Made a muslin of the jacket. Added big darts in the front, modified the shoulder and armscye all to heck. But it seems to fit in a more ladylike fashion, which is the point.
Started sewing it up in the velvets. Looks… well, the front darts look weird. But trim should distract. Bonus, I found some narrow, loopy, silver braid in The Stash! This will be perfect for edging the front contrast facings. Might be enough to trim the cuffs, pocket flaps, and collar too. Bidding on eBay for two types of coordinating silver (plastic) buttons. Nice, big, flashy buttons are what every pirate coat needs.
Got up to the collar done before one weekend is lost to C10 in Chicago.