Sunday, February 08, 2015

Cashmere coat reworked

I started out with this chasmere coat, that I saved since last spring to refashion this winter. I thought I'd better get to it, before winter is over.

I took it in at the sides (a lot) and the sleeves.
I shortened the sleeves.
I cut of the loops and buttons, but kept the patches.
I removed the pockets and the sleeve straps.
Lastly I cut of most of the hood to remake it into a stand collar.

I really like the coat now, except for one thing: The pockets.
I had planned for simple, flat leather pockets to replace the original ones, that I thought was too voluminous. But I don't like the look with the leather (in the picture the pockets are only pinned onto the coat): They are ok, but they steal too much attention from the coat (and are too steampunk-ish).

But what fabric then, to use for the pockets? I can't leave the coat pocket-less, since the seamlines from the pockets are lighter in colour than the coat. Lace wasn't really me, contrasting patchwork fabric didn't look right either. I considered just putting ribbon on the seamlines for a modern comment on pockets, but...no.

Right now I think that pockets in crazy patchwork might be the thing. Here is a quick visual, where I just pinned random scraps to the pocket area.
(the 'tattered lace' look is not intentional. I plan to make simple, flat pockets).


What colour(s) or which fabric do you think would look good with this coat?

4 comments:

Toni said...

What if you took the pockets you removed without the flaps, and then trimmed them across the top with the black leather. I like the black look but you are right that it's a little distracting with do much.

Rennie said...

I would keep the pockets red, maybe make some out of a red tweed so it's just different texture rather than colour? Or a dark grey

Fran said...


No no! The flap pockets are classic with the duffle coat style!
Leave them, or, at most, remove the flaps, just to leave a slit pocket............nothing to distract from the classic lines.

Carissa said...

I agree with the other commenters. I'd keep the original pockets and just remove the flaps, or maybe do a differently textured red fabric. I really like your other changes though - the re-fitting, collar, and button removal. Great job so far!

-Carissa
EOD