This Victorian paletot is the first coat I’ve sewn and I’m really pleased with how it turned out! 😀 I used gray fulled 100% wool fabric – so the paletot coat is waterproof. I’ve already worn it in rain, snow and wind – and stayed warm and dry.
My coat is mainly inspired by this 1857 spring paletot.
As usual, I drafted the pattern myself. I also made a muslin to adjust the fit.
The coat is closed with three large metal buttons. The other three buttons are just fake (not working) buttons.
The paletot coat has sloping shoulders, which are typical of Victorian clothing.
The Victorian paletot has princess seams. I’m especially proud that the princess coat fits so well without a waist seam (it wasn’t easy to adjust the fit of the toile 😉 ). The fit of coats with a waist seam are easier to adjust.
In these pictures, I’m wearing the paletot over my 1860s brown taffeta dress and over my Victorian corset and underwear.
The Victorian coat is so comfortable to wear – warm, waterproof and not too heavy – that I wear it as everyday coat with everyday clothing.
I didn’t have a Victorian bonnet that is suitable for the 1850s. I just have an 1840s bonnet, an 1860s hat and an 1850s bonnet for dressy summer clothes. So I made a makeshift Victorian winter hood with my knitted lace loop scarf.
My makeshirt Victorian winter bonnet is inspired by knitted Victorian traveling or winter hoods: 1862 Daisy travelling or winter hood, 1862 knitted opera hood from Godey’s Lady’s Book, the beautiful 1858 Sortie cap from Godey’s Lady’s Book, 1863 knitted capote and a Victorian tintype of a woman wearing a scarf hood.
Victorian photographs and fashion plates of similar coats: 1860s coat still with pagoda sleeves (photograph), 1849 coat (colored fashion plate) and 1850s/60s coat with large buttons and pagoda sleeves (photograph).
-> My pinterest board with all my historical costumes
What a lovely historic outfit. I think that I may have to challenge my mum to see part of the outfit #dreamteam
Thanks, Chloe!
The coat is gorgeous. I love the color and the cut.
Thank you!
Ooooh what a pretty coat. I love the flair at the waist. It’s super flattering! Thanks for joining us for the #DreamTeam linky.
Thanks so much, Annette! 🙂
As a steampunk I think this coat is wonderful. #dreamteam
Thanks, Tracey!
Hi Lina!
I’ve just found your so wonderful blog and since I’m sincerely Victorian in my own heart, I’m doing copy and paste of the URL of your webpage, to be able and receive your feeds on my dashboard and follow you!
In the hope to have you soon amongst my followers,
I’m sending all my best to you
XOXO Daniela at ~ My little old world ~
Thanks for following me, Daniela!
That coat is beautiful. Love princess seaming. So flattering. Was not familiar with the term paletot. Learn something new every day!
Theresa
Thanks so much, Theresa! 🙂
Love your Paletot coat Lina and I’m so impressed that you made the pattern too. It fits beautifully
Thanks, Michelle! 🙂
I love this coat ! So beautifully and lovely historc
Thanks, Eva-Maria!
I wish I had the talent to make such a gorgeous coat! I love it. And your blog!
Thanks so much, Laura! 🙂
I wish I could make patterns and sew like you! Maybe someday. Thanks for sharing in our To Grandma’s House We Go DIY, Crafts, Recipes and more link party! Hope to see you next week.
Thanks, Sheri! 🙂 It took more than a year to make the pattern and coat! 😉
Oh i just love the sleeves on this coat! Fantastically made #bigpinklink
Thanks, Michelle! 🙂
Love this coat…especially in gray!
Thanks, Colleen!
This is a gorgeous coat! Thanks so much for joining Friday Frenzy! P~
Thank you!
How fabulous! You did a nice job on it! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
Thanks, Sherry!
Hello! Love your site! What did you line your coat with? I would like to make a wool coat myself, thank you!
Thank you! I used polyester batting to line this coat. And currently I’m making another wool coat that I’m lining with pure wool batting and rayon taffeta lining fabric.