I went to the local charity shop to source a suit for this challenge, but I ended up finding a men's coat. I loved the style of this coat with the exception of the sleeves and the collar, so I figured I could take this coat apart a bit fix it up to make it wearable for me. Because it is a men's coat, the fit is boxier and there was some serious tailoring in there!
I started by removing the collar and sleeves. I sewed closed the neckline where the collar was and it has a modern look sans-collar. I drafted a new 2-piece sleeve to fit the existing armhole and used the original sleeve fabric for the top portion of the sleeve. For the underside, I cut wool from a pair of old suit pants for a duotone look.
Apart from the sleeve and collar refashion, I simply mended bits of the lining that were falling apart and found a matching button to replace a missing one on the front placket. It was a simple project but it was challenging due to the very tailored insides and the heavy wool fabric. I am SO pleased with the results and know that this coat will be my go-to winter layer once the temperature dips a bit lower.
Did you participate in the Refashioners this year? There have been so many amazing things so far and I am blown away by the versatility of suits!
