Blood, sweat and tears

**sporranlegionaire** · 24th June 07, 07:56 AM

This really continues from my previous jacket thread 'Charity Shop Purchase', but to keep things neat I thought I'd better switch to the DIY section.
I had this cream polyester/wool jacket hanging up for years as I could never pinpoint the right occasion to wear it. So I thought I'd have a go at morphing it into a kilt jacket.
It was, I have to say, a nightmare.
First, the patch pockets, which I removed, were so tightly stitched to the base fabric that I couldn't tweek enough thread loose to cut it. The result was that on each side there is a slight nicking of the material. So I sewed a cosmetic button over each mark. You might just make them out near my sleeves.
The next problem was in trying to resemble the existing exposed stitching on the lapels, without a machine. I don't have one.
Also trying to keep blood off the material, after pricking my finger.
But, guys, what do you think? Be honest.
Though, where I shall ever want to wear it, heaven knows.

**oldsoldier** · 24th June 07, 08:05 AM

From the most non-expert person as far as sewing goes on these boards, I think you did a great job. Looks well done, in the pic.

**pipesndrumsnun** · 24th June 07, 08:15 AM

May I suggest you doctor it up a bit more by changing the buttons? Some silver thistle buttons to match your belt buckle would be very nice (you can probably order them from J. Higgins by calling - they don't show buttons on the website, but I have gotten them from there before).
You are well on your way to becoming a fine tailor!

**Peter C.** · 24th June 07, 12:33 PM

You've made a nice job of that coat. I do agree that it could be made even better with the right buttons. You can get nice celtic buttons at this web site: www.faireware.com/button1.html

Peter

**MacWage** · 24th June 07, 03:26 PM

If you had gone a bit longer, it may have been easier.
Most jackets of that style come to the end of the stitching on the fell (back of the kilt).

It looks like you adapted the length of the waistcoat I made, so the length is my fault

. Though, I REALLY LIKE the look.

I may so a "short rounded cut-off" with one of my Goodwill buys.

(The reason I squared off the ends of mine was so that I would button it closed and not need the belt

)

**McMurdo** · 24th June 07, 03:35 PM

That is a wonderful first effort, I am sure you will find the occasion to wear it now that you have yourself a kilt jacket. Congratulations on the new jacket, I agree with some of the others, that the silver buttons will make it more "Formal" however with that colouring I would suggest bone or antler buttons instead of silver, as the silver buttons would be more "at home" on a black jacket, as they are for formal wear.

**Alan H** · 25th June 07, 11:59 AM

My only comment is that it's a little bit short. This is almost a waistcoat, with sleeves! It should be about 3 inches longer.

However, nothing wrong with that, and now you have a jacket to wear!

**Don Patrick** · 25th June 07, 12:14 PM

Looks good - sorta an Irish look to it. An Irish spirit - Will-of-the-wisp.

**sporranlegionaire** · 25th June 07, 12:31 PM

Yes, it does in fact feel short. Anyway, it was really just a test run. At least, now I know how difficult it is getting good results using finer material. I think I've found a use for it - playing the accordion - that'll hide most of it!

**O'Neille** · 25th June 07, 01:31 PM

I had the same problem with my first jacket conversion. I had some scalpels from work and was having a hard time with the tight stitching. So, I turned the pockets inside out and went at them from the inside. It was much easier and no harm done to the jacket. Sometimes a bit of steam relaxes the fibers enough to get at them too. I like the short look. If I find a lovat green coat I may do the same. O'Neille