Regency Spencer Jacket

Ha! I finished my first Regency piece of garb--a Spencer jacket based on McCalls pattern 7493. What is nice about this pattern is that it has some historic sewing touches plus the directions are easy to follow if you have some sewing experience.

I used a fabric that kind of looks like velvet, if you don't get too close, to work with. Covered buttons were quite period. Notice that the period Spencer sleeves are made of two pieces and have a built in curve to them; they are fitted, very long, with a gathered cap. 

close--the intent was to have a washable piece. I would recommend using a lighter weight fabric, a light wool or silk or cotton, since the thicker material is harder to sew with when gathering sleeves and making pleats.
 

In the back, shoulder seams don't appear at the top of the shoulder but down a few inches on the back--note the kind of keystone shape to the center back piece. And I love the peplum in the back.
If I wanted to, I could wear this jacket with a period white muslin or cotton dress and it would be a riding outfit suitable for riding over grass. (Not fond of the docked tails on the horses.)

Thanks to Anissa/Alexis' help, I have selected a lovely lavender gray wool for a full riding outfit. Eventually I want to make the outre Regency riding outfit with the funky hat that is shown with this post--must be based on some sort of period military uniform.

If you are interested in Regency fashion, there are some great

on-line resources. Here are a few of them:
http://candicehern.com/regencyworld/riding-habits-overview/
https://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/…/regency-fashion-d…/
http://www.victoriana.com/Regency-Era/
http://pemberley.com/janeinfo/ppbrokil.html#gencloth