Sewing Patterns

[Bull Schmitt]

Anyone know where I can get sewing patterns for Civil War and/or Indian Wars uniforms? My wife is a pretty good seamstress and I aim to save a few $$$$$.

Col Bull

[Malachi Thorne]

Good Afternoon, Colonel;

May I inquire as to which uniform the Colonel requires a pattern for?  I have a shell-jacket pattern, and could easily give you the manufacturer's name and pattern number when I get home this evening.  If the Colonel requires a frock coat or a sack coat, I will have to dig a bit deeper.

I have the honor to remain,

Your Obedient Servant,

Bvt. Captain Malachi Thorne
US Marine Detachment
Department of the Pacific

[Books OToole]

Try jamescountry.com 

They have a good selection of ACW era, some ealier and some later.

Books

[Bull Schmitt]

Good Afternoon Bvt. Captain Malachi Thorne,

I would be interested in both the shell-jacket and sack coat patterns.

Thank you for your assistance.

Col Bull

[Bull Schmitt]

Books OToole,

Thank you for the great web site. Lots of good information.

Col Bull

[Malachi Thorne]

Good Evening, Colonel Schmitt;

I have the honor to report that the pattern I have used in the past for Shell Jackets (with great success) is manufactured and sold under the name "Tailor's Guide".  The particular pattern is un-numbered, but is listed as a "Basic Shell Jacket (and variations) 1837 - 1890.  This shell jacket includes both the West Point pattern as well as the various Richmond Depot types, including cuffed and uncuffed sleeves.  This pattern was distributed by:

H&H Western Wear
2510 Randolph Road
Cookeville, TN 38501

While my particular pattern dates prior to the widespread use of the internet, a quick google search has turned up a reference to James Country for this pattern: http://www.jamescountry.com/frame/jcindex/patterns/tailors/tailors.html

It appears that Tailors Guide never produced a sack coat pattern; a pity, as their shell jacket pattern is first rate and accurate...

I will poke around a bit for an accurate sack coat pattern, and post the information for the Colonel when I find it.

I have the honor to remain,

Your Obedient Servant,

Bvt. Captain Malachi Thorne

[Malachi Thorne]

Good Evening, Colonel Schmitt;

So far, the only sack coat pattern I havebeen able to find is this one from Period Impressions:

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_107_300_304&products_id=9867

I cannot vouch for either the accuracy of the pattern or the ease of construction, though.  (However, owing to the lack of tailoring involved in a sack coat, it's got to be easier than a roundabout/shell jacket...)

I have the honor to remain,

Your Obedient Servant,

Bvt. Captain Malachi Thorne

[Bull Schmitt]

Capt. Thorne,

That is an excellent source. Many thanks. Now all I have to do is convince the little lady that she should make one for me.

Respectfully,

Bvt Col Bull Schmitt
Commander Department of the Atlantic.

[Kayleen]

There are several sites to visit.
Try: Amazon Drygoods out of Davenport, Iowa. They have an excellent cataloge and patterns galore.
Smoke & Fire, Grand Rapids, Ohio
Fall Creek Sutler, Whitestown, Indiana
Galla Rock, Russellville, Arkansas
Winchester Sutler, Winchester, Virginia
James Country Mercantile, ask for Jean, she can help you and won't steer you down the wrong road.
Hamilton Drygoods out of Tennessee.
Two source we often over look are Simplicity & Butterick patterns sold at local fabric shops. They have come out with some good patterns that are fairly easy and economical.
Kayleen