In January I cut a new waistcoat from buff linen for my son, since he outgrew his old regimental waistcoat.
Since he desired a more historically accurate waistcoat, we researched extensively at the Costume Design Center’s Open House last autumn.
PATTERN
As a result we were directed to the fitter, who applied measurements to our order for their 75th anniversary historical pattern series.
In a few weeks I received our copy of the pattern, which the Costume Design Center printed to his size then mailed to our house.
With my notes in hand from the fitter, I set to work.
FABRIC
For the fabric I used 100% buff linen.
HAND SEWING
Completely handsewing this, I loved how much better everything came together.
It does lie better, and I’ve totally fallen in love with hand sewing!
It’s also great on these cold, cold winter days to remain curled up by the fireplace and stitch away!
Along with stitching all the pieces together, I also hand sewed eleven buttonholes.
REGIMENTAL WAISTCOAT DEBUT AT PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND
Thankfully, I completed his waistcoat in time for him to enjoy wearing to our latest trip to Colonial Williamsburg, for President’s Day weekend.
Despite the cold, he removed his coat for a photo shoot.
The warmth of the 100% wool allowed him great comfort in the lateness of the day as the sun began to set in the wintery sky.
For a new venue for the photo shoot, we chose the colonial Capitol, which inspired us as soon as we stepped out of the tailor shop on our last visit for the weekend.
After a year of historically accurate sewing, my son gleefully wears his regimental in the winter, and his young man’s suit in the summer.
(Despite his glee, he poses seriously to replicate 18th century renderings we’ve seen.)
For his regimental, I have handsewn the shirt, waistcoat, breeches, coat, and stock.
My son’s Lafayette hat is bespoke from Tarpley’s Store at Colonial Williamsburg.
The “boots” are handmade by my son, which the shoemaker confirmed is similar to some of their styles.
