First kilt jacket, $10 good will, tailored..sort of.

[Burly Brute]

So I basically cut about 7 inches of the bottom all the way around, hemmed it, and also added the swoop just above the 2nd button. What do you all think? Also! Those were some of the local pipe bands! It was awesome! They did a tribute to tucson and its victims, it was beautiful.

[greenfordranger]

Very nice job! Looks good

[Whidbey78]

That looks pretty darn good. Nice placement on the pocket flaps. A lot of folks dont move them and it looks off. Those are right where they should be. Well done.

[SlackerDrummer]

That looks pretty darn good. Nice placement on the pocket flaps. A lot of folks dont move them and it looks off. Those are right where they should be. Well done.

I don't think those were moved. That's where all the pocket flaps are on my Saxon jackets - upper half of forearm. On a typical Argyll jacket, the pocket flap is really only about an inch to an inch and a half further up. It really just depends on the cut and placement of the pocket as to how "off" it looks. Looks pretty good here, though, I admit.

[davidlpope]

Well done! This looks so much better than the ubiquitous black Argyll with chrome buttons that one always sees at highland games around here.

One unsolicitated observation: Have you considered lighter hose? I notice that all the pipers in your photos are wearing either black or white. No reason to match them/ take style hints from them. Perhaps a nice lovat green or maybe a dark red/burgundy? Just something to think about.

Cordially,

David

[Kiltboy]

Very nice.

Now that you have modified one, it's time for a second one. Trust me, it will be even easier the second time.

Keep up the good work.

[CMcG]

Nice work. Definitely looks better unbuttoned, IMHO.

[Burly Brute]

Im really pleased. And although I want to take the credit, alas, I did not move the pockets! lol

In regards to the hose, I do want to get some new ones just havent been able to afford them just yet, I think I will get some green ones as I also have some green polos, etc, I would like to wear with it. What do you all think?

ALSO! Here is the incredible part, I eye-balled the whole thing. I basically stood in the mirror, pinned one side like I liked it, hemmed it, cut off the excess, then laid it in the floor and folded the other side to match, pinned, hemmed, cut. Strangley the sides (at least in the back where the slit is) match up perfectly. I was pretty surprised as I have never been able to just "wing it" and do that decent of a job.

However, it doesnt look so grand inside where its frayed, etc. But, that is what $10 bucks will get ya! I will have to say, I got two compliments at the games, one from a manager of a kilt rental shop and one from an elderly man who was working the Donald clan tent. I must have done something right if they were so obliged, or maybe they just felt like keeping my spirits up! haha. Either way, I'll take it.


Only problem now...I can't stop thinking about what I want to try and chop up next! I am thinking about buying some cheap leather scraps and having my go at a sporran pattern.

Thanks all for the kind words!!!!

slainte,

Zach

[Whidbey78]

I assumed you had patch pockets and moved the flap. I always have had to on my conversions, but have had to use two-button suit jackets most of the time. Three and four button blazers are pretty much unheard of in these parts as folks are either dressed for manual labor or in a suit. I've actually found more tuxedo jackets than blazers. Just one of the joyful oddities of living in the boonies.

Either way, it looks good. You made a pretty good choice in that jacket.

[kykilted]

Looks good to me. I have a lady working on one and will have it in about 2 weeks and knowing her she will do great even if it is her first. I have my mothers old sewing machine but my wife and I didn't have the nerve, or the time, to even try it on a $3 jacket from Goodwill.