#41 Back to School Wardrobe: Wool Blazer from Austrian Thrifts to Wool Vest

REFLECTIONS: Ten years ago, I flew home to Texas from Austria in the August heat. My wear on and carry on included 3 wool jackets and a wool coat from the thrifts in Salzburg, High quality wool is hard to find in Texas thrifts but easy to find in Austrian thrifts. 

I wore this long sleeve wool jacket often pre-retirement. This is #5 in a series of blazers / suit jackets / dresses re-fashioned into school days vests. These vests are worn with winter pants and jeans.

BEFORE: Much-worn long sleeve Austrian wool jacket from the closet.

STEPS:  

• Use a seam ripper to remove sleeves, and to open side seams.
• Insert wool side panels cut from sleeves. Repeat for linings.
• Create armhole facing cut from t-shirt. Turn to inside and top stitch.
• Re-attach back band and buttons.
• TIP: Press often to get smooth finishes on arm finishes. 

AFTER:  Green trimmed vest to add to the Jan/Feb ‘Back to School” wardrobe. 

After: Green top with Grey Vest
Original horn look buttons

Original Green back belt 

Side insert cut from sleeves

Original green collar

Side with green top

Color lightend: Side panel insterted

BEFORE: Sleeves removed from Austrian Wool jacket