Remember those vests I was talking about recently? Well, I finished one! It was a very quick and simple one, but I made a few adjustments to it. I made View C (the floral one) from McCalls 8940, a 1997 pattern.
I chose this view because I liked the short cropped style of it. To get this look, I had to shorten it even more -- my torso is short like the rest of me, and I wanted this to end just at the waist like the image, which meant taking 1.5" out of the length.
I made it out of some leftover linen; I had just enough for it with the length I chose to cut the vest and all the facings. This is an unlined vest so I did go the extra step of french seaming my shoulder and side seams to have a clean finish for this fray-prone linen.
There are front facings and also armhole facings. I followed the pattern but on completion I wish I'd used bias facings for the armholes, and will do so next time. I had to hand tack the armhole facings down so they wouldn't flap out, and some of the stitches are a bit puckery. I unpicked and redid the hand stitches on the front side a couple of times and now it's good enough, I'm not doing it again.
This is a fun accent to an outfit, if I want to change up a dress or blouse a bit. I enjoyed making it but my next vest will be a lined one in a more traditional shape -- and I'll see which I like more!
Very cute! I remember wearing lots of vests in that era.(And I may have that pattern...)
ReplyDeleteYes, there were a lot of vests around! I remember being desperate to get one when I watched Labyrinth - I loved the character Sarah's clothes ;)
DeleteI now remember buying a tapestry vest I got for a steal at Eatons in Montreal. 😠It was so stiff it stood up by itself! (But I loved it so.) Vests really dressed up a simple trouser/blouse outfit for work. (And are very warm in a drafty old school building!)
DeleteGreat outfit! I love the look of vests on other people but I have never been able to wear them because I get so hot with the extra layer. What's funny is that my arms are usually freezing, so what I really need is the opposite of a vest - basically just a set of sleeves.😆
ReplyDeleteI've actually seen 'sleeve sets' somewhere, can't recall where -- to add to your sleeveless dresses, like nylons for your arms ;)
DeleteYour vest adds a classy touch to your dress; well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
DeleteLovely. Very inspiring - and stretching your wardrobe with a simple vest! Not much fabric, it would be possible to make several and each one would change the look of what was underneath. One benefit of no lining is it doesn't add bulk or warmth when you don't want it.
ReplyDelete