DIY Kilt Jacket ( daywear)

[Freelander Sporrano]

Hi Lads,And now Lassies as well....

I've got a wool Blazer that I would like to have sewn to a kilt jacket by my sister-in-law (Brave woman) I've got the Thompson book. But has anyone tried it..?

Are there any areas not covered in the book and what about Length and such Should the Cut be the same as a PC ? I can may be borrow an Argyle to get the shape right would this be a help?

I seem to remember Richard has done it ...I'm not sure.

Help me out lads ....

[Colin]

My wife and I made one attept, but failed due to the shoty make up of a very old jacket. If your sister in law knows what she is doing, she should be alright. I am making another attempt at altering a day jacket, but this time I am also using the Simplicity Kilt pattern to help with the cut and instructions. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=8155368486

Good Luck David.

[Hamish]

If you are really planning a DAY jacket, David, don't go for the Prince Charlie look - that is essentially for Evening Dress wear, and also requires a waistcoat. In my 'umble opinion, it would look totally wrong or, at least, inappropriate if worn as a Day Jacket. If you are able to beg, borrow or steal an Argyll, or a Crail, as a model, then do it.

The Crail, by the way, is is a slightly less ornate version of the Argyll, particularly in respect of the turn-back cuffs on the sleeves.

Of course, one can wear what one wants, but I don't think you would want to look ridiculous, which I think you might if you followed the PC route.

Just my 0.617 Kroner-worth!

Take care,
Ham.

PS: Sorry, David. I may have been jumping to conclusions here. The Argyll style jacket is more commonly a Day jacket than one for evening wear. I have three, and all are in tweed. If you are considering evening wear, then yes, go for the PC style, but it will require a bow-tie not an ordinary one. H.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

In the Irish tradition, the shortie coats are encouraged. You do not wear a waistcoat or vest under it. With that point, you also DO wear a kilt belt and buckle, along with the sporran.

If I can figure-out where the pictures of this are located, I'll toss them on here later. It's worn for formal and informal occasions, and (with a tux shirt and bow tie) is worn at weddings. I've had to research this one extensively.

Thankfully I have GREAT sources! The buttons on the Irish jackets are NOT the square/diamond ones that you see in the Scot attire, but are round. Little differences to make the distinctions.

It looks like the options are out there, as long as you know the tradition that you're looking to follow.

[macwilkin]

Thompson's instructions for taking a sportcoat and converting it into a day jacket for a kilt do work --I know several people who have had local tailors convert sportcoats they have found in the local second-hand shop run by one of the Episcopal Churches here in Springfield into very nice day jackets using that pattern.

Cheers,

T.

[Buddha]

was with the wife in walmart sewing section a couple of days ago, and saw a pattern for a kilt jacket.

simplicity 5029

I'm just going to have a jacket converted, as the pattern doesnt go large enough

[bubba]

was with the wife in walmart sewing section a couple of days ago, and saw a pattern for a kilt jacket.

simplicity 5029

I'm just going to have a jacket converted, as the pattern doesnt go large enough

This pattern comes in several sizes, Mine is the BB, L, XL covering chest measurements from 42 to 48. It doesn't have all sizes in one pattern, just 2 and you need to find the particular pattern that fits. Watch the sewing stores for a sale. I got the pattern for $2 during a deal where they had all Simplicity patterns for $1.99

[Pittsburgh Kilts]

(I know I've posted this before, but...)

You could just do what I did: Went to the thrift store, found a used jacket, cut off the bottom and added a quick hem. This jacket cost me $2.50--just a few cents more than your pattern!

There's a picture of my jacket here: http://www.pittsburghkilts.com/dress.shtml

If you find one with "patch pockets" instead of slash pockets, they are easy to remove.

How hard was this? On a scale of 1 to 10, this was about a "2". I did it after a night of beer & darts, and had it ready for a wedding the next day.

[beerbecue]

Dang, I new I saw this thread somewhere, but couldn't find it yesterday. Sorry for the double post on the topic.

Any opinions as to suitability of material, etc.? I have seen several tweed jackets on eBay for decent money. A few in black, and some pretty shades of green/gray and blue/gray.

Any tips on how to deal with flap pockets, I have seen very few with patch pockets, but I suppose one could fashion some from the extra fabric after shortening the jacket...

As far as the tailoring, I suppose the only real necessity is decreasing the length, and one could just measure to the fell while wearing a kilt to ensure the jacket doesn't interfere with the swing..

Any input is welcome...

Geez, first I get the kilt bug, now I have the sewing bug.......

[Muddy]

I have a question on this perhaps someone
has an answer to. As to the shortness or
length of the jacket...what is the rule of
thumb? Top of the pleats? At the "butt crack",
where? I had a coat tailored somewhile back
and just estimated the length by "eye" and it
looks good but I wondered what the "official"
rule for determining length might be.
Thanks,
Muddy