September in Review

Sewing

September happens to be National Sewing Month and this year's theme is about unleashing your creative side. It didn't happen this month as my sewing mojo left the building and my sewing projects were less than creative. 

The pants were a need. The dress was for Mama R using a pattern that I have whipped up many times. The vest, I'm sort of on the fence about (love the pockets though). The sewing kits and knickers were factory-style sewing. No sewing that I felt creative or inspired by and I wonder if it has anything to do with all that beige?  

I may not have felt that I have unleashed my creative side, but I do hope the sewing kits and sewing club will inspire some kids to do just that.   

RTW Fast

This is a tough time of year when it comes to the RTW fast. It was tough not looking at the latest crop of cashmere sweaters by Lords & Taylor. This time of year, I wish I could knit. But then when I come to think about it, another hobby is the last thing I need. I'm going to try to sew my own turtle-neck sweater though--something I would never have thought of doing if it weren't for the RTW fast. And have you seen the new Jenna cardigan sweater pattern by Muse? Cute. Too bad it is a PDF pattern. I don't do PDF (tried it once, not for me). But if it were a packaged pattern, that one would so be mine. But I digress...

Thankfully, footwear is not one of the banned items. I am saving up my pennies for a new pair of winter boots--sorels to combat the cold while shivering outdoor during recess duty (the Farmer's Almanac is predicting another brutal winter). Since the knee surgery last winter my leg and foot has a tendency to swell and I haven't been able to wear my winter boots since. So this item falls under a need. Now, if I can just find these boots in my size, I'll be all set.  

Stash busting

I did a horrible job at stash-busting but a fantastic job at stash-adding! My bad.

Items	Stash-busted	Added to Stash
Fabric	113.8 meters	81 meters
Interfacing	4.4 meters	0
Lining	3.5 meters	0
Sewing Patterns	24	21
Spools of Thread	27	12
Sewing Needles	7	0
Pant Hooks	6	6
Zippers	13	5
Trim	0.40 meters	10
Elastic	7.2 meters	12 meters
Bias Tape	2 meters	0
Snaps	1	0
Buttons	53	12
Ribbon	3.5	0
Hook and Eye or other Closures	5	5
Basting Tape	8.9 meters	6 packages

Happy Sewing!

I may have missed...

I may have missed another American Sewing Expo event (one year I hope to make it). But I had the best morning ever at the Sewing Club.

We started the club in September so that we can work this year's National Sewing Month theme into the first class. Sew for the creativity of it is this year's theme and the kids were shown a sample stocking. 

Did I mention they will be making Christmas stockings? Well, yes. We're making Christmas stockings using McCall's 6674. 

McCall's 6674

We are encouraging the kids to make their own Christmas stocking as creatively as they want. They will learn how to cross-stitch, along with the chain stitch, blanket stitch and saddle stitch. 

The sewing kits were a hit. They thought they were cute and asked if they can keep them.

To celebrate National Sewing Month we had custom-made Imperial cookies created by High Tea Bakery. Oh my goodness, they did an amazing job! And they were a hit with the kids. It was a lovely start to Sewing Club.  

I can't wait to see how their stocking turn out.  

Happy Sewing!  

Pattern Give-away Winner!

Well, this was the easiest pattern give-away I ever hosted. Only one entry, easy peasy.

Congratulations to Sue who won the Butterick 6064 pattern. I love the pockets on this pattern, I just wish I was taller to pull off this look. Mind you, I'm still wearing it.

Sue blogs over at Sue's Sew by Me. This is a new-to-me blog and she has some gorgeous knit fabric that she made a dress and skirt out of--I'm going to read more. Talk to you later...

Happy Sewing!  

In Sewing News Today...

My sewing mojo is back but my knees are swollen and killing me and that is keeping me from the sewing machine.

It was the Terry Fox Run at work and the temperature hit plus thirty celsius (thirty-three with the humidity). And we have a dress code at work which almost killed me as I was walking with the kids in my wool and cashmere pants and a tee-shirt with three-quarter length sleeves. Did I mention that I packed away my summer clothes? Despite that we're not allowed to wear shorts. I didn't wear my knee brace because it was so hot and now I'm paying for it. Where the heck is autumn? 

