Adventures in 18th century Tailoring

Having wanted a 1780s jacket and being rather tight (I prefer frugal), I recently decided to retailor an old 1730s style sleeved waistcoat into a 1780s jacket.  Not only did I think this would be a way of not having to purchase new fabric, but I have a number of early sleeved waistcoats already and this was my second ever and was not well made.  I made this waistcoat 10 years ago (of a fabulous light blue/slate linen).  I...