Frock Coat Boot Camp AAR

[sallyryan]

Back home in Gettysburg after participating in Chris Daley's Frock Coat Boot camp. Excellent materials, instruction and even better comradery. While we all didn't make the same amount of progress, we had a great time learning and working together. I was able to finish the frock coat up to the front buttonholes, buttons, general thread trimming and final pressing. The conversation, laughter and bad jokes made the work go quickly. Special thanks in order to Chris, not only for his expertise and help, but also for putting up with all the good-natured banter. Looking forward to another workshop with Chris.

Slainte,
Sally Ryan
Civilian Coordinator, 69th NYSV
SWCW
(At home on Hospital Road, Gettysburg)

[Prodical Reb]

Sally, We're we in the same place?!?!

Just kidding!!! It was an eye opening experience for me. Being a novice tailor I learned there was more than meets the eye. The frock coat being made is Chris's Boylan Contract frock coat.

I needed the 3rd day or 8 more hours, to get to where Sally and Peter were at the end of 2 days. My sewing skills are not what theirs are! Had I been at the point of attching the quilted breast Sat. night I could have worked on it in the hotel room for "Homework".

The furnished materials were top notch! The instruction was great, we didn't have any complainersand lunch was provided by Chris along with some munchies! Nobody finished their frock coat in 2 days but some left with sleeves attached while others of us were slower.

Finishing the coat is my main concern now. I've got to finish the collar, assemble sleeves, do the cuff work, attach the sleeves then do buttons and button holes (to be brief). Chris has been helpful up until now and I don't expect him to be any less helpful with the needed info to finish it.

More to follow

[cprljohnivey]

How about posting some in progress pictures guys :)

[Prodical Reb]

here are some pics of my coat as it stands now. The pics are of a tail pocket, facing, collar, jacket w/o sleeves and what is left to do.

[dwar]

Sally and Mike hit the nail on the head. I left Sunday at about 5:00 PM for the 8-hour drive home. It was worth it and I would do it again. I had one sleeve on and the buttonholes to do as well as buttons, and to finish the other sleeve. After 5 hours all I have left to do are put the front buttons on and it is complete. It will be on me for this weekend event, Brick House. Chris is good at what he does. He helped when needed and was on top of it all. The frock looks great and my wife was impressed with the work. That is a credit to Chris. I am hoping he sets the date for the winter class soon. I’m in when it gets posted. Thank You Chris once again.

[boreguard]

Concern noted, Dennis. However, let's keep this thread on-topic, OK?
Thanks!
John Wickett - Moderator

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

What Chris does with his workshops provides a source for several people each year to learn tailoring and sewing from a competant person so as to continue the skills for the betterment of the hobby. If you compare the price of the workshop with the cost of materials and time spent, Chris didn't come out ahead monetarily, but the hobby is probably better for it with people who learn the skills that sometimes takes years to learn.

[BrandonEnglish]

Does Chris or any other vendor for that matter plan on holding more workshops like this in the near future? I agree with Mr. Lamoreaux, this is one way to certainly improve the hobby in a lot of aspects.

[sallyryan]

Chris has just posted a 2009 workshop schedule on his website - http://www.cjdaley.com/workshops.htm

[Carolann Schmitt]

Does Chris or any other vendor for that matter plan on holding more workshops like this in the near future? I agree with Mr. Lamoreaux, this is one way to certainly improve the hobby in a lot of aspects.

The Genteel Arts Academy has conducted hands-on workshops on civilian clothing - male and female - for 21 years. Information on the 2009 classes is available at www.genteelarts.com

[Andrew Kasmar]

Hi,

His worksops look great; now only if I lived within a 1,000 miles of him!!!!!!:cry_smile