It is supposed to cool down to normal autumn temperatures by Sunday. I can't wait!

Also can't wait for October first. Marcy Tilton wrote on her blog that she will have three new patterns coming out next week with Vogue Patterns.  Even though I have a lot on my plate right now, new patterns are always a pleasant distraction.

And talking about distractions, this came in the mail today. I'm so excited about this one.

It is the latest Sybil Connolly of Dublin vintage Vogue pattern to be added to my pattern stash. I'm becoming quite the fan of her designs. The scallop edge detail on the dress front and hemline is quite striking. I think I might have to lengthen the hemline though.

Onto other pattern news... I noticed something odd (for a Canadian) about Butterick patterns. Odd in a good way. I don't know when exactly it appeared. But have you noticed that Butterick patterns now have the exact same price for U.S. and Canadian customers listed on their pattern envelopes? This is not the case for most products sold across the border. I have to say that I'm happy to see this change in product pricing. I wonder if Vogue and McCall's will follow?

Now, if they could do something about their ridiculous shipping costs that would be great. I recently order patterns from MBV and was charged $8.00 shipping but the envelope arrived with a $1.60 postage sticker. That was not cool.

What is cool would be a pattern give-away, don't you think? This pattern is up for grabs and I will be drawing for it tomorrow. In case anyone is interested.

Well, that is all in sewing news today. Hope you're enjoying beautiful weather where ever you are.  

Happy Sewing!

Five More Days!

We've been up late working on the sample for the sewing club. That has been what has been keeping me from my own sewing. My co-worker and fellow sewing club leader finished the cross stitching of her name on the sample and it looks fantastic. I just started the blanket stitch around the stocking during my coffee break this afternoon. 

It has to be finished in five days! I'm running out of time. And that is starting to freak me out because there is still lots to do before our first sewing class on Monday. 

I left the sample at work because I'm fighting the mother-of-all-headaches and I need a break. Hopefully, with four more coffee breaks before the weekend, I will be able to finish the blanket stitch around the sample.  

At home, I longingly looked at the black cotton fabric that is laying on my cutting table and draping over the edge. I couldn't take it anymore. I starting pinning the vintage McCall's 7870 skirt that I want to sew. But this mother-of-all-headaches stopped me from cutting it out. 

I can't believe that I'm thinking of my own sewing with so much to do before the start of the sewing club at work. It looks like the sewing mojo is starting to come back.

Happy Sewing!

Filling the Holes in My Winter Wardrobe

Today marks the official start of autumn. I love everything about this time of year, the crisp morning air, gorgeously breathtaking autumn colours, warm afternoon sunshine and a wardrobe change.

Magic Autumn Colors by Artsaus

Mind you I'm wearing this dress since it is supposed to hit plus twenty-seven. Despite the summer like weather I thought it would be fitting to take a look the holes in my wardrobe or otherwise known as The Tim Gunn Challenge:  Autumn / Winter Edition. It looks like there are a few things I need to make. And of course there are several wants.  

The Trench Take-the-Chill-Off Coat(s)

I made the cream coloured jacket this summer but I have yet to attach the button or perhaps a snap. Until then, I've been wearing it without a closure. It is perfect for those cool autumn mornings. But I will have to put it away when the snow appears and things get down-right cold.  

For those cold days ahead, a winter coat is on the table again but this time I will be using this vintage vogue pattern.

I have all the fabric picked out but before I cut out my winter coat fabric I have it cut out in a red sateen that will hopefully turn into a wearable muslin for the spring.  

The Little Black Dress

I don't need to another black dress but there is another black dress on the sewing table for Mama R.  

The Classic White Shirt

This item is also covered with with my french cuffed McCall's 8943.  

Classic Dress Pants

I have this department covered with six pairs of dress pants thanks to Vogue 1325.

A Perfect Pair of Jeans  

A perfect pair of jeans is something that I do not have in my wardrobe and to be completely honest I have no desire to fill this void because I don't see that I would get a lot of wear from jeans. I can't wear denim to work. And I rarely wear it during my personal time unless I'm shovelling snow or doing yard work.    

A Day Dress

I don't need to make another day dress but I do have a blue and black brushed cotton plaid fabric that I have been saving for an autumn / winter style day dress. I'm just waiting for the perfect pattern. Until then, I do believe this department is also covered.

