We're thinking about a frock coat for Milord's father. Can anyone recommend a source for something of good quality that isn't too heavy/warm? I do understand that this is a faintly ridiculous question! A coat... for late summer in Kansas?! But still... we'd like to try, nonetheless! The coats at MR (http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-348-buccaneer-coat.aspx) look wonderful... but almost seaworthy (reviewers describe them as "nice and warm.").
(I could make him one, of course, and may well end up doing so... but I'd like to know my ready-to-wear options, as well!)
Gramercy!
To cut down on the heat, would you consider going sleeveless?
Yes, for the warm weather, I'd suggest a nice linen shirt and a beautiful long waistcoat rather than a coat.
However, I do know some good patterns for one if you want some of those. ;)
Gem,
No recommendation on something ready-made, but for a Gem-made version:
http://www.smoke-fire.com/smoke-and-fire-patterns-1.asp
I have patterns SF 201, 202, and 203 if you'd like to borrow them.
You could use suit-weight wool.
If a coat ends up being too heavy and hot, have you considered a vest? A vest may be the best with the heat. I wear by Damsel coats without the sleeves during the warmer days so it essentially becomes a bodice.
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on August 28, 2011, 01:19:47 PM
If a coat ends up being too heavy and hot, have you considered a vest? A vest may be the best with the heat. I wear by Damsel coats without the sleeves during the warmer days so it essentially becomes a bodice.
The same MR page in the original post features a long, sleeveless vest.
It's 100 Polyester though. It's probably shiny too....
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 29, 2011, 12:39:36 PM
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on August 28, 2011, 01:19:47 PM
If a coat ends up being too heavy and hot, have you considered a vest? A vest may be the best with the heat. I wear by Damsel coats without the sleeves during the warmer days so it essentially becomes a bodice.
The same MR page in the original post features a long, sleeveless vest.
It's 100 Polyester though. It's probably shiny too....
Although I know the store calls it that (*le sigh, the store should know better*) the actual term is waistcoat. As I posted earlier in the thread, a waistcoat and shirt are probably the best option.
Some awesome period waistcoats for inspiration:
http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O117866/pair-of-waistcoat/
http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O13540/waistcoat/
http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O98553/waistcoat/
http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O225457/pair-of-waistcoat/
Um, thanks. I'm sure you guys realize I KNOW a waistcoat would be cooler than a heavy wool coat. But that's not what I'm looking for. Surely there is some option between the two.
Nobody has actual frock coat vendor recommendations? Is the pirate thing over, now that the last POTC movie is out?
I've seen some nice looking ones on etsy. Don't know of a particular vendor but was poking around to get ideas....
Pendragon
Men's Pirate Coat
http://www.pendragoncostumes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=pendragon&Category_Code=pirate_coat
I got the Sea Queen coat off ebay for about $100.00, but it retails about $300. I think the men's is nearer the $450 range.
i recomend this place. they are a vendor at my home faire. i am pleased with my frock. http://bosswench.com/MensWear.htm
Per bosswench website the men's frock coats run b/n $325 - $395
Wow, that's alotta cash ... if you can make one yourself.
I know that not everyone can, and the labor is well worth the price, but I've seen your work Gem, you could make him one ... maybe with detachable sleeves even.
I posted this elsewhere, but I'm afraid I won't hold up under the weight and heat of a coat, so I had a long fest with a cap type sleeve. I'll wear if over my skirt, bodice and chemise.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p138/AnnMason9877/Ren%20Garb/Longvest.jpg)
I'm sure you can make one much nicer than mine, with a lot more detail.
since your out the way of KS/MO, in Liberty, MO, they have a civil war store, James County Mercantile. They have excellent great coat, frock coat, etc patterns. They are hardly civil war.
Berfore I went on vacation last month, I made Pirate Coats for a Local couple out of Corduroy.This one for the woman. The other was a version of the Captain Barbossa Coat for her boyfriend..
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/311373_10150344309666280_568686279_9988626_6240947_n.jpg)
(http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/311373_10150344309671280_568686279_9988627_664601_n.jpg)
You might want to see, gem, if there are Corduroy Pirate Coats available. Not as heavy as wool, but still comfortable. That is the fabric of choice next to Velveteen.
That is beautiful Lady Kathleen. You do awesome work. I love the woman's coat.
Quote from: gem on August 29, 2011, 03:41:12 PM
Um, thanks. I'm sure you guys realize I KNOW a waistcoat would be cooler than a heavy wool coat. But that's not what I'm looking for. Surely there is some option between the two.
Nobody has actual frock coat vendor recommendations? Is the pirate thing over, now that the last POTC movie is out?
i gave you one. James County Mercantile out in Liberty, MO. Not too far from you either. They made me a Charles Dickens style frock coat for my wedding.
The museum replica Buccaneer coat is only $125, and looks pretty nice. Looks like you already had your answer. :) But at least you have lots of options to compare it to.