Forging and sewing wasn't too odd a combo for Circe's work. Hide the armor and what not. The problem was that it was tedious to do!
Make the plates, sew in the plates, and pad it to hide it. There was a reason why undercover bodyarmor was mass manufactured. It was a pain in the ass to make, thank you very much.
But the Larcenist had experience with it now, and two protective jackets wasn't much of a gift for a large group now was it? Not that she'd make the first kind again. Her fingers still hurt from that.
No, the plated vest was as far as she'd go. They wanted better, they'd have to pay for it literally. With money.
9 successes
Hammering, getting out some rage and smashing things constructively! This part she rather liked, thank you. She'd even come up with a more overt variant using these plates and bolted on to leather or sport pads. Circe had dubbed the overt version rioter armor for amusement reasons.
Not because it was as good as the riot gear she owned. It was not. It was improvised scrap metal armor. Like what a rioter might make up and wear.
Circe found it funny, okay?
4 suxx
Then there was fitting and securing the plates inside the coat. Tedious and patience required for this. And sewing. Lots of sewing.
6 suxx
Even more sewing to disguise the modifications to the jacket. But eventually it was done. Five hours of her time for another hooded jacket with protective plates around the vital organs. Hooray, hopefully these union boys would appreciate the gifts and listen to them talk. "We give you three sets of coats that keep you from getting eviscerated" should be a great diplomatic opener.