An Occasion Top

This item is covered with the silk Centre of Pattern Design Spiral Top.

A Nice Skirt 

I made up this skirt pattern in a cotton animal print and love the fit. The plan is to make this up in a black cotton that I have in my stash.  

The Right Jacket

I had a Chanel-esque styled jacket on my wish list since the beginning of the year. And since then this pattern appeared on the scene and it has petite sizing.

I would really like to find some time and try to knock off this project before the end of the year.

Sweatsuit Alternative Sweater

I'm not a sweatsuit or yoga pants wearing (in public rather than exercise) gal so I think I don't have to worry about this item either. I wouldn't mind sewing up a turtleneck style sweater though. It can get chilly in these parts over the winter and I'm sure I will get lots of use of it. I have Burda 6990 in mind for this project.  

So that is it, just three items that I need to fill the holes in my winter wardrobe and a couple of wants. Now, if only my sewing mojo would re-appear I could get working on these. 

Happy Sewing!

Pattern Give-away: Butterick 6064

Good morning! 

My sewing mojo is still on vacation while I have been busy tidying up around my sewing space. I'm starting to think that I need to de-stash some of my patterns as well as my fabric. I'm going to start with a pattern.   

I have decided that my copy of Butterick 6064 needs to find a good home. It is a kAtheRine Tilton pattern for a vest which has a draped neckline button shoulder closing and front pockets.  

It is a used pattern cut in size medium (12-14) but the other sizes have not been compromised. So if you need the size XS (4-6) or S (8-10) these are still accessible.  

Here's the deal:  

• Promise not to sell it.  
• Give it a good home where it will be used, shared and made into something fabulous.  
• The pattern give-away is open to all and I am willing to ship internationally.  
• Please leave a comment and a way that I can reach you if you win. (include an email address or if your username links to a profile with contact information that would also work.)
• I will draw for the winner on Saturday, September 27th.  

Good luck and happy sewing!  

In Sewing News Today...

I've lost my sewing mojo.

There is so many projects that I want to make that I haven't gotten around to because there is something else that always seems to get in the way of things that I want to sew. 

Maybe I lost my sewing mojo in all that factory-style sewing that I did this weekend?  

It is already half way through September and I haven't had a chance to start that Chanel-esque style jacket that I've been dreaming about since the beginning of the year. I have the pattern and the fabric picked out for months. I even planned on working on it during my annual summer lay-off but there is always something that pops up that "needs" to be done.  

Maybe I lost my sewing mojo in all that sewing for other people?  

And that quilt! That damn quilt that has been sitting around for years waiting to be finished. I'm at the point that I just want to throw it away just so I don't have to look it it sitting there unfinished. 

Maybe I lost my sewing mojo in all those unfinished sewing projects?   

Did I mention I'm trying to lose weight? The big plan this summer was to lose some pounds but that didn't happen. I gained a few. And now I'm less than one BMI point from being considered obese. Which freaks me out. At my age I don't care about being skinny. I was skinny once, not all that it is cracked up to be. I just want to be a healthy weight. And I won't mind keeping some of these curves. But I'm also tired of sewing for my near-obese body shape. 

Maybe I lost my sewing mojo in all those extra pounds I've been packing on?  

I don't know exactly where I lost my sewing mojo. I just know that it is gone. 

And what am I going to do about it. I'm going to stop reading books for others on my own time. No more reading kid's lit on my personal time. I'm going to start going for walks after super. I'm going to pick up The Pink Suit again and finish it. I'm going to relish in all those glorious details as Kate works on the wife's suit. Can you believe that I had this book since May and am only on page thirty-four! And after I finish The Pink Suit I am going to pick up The Lost Art of Dress. Yup, I need some serious me-time to spark those creative juices. 

And then I hope my sewing mojo will return.

How is your sewing mojo holding up?

More Knickers!

I dug out my favourite knicker pattern, Butterick 6031 and whipped up these three pairs this afternoon. It is a very quick and easy make.  

Even though I think this pattern is the best (excellent butt coverage), I did raise the waistline two inches. They fit way better than anything I would find in the store. Just another reason to sew.  

Happy Sewing!  

Remember earlier this afternoon?

