Most of the fun of this project is the details. I finished the belts and buttonholes recently.
I had the buttonholes professionally made at Jonathan Embroidery in NYC. They look lovely, but it was a bit of a learning experience. I now realize that I should have been more specific about the right and wrong side for the buttonholes. The front buttonholes are all set so the right side is on the outside of the jacket, so the lapel buttonholes are actually wrong-side out. Also, I missed one buttonhole while I was there, so I wound up having to make one on my home machine.
I also had eyelets set on the belt pieces at Steinlauf and Stoller.
However, the home machine buttonhole gave me the chance to use my new gimp! I was placing an order with Wawek because I needed serger cones, and I saw that they sell gimp! I was so excited to see it there that I bought it in 2 colors, even though it was strangely expensive ($9). I figured, if they are amazing enough to sell gimp, I should encourage them my buying it.
Then it arrived and the spools are enormous! Like, several lifetimes worth of gimp, esp since I intended to only use it in hand buttonholes. Then I thought a bit, and realized that I could probably fill my machine buttonholes with gimp. And it worked! I’m so excited, and will use this method from now on, and maybe use up some of my huge supply of gimp.
The coat thus far
back belt
The belt buttons onto a small loop in back. This is especially important on a slippery fabric.
back and side belt loops
Buttonholes. The top one was professionally done, the bottom one was done by me.
cuffs
belt fastener
belt wrong side
belt face
Rolling in Cloth 
13 Comments
I am a gimp convert too. Corded buttonholes are so cool! Once again Claudine, your work is amazing! I love your attention to little details.
Your constantly blow me away with your brilliantness. Is that a word, if not it should be.
First of all, I adore your solution to belts slipping off coats, bathrobes etc. Amazing.
Second, I like your buttonhole better than the professionally made one. Probably because of the gimp. Note to self, get some of this gimp stuff and figure out how to use it.
Third, your coat is going to be stunning.
Thanks! I can’t take credit for the slippery-belt idea. It is part of the pattern from the Shimazaki coatmaking book.
This coat is stunning! Beautiful work, all around. I had a revelation seeing the buttoning loop on the inside of the belt – explains the mystery of my husband’s trench coat! You’ll probably be doing many corded buttonholes from now on. Thanks so much for sharing!
Beautiful, elegant work.
Your buttonhole is spectacular! This coat is going to be amazing.
Thank you! This is why I blog. None of the people I see every day appreciate a well-made buttonhole.
Another beautiful garment!
I have GOT to learn to do buttonholes like that! And this is why I’m glad you blog, too.
Wow, the gimp really fills out the buttonhole nicely. Details matter.
Looking really good! I hadn’t seen that solution to a ‘slipping belt’ but it is brilliant and I hope I remember it when I need it. 🙂
I think your buttonhole is superior. Great idea with the gimp. Love it! Can’t wait to see the coat on you.
I swear I wanna sew like you when I grow up! This coat is amazing! And I’ll have to remember Steinlauf and Stoeller for the eyelets on the belt.