Jacket Conversion in an Afternoon

**Panache** · 9th May 09, 08:16 AM

Originally posted by The F-H.C.A.G. 1/25/09

This morning I was complaining about all the tedious things I was going to have to do this afternoon (clean the litter box, do some laundry, vacuum, etc.).

My darling husband volunteered to do all on the list if I would only turn this bargain of a jacket into a kilt jacket for him.

It was on sale, so of course he couldn't resist it.

I liked the brand!

Check out the liner on this baby!

So, I gathered the necessary supplies.

And got to work.

More to come...

**Panache** · 9th May 09, 08:17 AM

So, I measured twice.

And, after a few shots of courage, I cut once.

I had to pull up the pocket linings, otherwise I would have cut right across the bottom of the pockets. This pocket looks like it's sticking its tongue out at me!

Look how deep these pockets were! Even after folding them up, they'll still be use-able.

This bit off the back will provide material for epaulets.

This jacket is actually styled very nicely for a kilt jacket-it has side vents instead of a single back vent.

Sewing it all up, and epaulets to come...

**Panache** · 9th May 09, 08:17 AM

Once I'd boldly chopped off the bottom of the jacket, I tucked the edges up inside and pinned (with a little help from the cat)

I pressed as I went, holding the edge with the pins. It was at this point that I gave my usual blood sacrifice, but I decided not to take a picture of it this time. This is a family friendly forum after all. Luckily the liner is red!

I then took a few shots to be sure it lined up ok.

Looking good enough, so I went ahead and sewed the edge, trying my best to match up with the pre-existing seam (no pictures of the actually sewing-sewing machines are not very exciting).

Epaulets coming up...

**Panache** · 9th May 09, 08:18 AM

For the epaulets, I cut strips from the part I'd chopped off the back of the jacket.

I sewed them with a taper (the strip on top) and then trimmed and turned right side out (the strip below), and pressed with the seam on the underside.

Using buttons removed from the jacket (the spare and one from the front), I positioned the epaulets and sewed the side under the collar (just through the button).

The bit that always makes me nervous is ripping the shoulder seam-I'm never quite sure how well the jacket will be constructed here, and there is a risk of destroying the jacket at this point.

So, I asked for another shot of courage as I contemplated getting started.

Fortified, I began to rip...

And, luckily, this jacket is not overly well made, so the layers were not too complex. The epaulets were easly tucked into place.

And then hand sewn through the shoulder, sleeve and epaulet. Turned out ok!

Final result...Not perfect, but good enough, considering that from start to finish (including a break for dinner, loading the photos and posting all of this) the project took about 3 hours.

Be well,

Star