I Made a Historical Waistcoat from a $1 Blazer || My Favorite Thrift Flip

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you all for watching! Take a moment to subscribe and leave me a comment about what you'd like to see next time!

[@kummiekins]

I needed this tutorial, so badly. Why you ask? Well I’ll tell you why, cos i stupendously botched a sleeve shortening job i did on a thrifted large men’s double breasted 100% wool blazer and decided i no longer want a smaller tailored double breasted 100% wool blazer and that i should want a tailored double breasted 100% wool waistcoat instead haha!

[@Kera.S.]

Your videos always begin with, "I hope this works out, I've never done this before" and then WOW! 👍👏👏👏

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Plenty of self-doubt mixed with an F-it attitude has gotten me this far, but someday it's going to kick my butt.

[@Kera.S.]

@@KatieMakesStuff Naaa, just go with it, I'm the same way and so far the only downside is the extra time it takes me to figure stuff out on my own instead of doing something the traditional way. Probably why I enjoy your channel! Hope you are doing well and were enjoying your YT break.

[@Raksacker]

So glad you’re back! I also get nervous cutting into fabric. Shit, I get nervous cutting into thrifted bedsheets. Hahaha

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Me too! Like, it's only $1, but what if I screw it up?!?

[@Barackrifle]

The ending: elegance, grace, poise...swig from big fizz 😂😂

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I am the pinnacle of class and refinement 🤣

[@madamogee9041]

I lol’ed at the drink!

[@janbritt903]

Great video! And it gives us confidence to try things like this too. :D By the way, the fabric design is a glen plaid.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Oh cool! Thank you for that!

[@cordeliamartinez9958]

I love the red skirt you are wearing with the waistcoat . Is it one you made. i don't see a video, so, if you are looking for suggestions, i can't be the only one who wants to know more about it....(love your videos by the way. I sewed for years, but got away from it, and find myself kind of phobic about starting back up, and your candid videos are a great inspiration/comfort)

[@toni5810]

I wouldn't have thought to convert a jacket into a waistcoat. Thanks and I enjoyed your video. (My first time on your channel and new subscriber!).

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I think I'm going to revisit this project this year. I liked the way this turned out but I think I can do it even better!

[@connieunknown6237]

Praise the Lord Sista, thank you for this video I am trying to make a blazer a vest. Taken off the sleeves and altering the blazer.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

You're so welcome!! My recommendation now that it's been a while since I made it: sew in some boning channels and use thick zip ties or actual boning to keep its structure. It's fine without, but I've added boning to mine to help it look less rumpled.

[@julieheath6335]

Looks great! You should DEFINITELY wear it in real life. If you want an even *more* perfect fit, try opening the lining and add some Bernadette style padding to the hollow part of your chest. Between your shoulder blades and clavicle, that is.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I thought about that, and I'll probably try it on the next one.

[@lynnshepard7485]

Epic remake, Katie! In my eyes, there’s nothing you can’t do! 🥰

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I'll find something someday! And it will be epic, I'm sure!

[@DeborahPerry-i5o]

I love this, love your personality ❤❤❤

[@shuntegameadows7645]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you. Thank you! Learned a lot

[@suzannelathrop3432]

Oh my goodness! I just commented on another one of your videos telling you I was a subscriber and that you are also a fan of two others who I admire and another one is Bernadette so this is at least 3 creators we both follow... If I didn't sub after the second person in common, Miss Banner would have to be it. It's a small world! Looking forward to your content!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Sounds like we've got some pretty similar tastes! Welcome!

[@bludolfin53]

WOW, I am glad that i found you. Because I was looking for a way to convert a mans suit jacket into a vest. Because the pants fits the man but my cousin just decided to cut here and there into the suit jacket!!!! But now that I found you, I am going to attempt to redo this suit coat / jacket. thank you so much for your video and your help.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I wish you the best of luck and I hope it turns out well! I was super happy with the results.

[@deenoekuekinjuhuujahaa1804]

Thank you for the video! I had been contemplating turning an old wool coat into a vest and watching your process actually really helped me. I will actually shorten my coat to be a Bolero fit coat just over waist length. Super scared to cut it because it is actually older than me, partially cashmere but I do want it to be wearable!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I'd recommend thrifting a similar blazer and practicing first. That way you can go through the process before cutting into your nice coat.

[@tracyclark7560]

go girl!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

🤗

[@CarolinesDaughter]

Claire would approve!!

