Modifying a fur jacket .... (cut, head, curly, fashion)

[klmrocks]

I recently got 2 really amazing REAL vintage fur jackets that are full length. One is mink and the other is fox fur. As much as I like them I really would like to make one in to a short length jacket... but I am terrified I am going to mess it up. Getting it professional adjusted would like cost more then what I got the jackets for. I think I will create a scarf or something else with the left over fur. Anyone know anything about altering clothing? I am pretty sure because I am more of less cutting a long a straight line that it will be a basic stich across the bottom to once I cut to sew the lining of the jacket back to the fur. Does this sound like a disaster waiting to happen or doable? These jackets new would cost $1000-$2000 ... I got the jacket for around $80 to $140 at a consignment store. Worse case if I mess up one I will still have the other.

This is how the jacket is now ..



This look seems too old fashion for me.


I want something a bit less old school drama and want something that I can wear with jeans and looks trendy chic...



I want it around this length or shorter. I figure if I go this length and mess it up I could always try again and make it shorter ( so I got a least 2 shots of getting it right).

Anyone alter their own clothes that has any suggestions. I am nervous and excited. I want to try this next weekend.

[Pitt Chick]

Unless you are an extremely competent seamstress with the proper sewing machine for the fur, it would be a mistake to try this yourself.

[klmrocks]

Originally Posted by Pitt Chick

Unless you are an extremely competent seamstress with the proper sewing machine for the fur, it would be a mistake to try this yourself.

I was going to try and hand stich the bottom. I figure unless I am upside down no one will see the details ! My mom had a sewing machine .. But I have no idea how to use it and it probably buried in the basement in her house somewhere.

[hertfordshire]

Are the coats lined? If they are, just leave enough excess that your hand stitching is hidden under the lining. Also, don't try to cut the fur with scissors. Use a straight blade to the skin side so that you don't cut the fur itself.

[Ruth4Truth]

Do not attempt to do this yourself! Take it to a furrier. They'll do a fine job of it. They're experienced at working with fur. You aren't. Don't even think about it!


P.S. See if the furrier can make a matching hat out of the material left after the coat is shortened.

[hellpaso]

Originally Posted by klmrocks

a disaster waiting to happen

^^this .

[jade408]

I concur: take it to a professional. You can always get an estimate or 2.

[klmrocks]

..... I have about at least 5 days until I would even have time to mess with the jacket. Still on the fence. Re the hat ...oh my god know lol. I would feel like I was wearing a costume lol. The fur coat is already over the top... I have really long curly hair I got enough on top as it is. I am likely going to make a scarf or shawl. I will have a lot of fur left over. I am already going to feel like bloody John Snow with the fur on lol so I would not be able to keep a straight face with the whole get up.

[hertfordshire]

You're taking off like 20 inches. I say go ahead and give it a shot and start with just a few inches off the bottom to see if you're satisfied with the results. You don't have much to lose. If it works, you save yourself a boatload of money. If it doesn't, there's still enough left that a professional can do it.

[mschrief]

Reconfiguring a fur is extremely expensive if done by a professional.

Let us know how they turn out.