2014 WINTER COAT UPDATE...

... it's beginning to look more and more like an actual coat, especially since I've got the sleeves in.  After a slight snafu in trying to substitute a two piece sleeve (oh, how glad I am that I had residual fabric) I decided to proceed with the original one piece sleeve.  You will notice a caving at the upper back sections, but I am positive that this will be corrected with the insertion of shoulder pads.  I lightened the pictures so the completely (lintified) black coat would be more visible in the pictures.

Indentation at the lower back of the coat spreads out correctly after my hips and butt are inserted into the coat (lol).

I'm happy thus far, but will of course arrive at a point of utter over-joyment when the project is finally completed.  In an effort to see light at the end of this outer wear tunnel, I've updated my finish line list as follows:
.  install sleeve headers and purchased shoulder pads
.  install bias cut horsehair canvas in sleeve and lower hem areas
.  install front facing
.  make and insert lining
.  hem
.  make button holes (which, by the way, will not be bound but rather double stitched machine worked)
.  sew on buttons

Note:  I'm always confused as to using the word "installed" when referring to a sewing application.  Should I say install or insert???

I am trying to complete this project ahead of the next cold snap which I know cannot be too far off even though we've had temps in the mid 60's this week.  So keep cheering for me Mom and my other support team members I'm trying hard to get to the finish line before you all tire from reading about this winter coat project...