[@andyaninoeriman4020]

Tq… inspiring me to have another style vest from old blazers

[@tinyhouse9959]

Failure is part of the process - what a great line! And knowing this is not a waste of time but a learning event is so encouraging.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

There are times I have to repeat it through the WHOLE project, but generally I try to live by that mantra.

[@faerdineth4239]

Awesome!!!

[@robstrck8]

Yes!!! Great to see you again 🤗

[@lisacestkowski1805]

Brilliant! The finished product looks great! I would never have guessed that it started out as a 1980s Alfred Dunner blazer if I didn’t watch the transformation.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I've been chasing this thrill since finding the jacket and have yet to see anything worth transforming since. Whomp whomp

[@pinky_t7061]

Looks great!!

[@littlesammyf7380]

This is so elegant and cool. I have a jacket of my late fathers, this could be the way I wear it, will buy a practice first!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I think that would be such a great way to have a piece of him with you! Lovely idea!

[@MaryamBehairy]

I loveeeed it so much. Your cinematography at reveal resembles Kathy Hays outfits 😊. Great job. Ms. funny lady, you and your "fancy" drink😂.

[@talloolahmoon]

Inspired!!!

[@robstrck8]

That turned out so good!!!! You better wear that (too aggressive?) should wear it 😉

[@KatieMakesStuff]

You're right, I just need to get the courage to wear it with confidence.

[@robstrck8]

@@KatieMakesStuff I’ll make a deal with you. You wear the waistcoat with confidence and I’ll do the same with a skirt I made out of a dress I bought second hand lol

[@nicholamanukau2697]

that looks so good, you did an amazing job :)

[@johnmichaelRagmac]

Omg thankyouuu I'm a high school student and bought a blazer instead of a vest this really helped me alot

[@deonuacid]

That turned out sooooooo beautiful, you have inspired me to do the same with an old blazer I have and will never use unless it looks like your make. Thank you!!!!!!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Oh man, I hope it turns out well! Glad I could help a bit!

[@thegirlwithdustonherface]

That’s pretty damn good, Katie! What a way to spend .50 but looking like a million! Great job! Ps. I missed your humor!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you! I so missed posting and our little community. I'm excited to be back!

[@marciakessler1911]

I hope you wear this vest!! It is fabulous!! You are inspiring me to get my rear in gear and finish my renfest outfit!! ❤from KS!

[@cd2street]

I had a friend who adored 1970's style and collected it avidly but only wore it at home until one day she just said 'stuff it- this is me and I am just going wear my things all the time' - in that moment she affirmed herself and it was a move she never regretted. I think for her it is not so much courage ( although it is a bit ) but it is much more just knowing that this was her style. I think when you and I know it is right it will be a small leap to wear it everywhere....... well maybe not my medieval gear 🤣

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I think elements of medieval armour could make for some kickass accessories, and even if you don't feel brave in them, they'll make you look tough as nails!

[@amakerwitch]

Yoooooo you’re back! “Press the shit out of it” is one of my sewing mantras lol. A good steamy iron can hide a lot of sins. I really love how this turned out! It’s very hobbitcore, I’m a big fan. I am probably gonna try something like this because I want a little waistcoat too - my measurements make it hard to find one that actually fits lol. Buuuut this feels doable? Glad to see you!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I'm trying to decide if I'm meant to be hobbity, but I definitely want to try! And this was far more doable than I expected. If I had machine sewed any of it, it would have gone even faster.

[@alisontoms4986]

Press the shit out of it 🤣😂.. brilliant! 💞

[@KatieMakesStuff]

My inside thoughts cannot be contained!!

[@TheJanet3657]

Amazing and really suits you would look cool with jeans and a nice top and shoulder bag. I have just taken the sleeves out of my work jacket, and it is now a gilet, great tips thanks 😀

[@TheVelvetKitten]

That looks beautiful on you! It's wonderful! I'm going to do it!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Best of luck to you, my friend!

[@jennglow4647]

Cool 😀

[@alisontoms4986]

I hope you realise how funny you are....when you said let's try this bitch on...my husband heard and we both burst out laughing!...love it x

[@KatieMakesStuff]

If calling inanimate objects bad names is your jam, I'm your girl!!

[@kathrynledger]

Fantastic! Definitely going to do this, but I'd need to save the pockets (can't not have pockets). Doing anything is never failing, it's improving.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Yeah, I was sad to not have pockets. In retrospect, I wonder if I had brought up the shoulders first, could I have saved the pockets a bit more. And that would have raised the armscye a bit more.

