Richmond Depot II Jacket Kit from C.R. Childs -- Finished and Photos

[toccoa42]

A while back I asked of advice on building a Richmond Depot jacket -- topstitching and etc., and the advice that came back was very helpful. I just wanted to show you all how the jacket turned out.

Below is a frontal of the jacket. The jacket is built from wool kersey with an osnaburg lining. The wool piped trim is based on a photo of Capt. Otey's jacket in Echoes of Glory, Confederacy, page 122. I did not intend to recreate his jacket in detail, just base mine on it's appearance. The jacket is machine assembled, but buttonholes, topstitching and lining attachment is hand finished.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/LynnKessler/RDII1.jpg

Below is a rear photo. Unfortinately the left sleeve did not attach in exactly the same place as the rigiht, but it's barely noticable.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/LynnKessler/RDII11.jpg

Shot of collar detail. Gold metal lace is overcast in place, the ends inserted into slits in the wool and overcast closed. Piping is hand stitched with a serpentine stitch.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/LynnKessler/RDII2.jpg

Close up of collar button hole and topstitching.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/LynnKessler/RDII4.jpg

Close up of button and topstitching, which is typical throughout.


Close up of sleeve attachment with sleeve ease and view of topstitched epaulet.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/LynnKessler/RDII5.jpg

Close up of topstitching on epaulet.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/LynnKessler/RDII6.jpg

Lining attachment at collar.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/LynnKessler/RDII7.jpg

Lining attachment at sleeve cuff.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/LynnKessler/RDII9.jpg

Lining attachment of sleeve to body lining.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/LynnKessler/RDII10.jpg

Left interior pcoket detail.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/LynnKessler/RDII8.jpg

[jgr1974]

SIr, I would have to say you done a most excellent job!!! How many hours ou have in it???

The Mad MIck!!!

[Swag]

Excellent Job I agree, must have taken you quite a while.

[toccoa42]

I have no idea how many hours I put into it. Say two weeks in the evenings on the jacket construction, probably another two weeks on braid and details and clean-up of some places that needed correction. I've been altering uniforms for years (primarily WWII) so the sewing machine and needle and I have become well-acquainted. This was my first attempt at building any clothing article completely from the ground up, so there were some things I learned along the way that needed correction later on.

A CRC kit is very easy to work with, just make sure you read the instructions several times and make ABSOLUTELY certain of which part goes where. I've also built a pair of RD trousers in light blue cassimere from a CRC kit, which I will post up sometime in the next few days. I just recently received CRC patterns for the military vest, and the Hollyday shirt. Homespun Patterns has sent a single-breasted frock pattern that I will tackle sometime this winter. Vest is next in light blue cassimere, then the shirt in a couple of homespun period plaids and prints. I'll let you know how they all turn out.

Also, if the mod's and members would like, I can write up the efforts and results in article format to post here permanently, if anyone would like advice on kit construction and working with patterns and such. Initially, such endeavors can be intimidating, but they are surmountable with initial instruction, and practice, before tackling the full project.

[toccoa42]

To the moderator:

Apparently there are two postings of this thread, complete with photos. No idea how that happened and no need for two of them. Can you delete the OTHER thread?

Thanks.