Menswear Panic (part one)

A friend of mine only has two jackets. He wears one every single day like it is a shirt, and the other one he only wears on special occasions. His favourite one, that he wears everyday is completely in tatters, naturally, after having worn it nearly every waking moment since its purchase. I am actually surprised it lasted over a year. We went out shopping at the beginning of winter, which was such a mistake! Not a single coat he liked, partly because they were so expensive at the start of the season.

Now winter is nearly at an end, I considered taking him shopping again. We were just popping into Arthur Toye because I know all their winter coat fabrics drop to half price at around this time (I know I am a sale-stalker!). He decided I should make him a coat, the one area I know nothing at all about... Menswear! But much worse than just menswear, a large mens coat, with two two-in-one pockets, a secret inside pocket AND a hood. I have never made a garment with a successful hood.



So I started from scratch, drew up a messy pattern and cut it all out, as you can see from above. I know how to make coats for women no problems from start to finish, but men! They have longer arms, broader shoulders and a suspicious need for more than the regular amount of pockets. Check back over the next week and see how I get on, okay?