used are natural fibre that would have been available in the 18th century. Although, modern machines have produced these fabrics, and modern agricultural methods would have grown the fibres, or raised the animals. 

Tools

This project was sewn by hand with needle and thread. Other tools are; hand forged metal scissors, wood seam rubber, and metal pins.

Double Breasted Waistcoat

This whole project was inspired by costumes from the series 'Black Sails'. The double breasted waistcoat is similar to European double breasted military uniforms. I patterned it very similar to my dark blue Midshipman's short coat (similar to this coat). 

 

 

The outer shell fabric is 10 ounce cotton duck, unbleached. I source all my fabric from Gala Fabrics. The lining fabric is linen. The wrongs sides are together, then the edges are whip stitched, interior seams are flat felled. And I back stitch most everything, unless the part of the garment needs room to move, then a running stitch is acceptable. 

After the waistcoat was complete I boiled a big pot of black tea.

 

 

I left the waiscoat in the tea bath for a few days. Then I set it to dry outside.

 

 

While this dried I started on the red frock coat. Using the pattern is the wonderful book 'Costume Close-Up' I cut out my muslin for a mock up. After I was satisfied with the fit of the mock up, I took it apart and cut out the light red wool, and the wool bunting for the lining. 

I put mock button holes on each side, embroidered with bright yellow gold thread. The buttons are 18 mm metal shanks. 

 

This project took me a few weeks to complete, working in the evenings and weekends. I have had many compliments on it. 

 

Life is short, dress like a pirate.