Tux jacket conversion

[Bugbear]

Well good luck.

Yes, the fabric would probably need to be heffty, mine is corduroy, to do the full back vent flaps.

Did you work the waist reduction into the vent seam? It would seem like a good place since you already have the seam open.

I very much look forward to finding out how you do the pocket flaps. Those are the one thing on formal jackets that I don't quite understand yet.

[sydnie7]

Lots of fiddly hand-sewing going on tonight, doesn't photograph well. Stitched the straight portion of hem in similar manner to original -- raw edge turned under 1/4 inch, then 3/4 inch turned up for hem. I'm working on the lining now, will have some pics to post of that tomorrow morning.

Finally found a larger photo of Brian Boru jacket (thanks, USAK!) which has helped me decide how to "decorate" this conversion. All buttons will be round and gold-tone (to match the cantle of his formal sporran, and his kilt pin).

Pockets will stay as is -- straight opening with narrow satin band -- no flap or buttons added there.

Wide cuffs that rise to a single point will be applied to sleeves, with three buttons parallel to edge of cuff "on the rise."

Three large buttons on either side of jacket front, roughly parallel to lapel but about 2 or 3 inches to the outside, middle button aligned with bottom of lapel (I'll play with this layout before committing to it).

Button and chain closure for the jacket, buttons for the epaulettes.

Still lots to do but I am feel good about it at this point.