. . . and the Thrift Gods smiled

[MNlad]

I struck gold at a local thrift shop about six months ago — a mid 1960s tweed jacket with twin vents, higher collar, ticket pocket, and slightly higher button and pocket placement than is the norm today. In other words, what some still consider to be the "Classic" tweed jacket, even 50 years later. I almost felt guilty taking it off their hands for $5.




With the higher front button and pocket placement, it was a rather simple measure to shorten the jacket to kilt length. It was then that things began to get away from me. First I found some genuine stag buttons. My bargain jacket instantly went up in price to $35. Then, I though, if I'm going this far, I might as well add buttonholes as well on the cuffs, pockets, and epaulettes.



Now, the usual finishing touch to a DIY like this is a shot of the X-marker wearing the finished product. That WAS the plan. I had a Maple Leaf wool kilt on order from Rocky and thought it would be the perfect accompaniment for the jacket. It was due to arrive right around Christmas, and actually came the day after (well done, Rocky). Unfortunately, the heart attack arrived three days earlier.

So, after two weeks in the hospital, another week of recovery, and a permanent zipper added to my anatomy, I've yet to have the opportunity to put the two together, other than on the bed. However, they do seem to compliment each other.



For now, I'll just consider them a good incentive to keep up with the rehab.