captain's coat

[Rahne]

OK, my sewing skills are improving with much practice lately making new garb for the 3 kids, me and some friends.  Now my husband has decided he wants a captain's coat.  We did find a decent pattern for one, Thanks to Pirates of the Caribean being so popular.  What is the best kind of fabric to use for this type of a project. 

[isabelladangelo]

There are various fabrics that you can use.  Cotton twill, corduroy, cotton velvet, damask, and/or jacquard are all very good for a 1700's frock coat.   Most sewing patterns should show the suggested fabrics on the back of the envelope.

[gem]

Everything Isabella said, plus wool flannel or wool broadcloth.  Try www.hamiltondrygoods.com and www.renaissancefabrics.net for nice wools.

[Lady Amy of York]

Just keep in mine that if you decide to chose wool ,go for a light weight wool.
The heavy wool , captain jackets  can be brutal  in summer time.   I started out with a heavy weight wool captain jacket, and   now i wear a light weight wool jacket.  Much better.

[Rahne]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  I'll be looking at Joanne's and our local wallmart over the next few weeks to see if I can find anything there, unfortunately that's all there is in my area.  If I don't find any thing there I'll see what I can find on line.  I do really like to actually see the material before I buy it though.  It's hard to get an accurate color match off the computer.

[gem]

Many online merchants will do free swatching.

[isabelladangelo]

www.fabric.com is my favorite place to shop.  I have never had a problem with color.

[Higgins]

Rahne, it very much depends on the look you are going for.The lightweight wool is a very wise choice for durability and comfort. You can also use a broccade if you are looking for a richer look. I would suggest velveteen NOT velvet as velvet tends to crease.

[SleepyArcher]

Suit coat fabrics work well too.

[Rahne]

Isabella
thank you for the link.  Found something there at a reasonable price.  will know better once I get it how it will work for the coat. 
But I'm sure I can use it for another project if not the coat.
What is the best lining to use if you are trying not to make the coat too hot.  Quite often it is in the 90's with high humidity when we are at faire.

[gem]

What is the best lining to use if you are trying not to make the coat too hot.  Quite often it is in the 90's with high humidity when we are at faire.

Linen.

[Rahne]

I've noticed there are several weights to the linen fabrics, would a medium or a heavy weight be a better choice

[isabelladangelo]

Light weight linen, actually.  But don't go to Hanky weight; that's better for shirts/chemises/smocks/ect.   I'd also look at simple muslin (cotton) if you want to go cheap.  With one of the Joann's 40% coupons I get in the mail, I can get muslin for well under $1 a yard.   

Basically, whenever you line anything, go with natural fabrics.   Cotton or linen will work depending on your budget.

[Rahne]

great!  I'll see what I can find when I go pick up my buttons in a few weeks.  Had to special order them as I needed 28 buttons.  almost $70 just for buttons.  I don't think my husband believed me when I told him that the $325 for the coat he liked at ORF wasn't that far off from the cost of materials to make it.  He does now.  lol  That's ok though, his will be an original, and he won't run into others with the same or almost the same coat.  I'm thinking I may make one for myself too.  I found some great fabric with Dragonflies on it at Joanne's at that last visit too. 

[sealion]

If it's not already too late to cance that special oeder you might want to check ebay for large lots buttons.