Full Dress doublet from suit coat

**OC Richard** · 22nd May 11, 04:44 AM

I just dragged up this old photo, of myself around 1976, wearing a mililtary style Full Dress doublet which I converted from a navy blue suit coat I got for a couple dollars at Goodwill.

Since I didn't know how to operate a sewing machine, every stitch was done by hand.

I had no pattern or example to go by other than photos of soldiers in Full Dress in various books.

The "shells" are also completely done by hand. I didn't know at that time that the lace bars on the shells go at an angle, so here they're straight.

The kilt was made by my grandmother, the plaid by myself.

**CMcG** · 22nd May 11, 05:20 AM

I'm definitely not an expert in piper's wear, but it looks legit to me. Do you still have that doublet?

**longhuntr74** · 22nd May 11, 07:22 AM

Richard...You definitely win the prize for Most Impressive Conversion! That's simply amazing.

**TheNaughtyScot** · 22nd May 11, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by longhuntr74

Richard...You definitely win the prize for Most Impressive Conversion! That's simply amazing.

I would definitely agree with this title. We should see if the moderators would be willing to create a list of top 10 DIY conversions with a poll. This would certainly get top marks. Excellent work!

-Ian

**OC Richard** · 23rd May 11, 04:55 AM

Wow thanks! Maybe it will serve as inspiriation for others thinking about doing the same thing...

I was a broke teenager with time on my hands and I did all sorts of stuff I wouldn't attempt now. At that time I did, as I recall, four different jacket conversions, all from suit coats or sportcoats got at Goodwill:

1) Full Dress military doublet
2) tweed Day Dress jacket
3) 79th New York military jacket
4) 1780's Highland regimental pattern jacket

They're all long gone, to where I have no idea. I don't think I have a single photo of the tweed Day jacket conversion.