Latest Jacket Conversion

[Mickey]

Finally finished my latest conversion, a green wool suit jacket from the thrift store. I think this one cost 8 bucks. I started off wanted to go a bit beyond the basic jacket, maybe an Argyle style, but decided that it was just a bit too much for me. I wanted something that suited me a bit more. In other words, a bit less Scottish.

So I played with different cuff ideas, came up with one that I really liked and even had the outline basted in when my wife informed me that my idea had already been done before on the Kilkenny..*sigh*.. So I went cuffless, at least for now, but fancied it up just a tad. I'm really please with this one (I learn more every time I do one) and can't wait for the temps to fall so I can wear it out.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional (as will be seen) so this is not a How To but rather a What I Did. Until today, I hadn't set up the sewing machine so everything was done by hand stitching (which I enjoy... very relaxing).

Here is the starting point, with the sleeve length basted in.


I Basted a line for where I want it all to end, making sure to only catch the top layer in forward area, where the curve is.


By only catching the top layer with the basting, I was able to split the leading edges to be able to get the same "finished" look when done.


Then I cut everything about 1/2 inch below the pattern line and basted the edge up to the pattern line to double check of the lines and do some small tweaks


Folding the leading edges back into themselves until they reach the pattern line and basting in position


Everything in final basted position


Leading edge fully basted


Blind stitching the leading edge after making sure I was happy with it. After this, I turned this part inside out, trimmed the excess and put in some reinforcing stitches.

[Mickey]

Removed the pocket flap and welt from the inside, then resewed the remaining edges back together through the original stitch markings, a bit loose to make sure I wouldn't pucker the hang of the jacket.


I split the shoulder seam and sewed in the epaulette, per FHCAG's instructions on her thread. The epaulettes were made in sort of a similar fashion, btw.


Completed epaulette seam.


Then it was time to do the @&$%@! lining. I turned it inside out, and trimmed it about an inch below the edge of the jacket, and basted into position. I redid this 3 times, before being sort of happy with the hang. Then I sewed the seams of the lining to the seams of the jacket, then did a very loose sew in between. I did this another three times before I was happy. I really hate the lining. Maybe if I actually read a book and learned how to do it the right way, I wouldn't mind them, but of course, where's the fun in that?


Epaulette button


Sleeve and pocket flap buttons. I thought I took pics of the pocket flaps when I made them, but apparently I didn't, or I can't find them on the computer. I made a bit of a drop point on them, cut them a bit higher than normal to raise them up a bit, and sewed the bottom edge corners to just below the pocket openings.


And here are two shots of the completed jacket, in very bad need of a trip to the dry cleaners for cat hair removal and a good pressing. I had multiple photos taken of this but it really doesn't want to photograph well. But you get the idea. I think I'll refer to it as my Irish Hunter.




Believe me, if I can do this, anybody can do it. If you are worried about attempting it, pick up a jacket that you don't like just to mess around with. Take it apart and see how they are made, and play.

I'll guarantee you that there are better, and probably easier ways to do this, but if you aren't in a rush, it is really kind of fun. And if you screw up, just redo it. It's only thread.

Maybe on my next one, I'll actually use the sewing machine. If I relearn how to use it.

[madmacs]

Looks good

Im guessing if you look at the original stitching it was done on the inside of the 2 pieces you sewed together effectively making the stitches invisible... Ditto for putting the lining back in... Means you have a small section of exposed stitching, but the lining if it's cut long then pressed covers it too... Cant tell from your pics if thats what you did or not, but if not might be.worth a look next time since you dont like playing with the lining...

Martini's at your place by the look of it... Make mine a gibson...

[CMcG]

That looks very sharp. I like the subtlety of the epaulettes and the curve of the sporran cutaway is quite smooth.

[davidlpope]

That looks very sharp. I like the subtlety of the epaulettes and the curve of the sporran cutaway is quite smooth.

***.

[Mickey]

Looks good

Im guessing if you look at the original stitching it was done on the inside of the 2 pieces you sewed together effectively making the stitches invisible... Ditto for putting the lining back in... Means you have a small section of exposed stitching, but the lining if it's cut long then pressed covers it too... Cant tell from your pics if thats what you did or not, but if not might be.worth a look next time since you dont like playing with the lining...

Martini's at your place by the look of it... Make mine a gibson...

Thanks mac. Yes, the original was done from the inside, but I'm not good enough at sewing yet to attempt it. There are no visible stitches though. I buried the stitches just inside the edge. A real PITA, but I really hate visible stitching. And yes, I fold and press the lining to cover the stitching. Main problem I have with them is getting it too tight or pulled in one spot each time so I get a buckle in the fabric. Getting better at it though. I'd take some new pics but the wife has the camera on vacation for the weekend.

Yes, gotta have martinis in the summer. Vodka, shaken not stirred, very dry and very dirty. Olives and brine from Santa Barbara Olive Co. Though I've been known to toss in an onion now and then

That looks very sharp. I like the subtlety of the epaulettes and the curve of the sporran cutaway is quite smooth.

Thank you sir. The epaulettes are sewn down full length making them purely decorative. I don't really like epaulettes in general, but this does tone them down a bit. I didn't even want to add them but my wife talked me into it. I'm glad she did. They added a nice, slightly more dressy touch. Also, rather than do them exactly like FHCAG did, I cut them down so there was only about 1/8 inch hem all around the edges, rather than a full double thickness of fabric, with a thick seam in the middle. Helped to get them to lay flatter.

I still have some material to do some form of cuff later on, if I can figure out something that I like. I just wish I could find a matching waistcoat because I love this material.

[Elf]

Very nice. I wouldn't be afraid to wear it anywhere. I echo the admiration of the smooth curve in front. I especially like those buttons. You questioned the lining. I learned to turn the lining through a book at the public library--great resource public libraries.

[Whidbey78]

That looks really good! I like how you did the pocket flaps. I've always used the originals if it had them and relocated them if needed, or made new ones in different dimensions but in the same generic square shape. I might have to do a point or maybe scallops on my next one. Thanks for the idea.

I dig the buttons too. Are they original to this jacket? If not, where did you find them?

[FatherWilliam57]

That looks really grand! You should be very proud of your accomplishment. I, too, like the look of that material. Agreed, a matching vest would be top notch! (If you find the same jacket in a 43R, feel free to whip me up one...)

[Kevin80222]

I think you did an EXCELLENT job!