[@kathrynledger]

@@KatieMakesStuff Would that not have made the collar a whole lot more difficult to deal with, instead of just ironing "the shit out of it" 😂

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Oh, you're right. Glad I didn't go that way...🤣

[@kathrynledger]

I was really encouraged by watching Bernadette Banner to try anything, but I love watching Downtown Tailoring for her in depth tutorials for mere mortals. Reckon I'd find one of her tutorials to move the pockets and hide the original holes.

[@beeshanx1019]

Fantastic job! I am inspired to make a vest 😊

[@amauryy4417]

Smart idea and succesfull project! I love your floral shirt too....

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you! I have a video about how I made it around here somewhere 😂

[@amauryy4417]

@@KatieMakesStuff yes I found it, thank you!

[@IndigoSew]

⭐️Great work and excellent hobbitty vibes. Thanks for showing the agonising and doubt moments as well as the gung ho ones. Apparently continuous confidence is not necessary for impressive achievement. I wonder if shaping the darts in the back (like a vertical eye or pointy oval) might allow for in at the waist but out again at the hip. 🧐

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I was wondering that about the darts too, but only after I started editing. Maybe next time I'll try that and see the difference.

[@IndigoSew]

@@KatieMakesStuff🦁

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

I do believe covert is the word you were after. Congrats on going for it. I started this process with a blazer and then hit the issue of where it needed to end on my waist was around the pocket location and I stopped there and over thought it and haven't gotten back to it. Maybe this is the impetus I need!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I worried about the pockets too, but just decided to power through and see what happens. I'm such an over thinker too, so this was quite a bit of growth for me 😂

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

@@KatieMakesStuff you hit me in the feels with the not failing comment! Its so hard to overcome that thought and think of it as learning something and that is growth. I will play with mine one the weekend and see how i go!

[@danhurl1349]

I love this so much. As someone who also can't tailor, this was madly inspiring

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you! This gave me so many ideas that I'm a little overwhelmed with possibilities now. Not a bad place to be, though!

[@paloma_hill]

that came out fantastic and I need to try it now. also, braided hair. a french braid is the easiest way to prevent flyaway clumps, and while it's hella difficult to get your brain adjusted it'll be automatic after a couple repetitions and very easy. or the thing where people put a barrette in their hair holding the shorter parts and then braid after that, that's another way of dealing with it. if I was being very very rough on my hair (crawling around under a house, machete-ing blackberry brambles) then I'd put a bandana on after french braiding it.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I keep forgetting about bandanas! Next time!!

[@dwaynetube]

Well done and it looks great! I hope you wear it with the pride your works deserves! Found your video 'cause I am about to do the same thing 🙂

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Oooh! Good luck and I hope it turns out fabulous!

[@starcloudwings9908]

Lining is def the bitch! But the back needs to be higher, I would add another button on top. Usually I hunt used garment sites for more than one of the same blazers or skirts and combine them. Can you imagine making a coat with puffy sleeves and a matching vest? The remaining fabric can make a tie and skirt accents like it was always meant to be there. Add accents to your purse and hat.

[@BrendaMcAlister-kf9kd]

Beautiful,,,,

[@majbrittkjaer6134]

Looks good. I would maybe take it up an inchor so on the bach, looks like it’s a tad too long for perfect fit… 😊

[@KatieMakesStuff]

It is a bit long, but I like that my shirt tails probably won't stick out when I bend over. It would be a bit less noticable in pants, I think.

[@bevsartsandcrafts715]

Now in 2024, tweed waistcoats are big in fashion 👍🏻

[@renaissancewomanfarm9175]

There is a similar project that I found and saved on Pinterest. But it's a man's suit jacket with more length and they did the back so it is pleated and has kind of a bustle effect. Very cool.... very steampunk. I'm probably too old for something cool like that.... I'll just pretend I'm a Harry Potter type witch.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I love the idea of pleating the back! I have a men's jacket that I may try this with

[@cynthiamcdowell-buchanan3550]

You're funny. I wanna make one too.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

DO IT! It's so great!

[@coalsparks]

This was great! You are so brave to cut into the blazer (even if it was only a dollar!). I was so worried you were cutting too much off, but in the reveal it looked like you could have gone a bit shorter even (in the back at least). Did you wind up doing the darts in the back? I couldn’t spot them during the reveal. It looks an awful lot like Bernadette’s, at least to these untrained eyes.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I did end up doing back darts but you can't even see them! I agree that the back is a little long, but I like that maybe my shirt tails won't poke out after bending and stretching a bit.

[@lydzphens]

❤❤❤

[@tatweeniagilder9986]

❤❤❤