Black Coat Conversion

**attworth** · 20th June 08, 08:26 PM

I just started turning my black coat into something I can wear with a kilt. It's just a standard blazer I've had for a few years. It was only like 60$ or something, so not a huge loss if it doesn't turn out. It's turning out pretty good though. I've gotten the material cut and the fabric is all basted and ironed. I got tired and my hand is starting to hurt, so I called it quits. I spent about 4 hours on it so far, including about an hour long break for a cigar and a beer with my brother.

I'm going to add epaulets and some nice buttons (just has boring black buttons.) I was thinking maybe pewter or fake silver. Probably round with some knot work or something on it.

I'll definitely post pictures when I'm finished.

Can't wait to wear it with the kilt I don't have yet!

**attworth** · 21st June 08, 07:02 AM

Well here's some progress pictures. I woke up this morning and got the liner fine tuned and basted. There's company coming over so I had to put up the needle and thread.

Here's the before picture

This is after basting the jacket and rolling up the liner for "effect"

Here is me this morning. Pardon my attire - I just woke up an hour ago. It looks a little rough in the front because part of the liner was hanging down below the basting stitches. Once it's sewn it will be smooth and clean.

Here's the back end. Again, pardon my attire.

I'm pretty proud of it. This is the biggest sewing project I've ever under-taken. I learned to sew by making my own blankets when I was a kid and probably haven't sewn in eight or nine years. It's turning out fabulously though if I do say so myself.

**12stones** · 21st June 08, 07:14 AM

Looking good so far. Can't wait to see it when it's finished and kilted.

**attworth** · 21st June 08, 10:17 PM

Quick update. I have all the major sewing on the jacket done. I need to do some touch-up as you may see in the pictures. I rushed it a bit at the end and made a few mistakes. I also took some neat photos at sun-down and thought I'd include them.

A full glass.

Not so full..

Now the goods:

Finished pockets (not really pockets anymore. may be good for loose change.)

The front side. I've got a little touch-up to do around where the taper starts.

The liner - all sewn up. Pretty even and nicely done I think.

Here's me sporting my new custom-made kilt jacket. The edges aren't perfect by any means, but are plenty good for any event I'd attend wearing this. (I'm aware the blacks don't match - I did this on purpose. I wear black A LOT, so matching blacks are important to me!)

The rear of the jacket could use some work near the middle. I'm not sure I'll mess with it, but I probably will as I'm somewhat of a perfectionist (you should see my vehicle and the hundreds I've spent caring for it) It's not nearly as bad as it looks. The liner is just sewn in a little to low right in the middle compared to the rest of the jacket, causing the middle to be skewed. I'll probably rip the seam and re-do it.

All I've got left to do it make some epaulets and sew on some new buttons (gotta find them first.)

Tomorrow I start my first X-kilt, so this one is on hold for just a bit.

Thanks for looking, and thanks to the F-H.C.A.G. for the great write-up and inspiration to start the project (although mine's not nearly as good as her's.)

**JS Sanders** · 22nd June 08, 07:19 AM

If the jacket will allow it, can you re-sew the pocket flaps a bit higher?

Or perhaps sew new flaps that aren't as deep?

Slainte,
steve

**Arizona Scot** · 22nd June 08, 07:37 AM

Looking good sir, I am always amazed at the talent here on xmarks.

**starbkjrus** · 22nd June 08, 07:53 AM

My hat is off to ya sir. I'd not even attempt that.

Congratulations on a job well done.

**attworth** · 22nd June 08, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by JS Sanders

If the jacket will allow it, can you re-sew the pocket flaps a bit higher?

Or perhaps sew new flaps that aren't as deep?

Slainte,
steve

I could sew them up a little higher, or alter them to be shorter. Do they look too long? (the flaps.)

**attworth** · 22nd June 08, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by Arizona Scot

Looking good sir, I am always amazed at the talent here on xmarks.

I don't know about talent.. Gutsy maybe...

**JS Sanders** · 22nd June 08, 08:13 AM

<< Do they look too long? (the flaps.) >>

Not too long, but a bit too deep. If they were faux, I'd suggest doing away with them altogether.

You get to make the final decision, but I'd suggest raising the flaps higher and perhaps make them thinner too. Should be rather a simple task compared to all the other handiwork you've displayed already.

Slainte yall,
steve