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Show WOMAN'S WORLD Full Length Coats Easily Made Inlo Fashion-Wise Shorties &j rlla JJafaj WHEN you can convert old coats into something fashionable and exceedingly ex-ceedingly wearable, it's like finding a bargain that you didn't expect. Yet, there are very few woolens that cannot be made fashionwise and practical. Take an outmoded full length spring coat which now looks shabby and extremely unwearable. This can be completely re-cut and made into one of the new coats with a full, rippling back, and full push-up sleeves, if you desire. Yes, even the lining, if it will still give wear, can be used for the new coat. When you are making something new out of something old, always select a pattern that is simple. You will have to make the old fabric do, and there is usually not enough to plan on for lots of extra detail. However, it is a matter of practical prac-tical experiment that a full length coat, even though it has rather narrow nar-row shoulders and sleeves, can be made into a new shortie coat with fashion features such as the full back and new, wide sleeves. But how is this done, you ask? Well, by clever piecing, of course. You may use a tweed coat, if you wish, but if you are still somewhat of an amateur in this business of sewing, I'd suggest working with a solid color that is easier to match in the Intricate Job of cutting and fitting together properly. Preparation of Material Precedes Cutting It's no fun working with a dusty piece of fabric. Do have it cleaned first, as this will make it easier to soe just what you have for working. work-ing. And another thing, if the old coat has faded, it's perfectly pos sible to have the material dyed either ei-ther commercially or at home before be-fore you do any cutting at all. Woolens dye nicely if you use a dye suitable for the material and work you bait an outmoded cost . . . with the directions instead of against them. I can guarantee they, will be soft and pliable to the touch. If you have a light blue coat that I has faded in spots, dye the whole thing a navy, which will cover faded portions. A yellow coat which looks rather soggy can be dyed with blue to give you one of the popular new greens. Brown dyed with red gives a lovely reddish brown, while an orange dyed with purple gives a nice rust shade. After the material has dried, it should be pressed smooth just as would any other woolen garment Use a damp cloth, and not too hot an iron and keep going over the damp cloth long enough to dry it out and make the wool smooth. Rtcut and stw it into UikiontbU on. Hang for a few minutes to permit a thorough drying of the material. If the wool has worn badly, plan to use the wrong side of the material ma-terial at your right side: it will look more fresh and new. Finish Coat With Lining, Shoulder Pads There are so many types of shoulder shoul-der pads now available that it probably prob-ably will not be necessary for you to make your own. However, you will want to select them with care. If your coal has a 10ft shoulder line, you will not want too large pads. Choose something that will make the coat look truly casual If, on the other hand, you have a coat with a boxy look and one that shows a great deal of shoulder interest, in-terest, i.'s best to select heavier pads. The size of the pads in each shoulder can vary, depending upon how your shoulders line up with each other. When the coat is completely finished fin-ished it's ready for the lining, which should be of a smooth, closely woven material that wears well. The lining may have an extra fold at tho back to give you a feeling of roominess. The sewing on the lining is done much as that on a dress would be. The important thing is to cut it to fit and then sew the seams and slipstitch into place. The coat, naturally, nat-urally, is hemmed before the lining is added, as lining and coat are separate. You can save yourself a lot of time in fitting the lining if the coat is turned Inside out Also, press the seams of the lining flat after you fin-Jsh fin-Jsh sewing it. Pinning and basting will help you keep the, lining in place while you do the slipstitching. Try the coat on after basting to see whether or not you feel comfortable in it. Move the arms about to make certain there is enough roominess. |