Announcing a Federal Enlisted Frock Coat Workshop

Are you in reproducing a top-notch Enlisted Frock Coat reproduction, but don’t know where to start?

Not satisfied with the sack-like quality of many of the reproductions on the market today?

I am pleased to announce a workshop on how to tailor one of these fine garments yourself. The workshop will be spread over  a period of twelve weeks, and will be conducted online, through printable PDF instructions, a message board for more personal attention, and video. At the end of these twelve weeks, you will have in your possession an article of clothing that you will cherish the rest of your life.

The Federal Enlisted Frock Coat is often regarded as being mysterious and complicated to construct. Through my step by step guide, complete with detailed drawings and descriptions, we will unlock these mysteries and other secrets of the tailoring trade.

Why am I running this workshop?

Over the past three years I have created over 25 individual frock coats, all custom made for each person. During construction of each, I have kept notes on what I have learned each time, and have striven to make each coat better than the last. I hope to pass that knowledge on to you before it is lost forever. By learning this knowledge, you will help improve the accuracy of your portrayal.

Here is a brief overview on what you will learn during the 12 week course.

When you sign up you will receive Module One, containing a PDF with the following information:

• Welcome
  
• About the Author
• Drafting Supplies – What you need to start drafting your own custom pattern.
  
• Fabrics – Lists and descriptions of every fabric you will need, and where to get them.
  
• Trimmings – We’ll talk about threads, piping, and other miscellaneous trimmings you’ll need.
  
• Tools and Equipment – Tools that will make your tailoring that much easier.
  
• Measurements – A guide to taking all the proper measurements.

Also included in Module One are an Excel and Open Office spreadsheet, where you will enter your measurements. The points are then automatically calculated for when you start drafting. Very useful for other clothing as well!

A detailed shopping list for you to check off each item as you obtain it.

Module 2 – Drafting

• Learn to draft an accurate Frock coat using Devere’s system.
• Get a complete set of Graduated Rulers, ready to print out.
• Learn how to draft a close fitting wrapper.

Module Three – Fitting

• All fitting issues will be addressed.
• Balance.
• Fit of the armscye and other key areas.
• Complete the draft with a skirt, collar, and sleeves.
• Final Mockup

Module Four – Cutting

• Striking – How to properly lay out your patterns on the cloth.
• Inlays – Using inlays to perfect the fit of your coat.
• Canvas – Cut a proper canvas to give that period shape to your coat.
• London Shrink – Preparing your fabric for sewing.
• Lining and Interlining – Learn about the innards of a Federal Enlisted Frock Coat.

Module Five – Skeleton Baste

• Ironwork
• Basting the coat together
• Your first fitting in wool

Module Six – Assembling the Coat

• Sewing the body together
• Interior Tail Pockets – Assembly and Drafting
• Inserting the Canvas and it’s preparation.
• How to properly assemble the skirt
• Drafting a sleeve of the 1860s
• Assembling the Lining
• Quilting the Lining
• Forward Fitting – Perfecting any remaining areas

Module 7 – Final Finishing

• Sleeves
• Cuffs
• Facing
• Finishing the Collar
• Buttonholes
• Final Pressing

Along the way we’ll also take a look at photos of original garments. You’ll be able to post photographs of your updates to a private forum just for this class, and get critiques and helpful hints there, as well.

Registration is closed

Registration is now closed for this workshop. Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know when this will be offered again!