My capote overcoat is coming along very well! I took a 1760s justacorps pattern, and extended the front panels for a double-breasted look. I have my doubts if one fur trade blanket will cover it though.. so much skirt.
All in all, drafting and making the mockup took me just about seven hours. Mind you, I just assembled the pieces real fast with the widest stitch, and no construction or tailoring canvas. I just wanted to see if an 18th century pattern fit me, and it did!
It’s meant to take the important design elements of French Canadian capote coats, like the justacorps design, and the sash closing it shut. I am aware I may need to use linen ties at the front but…. I love buttons too much. I wanted it to be a pattern from back then, but with the mercery and the comforts of today: like buttons. And you know, some Outlander-esque tomfoolery that a historical fur trader wouldn’t have time for, like embroidery or other embellishments. I might make it out of melton wool in either blue or grey, and line it with linen. I’m thinking of making a fur vest underneath to keep warm in colder weather.
Pattern; the Cut of Men’s Clothes 1600-1900 by Norah Waugh, p. 70-71. Victoria and Albert Museum; Coat, Waistcoat and Breeches c.1760
