I don’t think I ever truly understood the styling power of a vest until recently. I’ve had a few over the years, but they’ve never been something that I’ve reached for on a regular basis. A few years ago, I thrifted a vintage blue denim one with a fleece lining. Around the same time, I found a vintage black leather biker vest. Those 2 have set off a love of vests that I didn’t know I could possess.
Since then, I have acquired 2 more vests…a vintage blue quilted one that I found on Etsy and a shimmery khaki one that I thrifted locally. I thought it was about time that I made one to add to my collection.
In all honestly, I had plans to make this vest about a year and a half ago. I had the pattern pieces cut and ready to go, and then I lost all motivation to sew. Finally, I started to sew it about a month ago…I’ve been really leaning into “slow sewing”…maybe a little too much!
The “Vest” Pattern
I didn’t choose a traditional vest pattern. I had the Camille Top pattern by Makyla Creates that I had purchased in the fall of 2021. It’s basically that, minus the sleeves. The front ties of this particular top pattern are such a nice detail.
I can imagine wearing this in the summer with just a bra underneath. I also like the edgy vibe when the strings are left to hang freely.
I’m all about versatility when it comes to the things that I add to my wardrobe and I think that I’ll be able to wear this vest with so many different things and in so many different ways.
The Vest Material
I chose to use a vintage bed blanket for this vest. The material is cotton and it has a subtle floral pattern on one side while being plain on the other. Once I got started, I decided to make the vest reversible. Since the material is quite thick, I knew that I would have to make some bias tape for the seams and edges. I used some black cotton from my fabric stash for the bias tape.
The Process
As I mentioned a few paragraphs back, I cut the pattern pieces a while back for the vest. Assembling the vest was pretty quick and easy. Making the bias tape and then sewing it on was the time consuming part.
I ended up having to seam rip the edges a few times. I also ended up being short on the length of bias tape around the arm holes, but instead of cutting another piece, I frankensteined a few pieces together to make it work :).
My initial plan had been to have all of the black binding to be on one side, while the other side was completely white. Everything was going to plan until I got to the arm holes.
If I had tacked the black binding to the inside of the garment where the rest of the binding was, the vest would have looked good on the white side but the side with the contrast binding would not have.
Since I wanted the vest to be reversible, I decided to not do anything with the arm holes and to have it visible on both sides.
When I first tried to wear the vest, I ran into a little problem…one of the front ties became detached when I tried to tie it. It was probably because I had tried it on one too many times for the (apparently) weak stitching. I really should have reinforced the ties since the material was so thick when folded. I had to go back to the machine and tack across the ties.
Styling the Vest
I think this vest can lean romantic with the floral side or edgy with the contrasting edges side. I’ve identified the descriptors “romantic” and “edgy” as 2 pillars of my personal style, along with casual and minimalist so I wanted to highlight this with my styling for this vest.
Outfit 1 – Romantic
I immediately knew I wanted to pair this vest with this blouse the moment I brought it into my closet. I think the ties on the blouse sleeves and the vest compliment each other nicely. This is a small detail that I think adds a lot of visual interest to the outfit.
As my lifestyle is quite casual, I chose to wear jeans with these pieces. A dressier pair of trousers would also work really well, especially in an office situation. I didn’t add a belt as I thought it would detract from the tie detail of the vest.
A pair of black leather loafers with a brass hardware detail adds a nice compliment and makes the outfit feel a little dressier, despite the denim. I chose the black shoes to tie back to the black binding around the armholes.
Outfit 2 – Edgy
When I was choosing the material for the binding, I landed on black because I liked the idea of the high contrast and how great it would look worn over an all black outfit!
One of my favorite combos all winter has been this long black merino wool sweater worn over this silk jumpsuit. Fortunately, I no longer need to wear tights under it 🙂
The edgiest boots that I own are these old Frye boots with silver arrow details, buckle and zippers. I also love to add this grey silk necktie when I want an edgier vibe. I tucked my hair under the necktie for a bit of a “bob” effect.
Final Thoughts
I thought this was a really good pattern to use to make a vest. It feels like an item that can be used year round. I’m picturing it layered over sweaters and dresses in the winter, or worn on it’s own as a top during the summer.
In the future, I’d like to self draft a vest pattern. Maybe something a little longer, with a zipper. Possibly quilted.
Self drafting is something that I’d definitely like to explore for other garments as well. But I’d like to regain my confidence in my sewing skills first.
If you enjoy posts about sewing, here are a few other items that I’ve made:
Making My Own Clothes – The Wilder Gown
Sewing My Own Clothes – A New Dress for my Capsule Wardrobe
