Tux jacket conversion

[sydnie7]

Starting at the high point, I stitched the edge of the cuff to the sleeve -- lots of tiny hand stitching. I tried to avoid catching up the sleeve lining in these stitches and was mostly successful. The buttons will be sewn through all layers, so I don't know that it matters.


Stitched down from the high point along the other edge of cuff.


I have deliberately left the cuff "under arm" seam open all this time. This is where I will make final fit adjustments.


Here, I'm stitching the bottom of cuff to bottom of sleeve -- inside and hidden.


Finally, I stitch the cuff under arm seam.


Do all that again on the other side!

[sydnie7]

Now it's starting to look like a formal kilt jacket! Time to decide where the buttons go. I laid out two schemes and let Bob have a vote. We decided, at this time, to not include the extra buttons marching up alongside the lapel.


Keep in mind he will be wearing military decorations with this, so we think the extra buttons would be overkill. We'll see how it looks this weekend, can always add them on!

So now I'm sewing three buttons to each cuff, one to each epaulette, one in front (other will be fastened to end of chain) and calling it DONE!

I'll post a final, dressed photo here after the weekend shindig and call this thread ended.

Have I mentioned that I want to make him a bow tie and maybe a vest for this outfit? Stay tuned. . . as Mein has noted, sleep is highly over-rated!

[Bugbear]

Neat! I've been wondering what all the hubbub with the cuffs is, and I think I have a pretty good idea now.

[sydnie7]

Neat! I've been wondering what all the hubbub with the cuffs is, and I think I have a pretty good idea now.

Ted, these are pretty simple cuffs as kilt jackets go. There can be a lot more to them -- multiple points, ridges, top-stitching. I went with a simple design because that's what I saw on Brian Boru jackets (same shawl collar as my base tux).

So many choices!

[Bugbear]

Sounds good though. It was suggested to me that ribbed silk, possiblely satin, for the cuffs would look very good I just don't understand what the ribbing is all about; like which direction it runs etc.

I can at least very clearly understand what you are doing here. Perhaps because it is simple.

And I was just looking at the different jabot and cuff sets you have on your site. * sigh * Perhaps one day...

[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. . .