Fast and Easy Vest! Really! Our Modern Take on a Vest!

A few posts ago we talked about a dress that was touted as a "one hour dress," which we found out wasn't exactly on point. We typically don't talk about how long it takes to make our garments, as your sewing abilities might not match those of other sewists. Always sew at your rate. It shouldn't be a race or a chore!

But I have to say, we found a stylish pattern that lives up to its claim - Kwik Sew's "Kwik Start" vest pattern, 3838. From start to finish, you can make this vest in less than an hour. If you are feeling a bit wobbly about sewing with knits you can also register for a quick class or two to help you out!

The pattern only has two pieces - a back and a front. The edges are either serged or finished with a zig-zag or blanket stitch on your machine - no facings, no hems. Laurel thought it would be fun to make it two different ways, using several fabrics. Our original idea was to test our new linen knit fabric. This natural fiber knit is somewhat sheer and light as a feather.

Laurel has a serger, so rather than sew the four seams ( two shoulder seams and two side seams) she just seamed them with her serger.

Serge the edges and Voila! You have a vest.  

Pair it with a cute shirt or sweater for a touch of boho style!

Laurel had a small length of wool gabardine that she got at Stonemountain some time ago and a piece of snakeskin knit.  She'd had it for a long time and decided that it might be a little over the top, but what about pairing the two fabrics together for our second vest?  She used the same easy steps to make this edgy little vest.  The beauty of it is that you can wear it inside out as well, toning down the shine on the snakeskin.

Try using a different thread color for the edge finish just to add interest.

The inside of the vest back - wear it on the outside!

"Inside out"

Or right side out - two different looks.

The simple (really SIMPLE!!!!) vest could be made out of wool, knits, linen...almost any fabric. If you're brave, try using a soft leather or faux leather. What about a soft boiled wool for extra warmth?

Natalie, our buyer, shows off her vest made from our Ikats and one of our striped shot cottons. She used Vogue V1375 from Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina (or as Sandra Betzina calls it a Sleeveless Jacket!). Great for dressing up or down and so easy to make. So funky! If you love these ikats, we have a huge collection of colors and styles in the store right now and more on the way!

And here's Suzan in her new vests!  As easy as this vest was to make, making an outfit with it is even easier.  This is the perfect "throw on and go" piece that could be dressed up or down.  Such versatility!

 

Kwik Sew 3838 made with Polyester Import

  

2015 is off to a quick start! Laurel and I have been collecting new fabric and patterns to try out and show you in the coming months. I love the way many of the garments are out on our floor with tags and photos in them to inspire you. Please stop by and visit our gallery of ideas and see where your creativity leads you!

You can make it too!

We are also getting ready for our 34th anniversary of being here in Berkeley! 

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Always Creatively Yours,
Suzan
fabriclady3@gmail.com