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