Regency Pelisse

I have finished my navy Regency pelisse that goes with my bonnet.

There are no progress shots to share since sometimes I worked on this for literally a few minutes here and there over the past year. Sometimes all I had time to do was sew on a hook and eye.

The fabric is a jacquard woven with a subtle diamond pattern. I’m not sure of the fiber content since I found it as a remnant. I’m sure it’s at least partially synthetic, but I liked the texture.

The lining is gold and cream jacquard, and the sleeves are lined with satin. The coat is military-inspired, with cream braid down the front, on the belt and sleeves cuffs, and around the edges of the pointed collar. The front and back are decorated with gold-colored and faux pearl buttons, but the coat closes with hooks and eyes. The belt has a golden buckle.

I used the Sense and Sensibility “Regency Spencer Jacket and Pelisse Pattern” as a starting point, but made new sleeves and collar. (A quick note about this pattern: I was disappointed to find it is not actually a pelisse pattern, although it is advertised as such. It is really a spencer jacket pattern only, with some instructions telling you to just add a skirt to lengthen it. Although that wasn’t terribly difficult to do, when I buy a pattern it is because I want to pay someone else to do the math).

The pelisse has some wrinkles to work out, but overall I am pretty pleased with it, and plan to wear it to Costume College.

I still have to paint some shoes to match, but I think it will look nice with the bonnet.

Project cost (not including bonnet materials):

– 3 yards fabric: $29.99 + tax

– pattern: $12 + $3 shipping

– 8 yards braid: $7.60 + tax

lining, interfacing, buttons, thread, hooks and eyes: from the stash

Less than $60. Not bad.