General Work Wear Research

killer b wrote: I've picked up some nice waxed cotton and wanted to make a jacket out of it - anyone got any idea where I'd get a pattern for a simple chore coat or french workers jacket type thing?

Try searching "American Tailor and Cutter" in google books. Those issues have patterns in them. You may find a coat pattern.

B

The sequel to my previous blog post is up; this time focusing just on the 1930s:

I mentioned somewhere else that I'd really like to find a pair of Filson breeches--in my size. I doubt they have made them since the 1940s, though. I have seen one pair years ago on eBay, which naturally weren't in my size. They weren't cheap, either. Curiously, I have seen a lot of heavy wool Woolrich breeches, all in that red plaid pattern.

The stories about the early 20th century work shirts is fascinating. It is surprising that black sateen was one of the fabrics offered for work shirts.

Having spent most of this winter locked inside stitching up clothing, I took a real delight in reading your blog post, Iron Horse. So much attention to building in a long lifespan.

I love how when you know what went into the making of a garment, you can more easily spot the cleverness of design decisions. Sort of like a pleasant version of donning the sunglasses in John Carpenter's They Live...