Thought I would send an update on my stripey collared waistcoats. Managed to finish everything ( last bit of trimming was done at 11:30am on the day we were packing to leave at 3pm). Learnt an awful lot doing it and now know what padstitching is plus quite a few other important details ( thanks for the guidance ). I have since purchased a couple of tailoring books to help with future projects. The collar I had in mind would have never fitted to the neckline I had already cut - not enough planning, too much dive in head first me thinks.
Kate - I think 'experimental' is the best description ever applied to my sewing :-)
I have uploaded a couple of pix of the finished outfits here
Cygnus - Like the swan - trying to present a calm serene exterior whilst paddling like fury beneath