Tux jacket conversion

[1MUNK3]

Wow ! That's turning out great. I can't wait to see the final, finished product.

[sydnie7]

Nearly finished with the accompanying vest and bow tie -- just hand work, buttons and such. Final press and we'll be on our way on schedule, noonish tomorrow. Pics on Monday, if I survive!

FYI bow tie is black dupioni silk (all I could get on short notice) and vest is black wool that I had on hand, from back when I was thinking of making a PC from scratch. I might have been able to create a vest out of the remaining pants fabric, but that would have taken more time and fiddling. With a reasonably matching piece of yardage on hand, why bother? But it's a thought for other DIYers who are playing with a full monkey suit.

Oh, bow tie pattern is free online from Burda. Vest is from a Burda pattern I had on hand, except the pattern has a high neckline, 5 buttons, and those pointy vest front bottoms. I re-cut the neckline to better match the jacket, reduced it to 3 buttons, and cut the lower edge straight across and just a tad higher.

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

Very nice conversion! That's an understatement, actually.

Let's see....

What a georgeous jacket!

I think I've lost my title as the DIY queen.

Oh well.

Be well,

Star

[Bugbear]

I need to make one of those bow tie patterns; it has to be cardboard or stiff plastic for me to use it.

Anyway, I have learned a lot from this thread, thanks. Hope all goes well.

[sydnie7]

Thank you, Star, that is high praise indeed but far from the truth! I do think this came out well (being my first try at a conversion) but I have changes to make, as I've noted in the edit to my very first post in this thread.

Here's the jacket in action!

Bob looking stiff and uncomfortable prior to the event


A great picture of relaxed and smiling Bob, at the raffle prize table


I'm going to post a separate thread on the event itself, but wanted to tidy up this thread with finished photos. Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and interest in this project! It was well worth the time and effort -- now to fix those tiny little things that need fixing. . . (again, as noted in my first post edit).

P.S. If you're going to use the Burda bow tie pattern, check the neck size of wearer and lengthen the tie strap as necessary before cutting fabric. The pattern as is only adjusts up to about 16 inches. . . fortunately I had time Friday night to tack an extra length into the already made tie. . .

[mbhandy]

A very nice conversion. Looks like a job well done.

MrBill

[Bugbear]

Guess if the buttons were too wide to go through the buttonholes on that chain closure, a small clip, kind of like what is on some sporran chains, could be put on the link between the chain and buttons.

Hope all goes well.

[sydnie7]

Guess if the buttons were too wide to go through the buttonholes on that chain closure, a small clip, kind of like what is on some sporran chains, could be put on the link between the chain and buttons.

Hope all goes well.

That's just what we are going to do. The chain is small, like a man's necklace rather than sporran-sized, so I am going to sew both buttons in place on the jacket. Then sew a small ring inside the jacket behind each button, and put a necklace-style lobster claw clasp on both ends of the chain. That way, the chain can stay home when the jacket goes to the cleaners.

[Bugbear]

Ah, Exelent.

I was thinking of getting an Eton jacket; replacing the single button with a silver button and small metal ring sewn to the inside; then attaching a chain and clip with a matching silver button to the small ring.

That way I would not have to make a second buttonhole, and I would not have to use the chain closure if dressing down a bit or wearing a pocket watch.