tweed argyll conversion started...

**Mickey** · 7th June 11, 09:38 AM

It is kinda fun and relaxing, isn't it? Looks like it is coming along very nicely!

I'm almost finished with my second conversion, a really nice dark blue tweed. All I have left to do is make new flaps and sew the lining in. Then I can start on an incredibly pretty dark green wool, with lots of blue and red flecks in it.

I agree that disassembly was a great way to learn how jackets are made. I took a lot of time experimenting and learning some things to apply to the next one.

**Whidbey78** · 7th June 11, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by madmacs

One button is fairly normal on an argyll... since it was a 2 button jacket to start off with, there was no way the curves i used (from my store bought argyll) would fit with the second button staying.

That's very often the case when it comes to converting jackets. You're lucky if the cutout you really want doesn't wind up going right through the middle of the buttonhole. I didn't mean to imply that I find anything wrong with single button jackets. If done properly they look really smart. I just prefer to wear two button jackets.

I got fortunate with my last one and was able to keep both buttons, which was a good thing because I'm partial to that look. Of course, on my last conversion I also set out with the intention of creating a more contemporary look than traditional, so I went with a smaller radius in the cutout. In the end I removed the absolute minimum amount of material to clear the sporran, and also kept the hem very close to sleeve length.

Obviously, you are going with a more traditional cut, so I'm making an apple and orange comparison.

Now that I've seen it on you I'd say that cutout is perfect, and the overall fit and cut of the jacket lent itself to this very well. Good selection and good execution!

**Father Bill** · 7th June 11, 03:08 PM

Looks like you're doing a marvellous job. I'm impressed!

**cdarwin** · 9th June 11, 11:14 AM

The jacket is really coming along and it looks like you had a quality garment to start with. Keep up the good work!

**madmacs** · 9th June 11, 12:28 PM

Curves are done... sleeves are done (even removed the fake button holes)... still have the mariner cuffs and braided epaulettes... some pressing... then the lining to put back together, which i suspect will be a pain since it requires working inside the jacket while it's inside out (i think)...

I do have a question for anyone in the know though... so far i've been using basting for marking and temporary sewing, but i know that many people use tailors chalk, but how do you get rid of it if it's on the outside of the jacket?

**piperdbh** · 9th June 11, 01:14 PM

Use a stiff brush, a damp washcloth, or both.

**Calico** · 9th June 11, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by madmacs

i know that many people use tailors chalk, but how do you get rid of it if it's on the outside of the jacket?

There are two types of chalk, too. Some has wax added. This is harder to get off. (from TAOKM by Barb and Elsie).

My chalk marks always disappear before I'm ready for them to. Comes off pretty easy.

**room2ndfloor** · 9th June 11, 06:53 PM

I do have a question for anyone in the know though... so far i've been using basting for marking and temporary sewing, but i know that many people use tailors chalk, but how do you get rid of it if it's on the outside of the jacket?

I often use a little sliver of white soap instead of tailor's chalk. There's no dye, and if it won't flake off with a brush, you can dampen a rag and dab it off.

**madmacs** · 12th June 11, 06:13 AM

Well down to trying to find buttons... and seems like nobody has 17 matched buttons that I like...

Looked at three feathers, but nothing is really calling me...

Found some nice dragon ones in silver...

But dont seem to be able to get 16 in the 5/8 size anywhere...

I dont think that brass or copper would look right... thoughts?

**Mickey** · 12th June 11, 07:31 AM

Those are really nice buttons. Personally I would like silver, but I don't think that copper would look bad either. Not sure about brass with that color jacket.

I tried chalk but didn't like it too much. I'm not very good at eyeballing lines so I'm always making a lot of adjustments. So for me, it is easier and faster to pull out some basting stitches than scrubbing off marked lines. Plus I always seemed to leave just hints of lines, which threw off my eye when I had to redo something.

I'm looking forward to your cuffs and how you do them. I'm kicking the idea around of adding cuffs to one I'm doing right now, but having never seen a real argyll in person, I have no idea of how they are made and am a bit leery of just working off of advertised jacket photos.

Keep up the great work!