Conversion question.

[Sir Didymous]

In the late hours of a sleepless night (insomnia has became an issue of late) I got to thinking about something. How well would an American Civil War (Union) officer's uniform pattern work for making either a Sherrifmuir doublet and waist coat or a Kenmore doublet if the skirt of the frock coat were to be replaced with taches (I think that's what the flaps at the bottom are called.)? I was considering a project like this for some time, but I can't find a proper pattern for either of these styles. So I got to thinking of about some of the similar historical styles I've seen about. I think converting the pattern would be fairly simple. Who knows, I may make a tweed sherrifmuir similar to the one Mr. Newsome wears (that I think is absolutely awesome).

Here's the style I'm thinking about converting.

[ThistleDown]

Sir Didy, is there a reason for the intermediate step of the Civil War uniform jacket on your way to the Sherrifmuir or Kenmore?

Best wishes for a resolution to your insomnia issue.

[Sir Didymous]

The primary reason that I was going to use that pattern is because I haven't been able to find any patterns for these styles. I have looked for the military style jackets that they were derived from, but no patterns were turning up for those either. Since the body of this uniform jacket is tailored and separate from the skirt piece, I figured it would be somewhat easy to convert. I already own the pattern from past reenactment ambitions that may still pan out. I was going to make separate taches, epaulettes, and gauntlet cuffs, though I'm not sure if I want them on my doublets or not. I figured I could use the pocket flap and cuff patterns from my old 1770's frock coat pattern that I used back in 2002 for my senior prom. The advantage of being in reenactment for so long is that you have a variety of patterns on hand.

[O'Searcaigh]

I am certainly no tailor but I have converted several sport coats and other jackets for kilt wear including a WWI (theatrical) soldier's coat. I have found that clothing styles (costuming styles, to theatrical types) are pretty similar within periods regardless of nationality (except of course of majorly different cultures, e.g, Asian vs. European). For example, the general overall cut and look of most 19th Century western European, American, and Australian clothing is pretty similar (as they are too today). Most differences come in manner of decoration etc. All of this is to say that a pattern (or because I'm lazy, an already constructed garment) of a given period can usually be "converted" fairly easily to one of a somewhat different but within a given cultural "family." If I were doing the project I think you have in mind, I would look for a civil war or other 19th century style jacket like pictured and modify it instead of trying to build a whole new coat. But then, I'm pretty lazy

[Sir Didymous]

Well, I was considering using this to make a medium green wool Kenmore, so unless I can lay hands on a Lt. Union Sharp Shooter's frock, I think making one may be easier. But I appreciate the advice.

[Carlo]

Well, I was considering using this to make a medium green wool Kenmore, so unless I can lay hands on a Lt. Union Sharp Shooter's frock, I think making one may be easier. But I appreciate the advice.

I think making one is the better idea. I at least would not want to destroy something that nice and propably expensive.

[O'Searcaigh]

Well, I was considering using this to make a medium green wool Kenmore, so unless I can lay hands on a Lt. Union Sharp Shooter's frock, I think making one may be easier. But I appreciate the advice.

Oh, okay. Now I understand better. Too bad you couldn't lay your hands on a "Sharps's Rifles" type coat. Making a fitted/tailored (with padding, backing et al) coat is a bit beyond my sewing skills but one in green would probably be hard to come by unless made from scratch. I have about ten yards of dark green Pendleton suiting wool that would be great but again, I don't have the tailoring skills necessary for it. Vests and kilts I can handle but when it comes to shoulder padding, fitting etc. I've not been as successful. I also find most of the pieces I convert at thrift stores to keep costs down. If you are near a university or college with a theater program sometimes they can help out and quite reasonably. I guess a lot of my "Scottishness" is of the "thrifty" kind.

[Sir Didymous]

I think making one is the better idea. I at least would not want to destroy something that nice and propably expensive.

There are a few AmCiv reenactors that I know of around this area that portray Union sharp shooters, but they are scarce and you'd have to kill them to get their uniforms. They have to have them made to order at specialty shops. Some pay as much as $450 for just the frock in question. It's cheaper just to make it. I don't sew, but I have the good fortune of having a professional seamstress for a mom. She specializes in historical garments, so this would be a great project if I help with the pattern conversion. I do much of the research and designing for her garments. So I have a deal of knowledge on how things go together, but lack the skill to do it myself.