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    Downsizing and Making the Siberian Parka with a Front Opening

    January 01, 2019 2 Comments on Downsizing and Making the Siberian Parka with a Front Opening

    Downsizing and Making the Siberian Parka with a Front Opening

    Elizabeth, who has worked with Folkwear patterns for many years, has to down-size or otherwise adjust every pattern of any brand name to fit her petite figure.  While she is at it, she usually applies her creative talents to make the "new" garment extra special.  One of our favorite versions of our 153 Siberian Parka is a winter white wool melton blend that she made, downsized and added a front opening to.

    Siberian Parka

    One look at it and you'd know you would never be cold if you were wearing this!  

    To downsize this over-sized parka, she first removed the outer shoulder yoke piece and moved the front and back side seams in to eliminate a few inches of girth.  Removing that shoulder yoke piece simultaneously shortened the sleeves, which was perfect, because she wanted to add cuffs. 

    Elizabeth also wanted to add a front opening rather than have a pull-over parka.  So, she sliced down the center front and added a full-length separating zipper for easy on-off.  To embellish this new front, she added some half buttons that look like they have been sliced down the middle, and embellished the entire coat with some decorative machine stitching in metallic thread, by itself and to attach various cordings and faux suede strips.

     

    Line drawings of 153 Siberian Parka without alterations.  You can see the design is large and pull-over, making it very warm!

    We'd love to see and hear about the special touches that you may apply to this pattern.  It is quite cozy and indeed very roomy as well.  I really enjoyed wearing the version that Elizabeth created.  However, I am not categorically "petite" and there was still a good bit of room even with the alteration.

     



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    2 Responses

    Liz
    Liz

    January 12, 2025

    I had to upsize this for one rather big friend (6’2" 48" chest) – made in fleece (camo snow pattern) to go over normal hunting gear. Full length zip on the front. Made for different more standard size friends for the same reason – easier to pack and cheaper than buying another set of camo hunting gear since most times this will be worn in the back country, weather conditions are changeable, and everything has to be packed in on ATVs. Food more important than extra bulky clothing.

    Karla Hoskins
    Karla Hoskins

    April 01, 2021

    This was a very helpful article. I have been doing costuming for 50 years and own several patterns from through the years. I love them.

    Leave a comment


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