Cursed Remnants

[Harold Cannon]

I would love to have a waistcoat like this. I have a new MacMillan Hunting kilt on its way and some extra fabric that would fit the bill for a project like this.

The only difference to mine would be that I would like the tartan on the bias.

[cruiser348]

I think you work turned out quite well. A bevy of interesting ideas for bits of scrap, well more than a bit in the case of the waistcoat.

[piperdbh]

I like the waistcoat, too and am also interested in the pattern you used. As much as I dislike making collars, this one would be worth it.

[Elf]

Thank you all for the kind comments. I don't know how to quote several people at once, so I took notes and have a few answers to the questions:

For Tobus, Friday and Piperdbh: The pattern originally came from a 19th century tailor's manual reprint which a dance friend owned. I no longer have access to the book and can't remember the title. The pattern has been further altered with reference to a re-enactor friend's military waistcoat (US civil war) to get the up or down collar. The original collar did not go around the back but was sewn into the shoulder seam. So short answer is that there is not published pattern to which I could point you.

Harold: Yes, I have seen the bias good looking waistcoats on the bias posted here, however it was not an option in this case as it would have taken a wider piece of fabric than what was left. Madmacs: There was however just enough to get the sides without piecing provided it was not in the same width as the kilt's waist binding. The facings, collar and etc shared width with that. Also to repeat, note that the back is solid colour cotton fabric. That shows the limits of the remnant.

Piperdbh: Spending so much time in the 19th century, I am quite used to collars on my waistcoats. Glad however to bring such ideas to wider view. Hope you have success.

BuchananBiker: Sorry not to have been able to find your previous post and credit you personally in my original post. Thank you again for stimulating the thought processes. I will be ready now to join the Harley Owner's Group on their anual ride to the Highland Games in better style.

[Tobus]

Darn! It figures that the pattern for that waistcoat would be unattainable!

Something I should have said earlier: mad props for the awesome beard and epic 'stache!

[Kiltboy]

Those are some very creative uses of leftover tartan. Love the vest, especially the collar and buttons.

The pattern originally came from a 19th century tailor's manual reprint which a dance friend owned...

Hmmmmm..... Might that book be The Blue Book of Men's Tailoring (1907) ? Your vest looks amazingly like the pattern on pages 208-209.

Or Tobus, you can try this vest pattern from Folkwear. It's similar, but not identical.

[Lorna]

All of your ideas are very creative! I really admire your waistcoat and since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery I searched "mens waistcoat pattern high collar" and a website called Timeless Stitches popped up. It seems pretty close....

http://www.tstitches.com/store/patternspage8.htm

This link now has a 404 error.

[SMLEgoat]

For another similar pattern try a search for Kannik's Korner Men's Waistcoat Single Breasted 1790-1815. I picked mine up from William Booth Draper at www.wmboothdraper.com.

Very similar cut to the one by Elf and a few other options for the collar and body are included in the packet. I have used this one for Federal Period wool and hemp waist coats with the high/fold down collars and plan to make a few alterations to it in the near future for a summer weight linen kilt waist coat. I have liked working with this pattern compared to some of the other I have used because it has fit more true to modern size and length without alteration. Obviously will need to be shorted a bit to work with the higher rise of a kilt but I havent made it that far yet.

[BuchananBiker]

No need for apologies bud.
Ride hard and keep her shiny side up.