Every year since this pattern was released back in 2005, I've planned to make this jacket.  I've bought fabric every single year and the fabric seems to get designated for another project -- each year.  For the life of me, I couldn't remember why I'd never gotten around to making this.  But this year, I was determined to make my pea coat that I've wanted for so long.

For my pea coat, I chose this pattern because it has all of the details that I wanted (i.e. military-inspired epaulets, three row high buttons).  I wanted to use a heavy weight, high quality coating fabric so I chose this wool/cashmere (wool 80%/cashmere 20%) fabric.  I can't tell you how luxurious this fabric feels.  Unlike how wool can feel itchy, the cashmere makes it feel like a cuddly blanket you just want to wrap up in.

Here are my jacket "innards".  As you see, I've intricately tailored it.  I'm not going to go into great depth and description because I've blogged extensively in the past on my tailoring techniques.  The only thing I really did differently this time was using the machine instead of padstitchng.  It tremendously cut down on all of the handstitching.  I used a serpentine stitch as seen in Kenneth King's book "Cool Couture".  Other steps were taken from my tailoring go-to book -- "Tailoring:  The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket".  

The only modification I had to make was adding an inch of length to the body of the pea coat.  I was pleasantly surprised at how generously the sleeves are drafted.  I couldn't believe I didn't have to lengthen them.  

For the lining, I used black Bemberg rayon that I picked up at Joann's.  My location stays pretty well stocked in the basic colors.  And my favorite detail of all are the great silver/gold crested shank buttons.  

They just take the jacket to next level compared to the ones I see most in ready-to-wear.  And I topstitched using heavy-duty thread that wouldn't get lost in the thick fibers of the fabric.