diff --git a/markdown/org/blog/announcing-carlton-and-bent/en.md b/markdown/org/blog/announcing-carlton-and-bent/en.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..e4362a961e6 --- /dev/null +++ b/markdown/org/blog/announcing-carlton-and-bent/en.md @@ -0,0 +1,86 @@ +--- +author: "joostdecock" +caption: "You too can wear this coat. Although you're on your own for the hat. At least for now." +date: "2017-12-20" +image: "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/hl5bw8cj/site-content/01c201b14f04bedbe2630bb3bd40d925fd6c1ce4-3500x2333.jpg" +intro: "Announcing Carlton, aka the Sherlock Holmes coat, and the Bent Body Block" +title: "Announcing Carlton, aka the Sherlock Holmes coat, and the Bent Body Block" +--- + +Good news everybody, we've got your cosplaying needs covered. That is, if you are cosplaying as Sherlock Holmes. +Our newest pattern release, [the Carlton Coat](/patterns/carlton) is exactly what the doctor prescribed if for some weird reason +your doctor wants you to look like everyone's favorite detective. + +My memory is foggy on the exact origin of this endeavor. It probably involved +me complaining about the cold and my lack of a warm winter coat, but apart from that, I'm not too sure. + +What I do remember is that at one point, +[Anneke](http://www.annekecaramin.com/) and myself decided that we would reverse-engineer the Sherlock Holmes coat. +More specifically, the coat worn by Benedict Cumberbatch in the BBC series Sherlock Holmes. + +![That coat though](https://posts.freesewing.org/uploads/bc_f20e01a16d.jpg) + +The coat is popular with cosplayers for obvious reasons, but it's also just a really nice coat, and +other brave souls [such as Melissa](http://blog.fehrtrade.com/gallery/868/the-sherlock-coat/) have tried their hand at it. + +I must admit that I didn't know Melissa made a similar coat until mine was finished. Furthermore, her blog post +mentions that she used the instructions in a livejournal post that is no longer available. + +Anneke and myself did no such thing and just put the pattern together based on screengrabs from the TV show. +We're hardcore like that. + +### About the coat + +Carlton is a double-breasted long overcoat in the tradition of horseback uniform coats +where the back of the coat isn't split, but rather has wide pleats that can drape over the back of the horse. +Or, more realistically, fan open behind you as you walk about. + +![Front view of Carlton on yours truly](https://posts.freesewing.org/uploads/front_e1d64f3ceb.jpg) +![Back view of Carlton on yours truly](https://posts.freesewing.org/uploads/back_05c04878c5.jpg) + +It comes with two patch pockets on the front, two map pockets at the chest, and two inner pockets. +Six pockets in total, so you'll have plenty of room for all your belongings. + +![Map and patch pockets on the outside](https://posts.freesewing.org/uploads/pockets_28099d1afe.jpg) +![Inner pockets on the inside](https://posts.freesewing.org/uploads/innerpocket_4e4e3f5119.jpg) + +I finished mine just in time for a trip to Köln to visit my beloved friend and tailor +[Sebastian Hoofs](http://sebastian-hoofs.de/massschneider/). +It was cold as eff over there, but the coat kept me nice and warm. Not surprising since it's made in a hefty +wool I picked up in [Bacci in Florence](http://www.baccitessuti.it/en/index.html) over the summer, and I took +the extra step of interlining it with French terry (I really don't like to be cold). + +![I have no affiliation with Bacci, I'm just a sucker for great fabric stores](https://posts.freesewing.org/uploads/bacci_043f91c96c.jpg) +![You can see the terry interlining where I peeled back the sleeve lining](https://posts.freesewing.org/uploads/interlining_220e0eab71.jpg) + +### Burn the patriarchy to the ground through the power of pockets + +Ladies take note: Carlita --- a female version of Carlton --- is currently on the drawing board. + +Initially, the plan was to release male and female versions side by side, but adapting the coat +has proven to be more involved than anticipated because, well, because boobs. + +I also feel like I have to +keep too many plates spinning right now, so I'm hopeful that getting Carlton out the door will +create some time/space to make Carlita follow soon(ish). Either way, I've promised Anneke that we'd +do a female version, and [she's a freesewing Captain now](/patrons), so I intend to keep that promise. + +Oh, and about that title: When Carlita's ready, she will have just as many pockets as Carlton. + +## Also, this: Introducing the Bent Body Block +We're actually releasing two patterns today. Apart from the Carlton Coat, there's also +the [Bent Body Block](/patterns/bent). + +Bent is a two-part sleeve variation of our [Brian Body Block](/patterns/bent). It's essentially a base +for coat and jacket patterns for menswear. + +I originally designed Bent as a base for my [refashioners 2017 zebra jacket](/blog/the-refashioners-2017/), +so you can expect that jacket pattern to also hit the site in the coming months. + +Carlton is also based on Bent, so we're giving you both today. + +Have wonderful and happy holidays if you're into that kind of thing. And happy making! + + + +