Waistcoat workshop - YouLookFab Forum

Just finished a pandemic project - sewing a waistcoat! I sourced the fabrics and buttons at a local antique/‘junque’ shop and after testing the fabrics (burn test, bleach test) ran it through the wash and gave it a press. I used a ‘Folklore’ pattern for Vintage Vests (#222) (more on that at the bottom).

The burgundy background in the vest fabric is a dead match for the colour of the new woven joggers. Though there is no blue-jean blue in the vest, it looks very well with jeans. I pulled a fitted navy and white striped button down, a lilac and white menswear striped button down, and a fluid cream button down from my closet. I would like a mustard turtleneck sweater, and think it would work nicely under the vest.

#1-#5 some styling options. What do you think?

*A pattern was hard to source online in Canada. This one cost more than the thrifted fabric and had to be imported from the US. It has sizes 6 (30.5in bust) through 16 (38in bust) and men’s sizes 36 to 44 for 3 different vests. Instructions are reasonably straightforward for a sewist with some experience, but probably a little tricky for a novice. The pattern has some nice touches that result in a beautiful finish, but in the end, I do not love the design. My complaint is with the back of the vest and the waist belt. The pattern would benefit from some waist darts for a more flattering fit, or a rethink of the waist belt. I found the back bunches up under the waist belt (see #6) in an unattractive fashion. I may use the pattern to make a waistcoat for DH, but add darts to the vest back, and modify the waist belt - or leave it off entirely.

https://www.folkwear.com/produ.....5454321102

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3 years ago

Anonymous

Well isn’t this interesting ! Must have been fun to sew again I hear you re getting a cost efficient pattern here - it’s one of the main reasons I stopped sewing . As to your vest , I LOVE it with the striped shirt and jeans , and worn solo too . And - I don’t mind the back half belt at all . I might have done a different button myself - but that’s purely personal . Nice job !

LaPed

Veteran

It looks great! Those colours look like they'll integrate seamlessly into your wardrobe. I see what you mean about the belt; they must be tricky to get right because even in the Folkwear photos the belts look a little odd and bunchy. I suppose if you planned to always wear it under a jacket and just wanted a nice snug fit it wouldn't matter so much.

Ooh nice fabric! I'm impressed again with your sewing skills!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

IMPRESSED. I like the back waist belt! Looks a little avant-garde.

KILLER vest, and soooooo great on you! I want to see it with your WIDE pants and under a blazer

All renditions work splendidly! I can't pick a fave. WELL DONE.

Gigi

Fantastic work! I like the fabric that you chose. I prefer it when you wear it buttoned up, because then you get the full effect of the vertical stripes.

rachylou

So cute!!

Jane

In a recent post I think you were in the process of sewing this and it is lovely to see the finished piece. I love the belt at the back and the detailing! The fabric looks so good! A really super choice. You are very talented!

I have a waistcoat that I have not worn yet, however this is inspiring me!

Catnip

Wow! This vest is beautiful and looks terrific on you. I love all the different ways you styled it. Wish I had half of your skills.

Cee

Wow... They look so cool on you, Carla

Bonnie

This vest looks pretty perfect to me. You made it in your colors and it works well every way you tried it. I need to find something similar because I really would like to try # 2 and #3 to dress up my shirts.

Irina

Impressive skills, Carla! Interesting way to dress up button down shirts.

slim cat

Great results- such a nice addition to your fab collection! I think you are right that back could be changed a bit to fit even better- but it’s already looks wonderful on you!

nemosmom

Ohmigosh, you are queen seamstress!!! This looks great on you! The textured gold buttons are the perfect compliment to the weave of the fabric, too! I never would have noticed the bunching in #6 if you had not mentioned it. That fabric is a slam-dunk for your wardrobe - will you make a matching mask??

Astonishing vest! The lining is impressive. I have a vest that was my grandmother’s that I wear often. I dabble in sewing with small repairs and appreciate your skills.

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Jaime

Very impressive! My favorite is over the white blouse buttoned up. That is how I would like to wear a vest so I may be projecting!

Echo

Wow, what an amazingly versatile piece! I love the small buttons up the front, and I would imagine (as someone completely inexperienced in sewing!) it wouldn't be too hard to modify the back for future pieces. You are very talented!

Brooklyn

It looks great! Like Angie, I’d really like to see it with wide leg pants or with slouchy tailored pants. My favourite here is with the striped shirt.

I wouldn’t worry about the back, but would a couple of darts help?

cjh

Wow, that vest looks great! I especially like it with the white shirt, with both all buttoned up, but it makes a unique and interesting combination with the black striped shirt, too.

Just a small idea on modifying this one, which could still be done with a little bit of work. What do you think about sewing in a casing inside the back only, to run at the same level as the back belt, and then inserting a length of elastic in the casing? Maybe just about 2/3 of the width of the back, centered of course. I’m thinking that might be a way to pull the back in more gently shaped against the waist, rather than appearing as big, uncontrolled gathered bunches. Perhaps the casing could be made from the lining fabric and just pin right through both layers, lining and main fabric, thread in the elastic, draw up a desired amount, and pin the ends. Try it on, then sew if it tests okay.

I agree the back would be better fitted with darts in future versions, or architectural pleats, like darts sewn partially but released at the ends, to control the fit.

Minaminu

Job very well done! The vest fits you beautifully and the fabric works so well with the rest of your wardrobe. I assume Burda is not available in Canada, right?

Liesbeth

Great job! I love it especially in the first two outfit pics.
Can you buy a pattern online and print it out over several pieces of paper (or a local print shop that has larger sheets)? I have seen this option before but haven't used it yet. I occasionally buy a pattern for my mom to sew me ;).

unfrumped

How fabulous! Love the muted but rich colors and stripes.

avicennia

I looked at the photos first and decided that my favorite part is the belt. I really liked the way the belt folds and gathers the fabric. Then I read the post and saw that you are not happy with the belt. The vest is a bit boxy in front and the belt helps, as would darts. Quick thought: Have you thought of layering it UNDER something?

Liz

I actually really like the belt -- it's the traditional touch for a vest like that. If it were me, I'd tack the belt to the fabric underneath in a couple of places so that when I I sat, reached, and stretched,the fabric didn't pull up away from the belt and I ended up having to put it back into place regularly. But truly, I like it.

catherine

So cool. Your sewing skills are professional level. Strong work!

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