V313: 1740s Riding Habit Set-Backs

Ever have one of those days where every bit of sewing you do has to be undone?

As it turns out, my wrapped and couched buttonholes *looked* nice, but didn’t hold up to functionality.  By the third time I buttoned the jacket, the wrapped card was looking pretty shabs, and on one, the card inside tore, and the wrapped threads came unfurled…then a stream of curse words and pouting.

GGAaaaaAAAAHHHhhHHHH!

I’m removing all the wrapped buttonhole decoration – I will use it for some pretty thing in the future that doesn’t take any stress – and replacing it with silver cording and silver trim, closer to the inspiration ensemble in Marie Antoinette:

The other issue I had is that the whole thing was just a litttttle too tight, and the back panels need to be re-cut.  Luckily I have plenty of extra fabric for such shenanigans, but it’s still just one of those things that has to be done over.

/sigh

15 Comments

  • WendyMOM

    November 13, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    OY! I had a bad feeling about the use of paper. I am so sorry that I was right. I have, though, been ruminating on it ever since you posted. I came up with my fix: Zip ties. Whaddah you think? They come in many sizes, both black, white, and some colors, and you are NEVER going to wear those puppies out.

    Reply
  • Rachel

    November 13, 2012 at 5:29 AM

    I was wondering about the paper too. Another solution would maybe be thin strips of leather. They're both flexible and durable, and maybe a little more maleable for getting it to blend in to the rest of the fabric of the jacket. It would be easy to find some cheap leather from say, an old leather jacket at the thrift store or something so it wouldn't break the bank either.

    However, I am looking forward to seeing your new solution to your dilemma with the button holes.

    Reply
  • Hallie Larkin

    November 13, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    These are best for non functional buttonholes for sure, I have noticed the ones that are functional, the strips are offset quite a bit from the buttonhole slit and the slit is twice as large as the button. good try! Sorry it didn't work. Hallie

    Reply
    • Lauren Stowell

      November 13, 2012 at 11:15 PM

      Yes, definitely. I want to use them on a non-functional garment at some point, because they look lovely. Good note about the width and offset – makes a lot of sense now that I've utterly destroyed these with putting the buttons in and out.

      Reply
  • Anonymous

    November 13, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    I was thinking that if you cut the strips out of a thin plastic…like from a milk jug they'd be more washable. Perhaps they would be more durable as well.

    Reply
  • Rubina Scarletti

    November 13, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    I always say that I put my blood, sweat & tears into everything I make. It is very literally true. I wish you much luck & am very confident you can get the look you want.

    Reply

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