So, basically, every year, I have a little Christmas party with my good friends.

This year, however, I am doing something a bit different. I am making it formal, in terms of dress. I mean, I like to dress up all fancy, but I hardly ever get the chance!

Anyway, as the host of this party, I will naturally want to look impressive. To this end, I have purchased a Black Mandarin Eton Jacket from Uniformalwearhouse, which I plan to convert into a single-breasted doublet (I believe that somewhere around here there is a picture of Hamish wearing one).

One its-bitsy problem:

I have never sewn a stitch in my life.

Any help from you veteran DIYers would be greatly appreciated.

I'll post a pic of the jacket once it arrives (the website says it should take 4 days).