Remember earlier this afternoon when I said I was going to try and get those sewing kits finished this weekend? I did it! And earlier than planned. Mind you it did help that everything was already cut and only involved factory-style sewing.  

It is crazy what a gal can accomplish with some good tunes playing in the background and bit of determination.  

Happy Sewing!  

In Sewing News Today...

Since posting the first sewing kit on Tuesday, I haven't done much on them since. Sew this weekend, the plan is to get busy on them. And hopefully by the end of the weekend I will have them finished. 

The first sewing kit, thirteen more to go! 

Once these are done, I have to get busy on sewing some more knickers. I plan to use Butterick 6031 and make them just like the last pair but in white. I even picked up white elastic I used for the black ones. I'll see how many I can knock off with the metre of white knit that I picked up. Gosh, it is starting to sound like a lot of factory style sewing in the days ahead.  

I need a few more pairs of these.  

Next on my list of things to do will be a coat using Vintage Vogue 1521. Thankfully, it is something more challenging. By the time I get the other two items checked off my list I'll be up for something a bit more challenging. I have it all cut out but not in the winter fabrics that I have in mind. 

I want to do a test run on this pattern and I have it cut in a red sateen fabric. Yes, if it works out well I'll have another spring coat in my wardrobe. I always wanted a red spring coat. If the pattern fits well and no alterations are needed I'll cut my good winter fabrics out.  

Anyway, that's all in sewing news today...

Happy Sewing!

Sewing Kits

I made this sewing kits using the measurements and directions for the "Charming Needlecase" found in Sew Retro:  A Stylish History of The Sewing Revolution by Judi Ketteler.  

Ketteler wrote that needlecases were popular in the nineteenth century to protect sewing needles "from rust and dullness."  I wanted to make sewing kits so that I can give each student something to keep their supplies in while they work on their sewing project.  

The main fabric was gifted to me by our now-retired church pastor. For the batting material, required in the centre, I used fleece fabric instead. I have quite a bit of fleece left over from my-niece-and-nephew-polar-fleece-making-days, making this a perfect stash-busting project.

For the felt needle holding section, I used left-over fabric from my cream coloured jacket. The ribbon were also stash busted.  

I hope the students like them, a couple more weeks before they are revealed at the Sewing Club. They will hold sewing needles and pins on the felt section. There is a pocket that can hold small scissors and a seam ripper. And I will throw in there a small bandage, just in case the kids are anything like me when it comes to hand sewing.

Well, one down, thirteen more to go! I have all the fronts embroidered. Everything is cut and pinked so it is just stitching them together. It should take no time to whip these together now that all the cutting is done.

Happy Sewing!

Another Dress for Mama

Stash busting 2014:  Pretty Paisley Dress

Fabric:  2 metres 100% polyester
             0.1 metres of fusible interfacing

Zipper:  22" invisible zipper

Basting Tape:  44" of two-sided basting tape

Yes, this is another Simplicity 2372 for Mama R. The fabric has been in my stash for years, many years. I picked it up for Mama R and promised that I would make her a dress out of it many years ago. Yes, Mama R is a very patient woman.

The usual pattern changes were made to Simplicity 2372. The centre front seam was omitted and I cut the pattern piece on the fold. The centre back has an invisible zipper inserted. The sleeves have been lengthened and the hem shortened. I stitched down the pleats on the sleeves and the neckline to give them more shaping. And the hems were done with the blind hem foot.

That's all on this dress. Would you believe there is another one that Mama R would like cut out in this pattern? The next one will be in a black wool crepe.

Happy Sewing!  

In Sewing News Today...

There is some new fabric in my stash. I found some lining and light-weight fleece fabric for my winter coat project. Over on Pattern Review there is a beautiful coat where it was mentioned that it was underlined with a micro-fleece. What a great idea! Especially since the Farmer's Almanac is predicting another brutal winter [fingers crossed it ain't so]. But just in case the Farmer's Almanac is correct, the fleece underlining will make the coat toasty warm.  

I'm all set with all the fabrics. I just have to clear some time in my sewing schedule to get to work on this project. 

And also waiting to be made: I wanted to make a tailored jacket using Vogue 8333 for quite some time. While at Marshall Fabrics (where I found the lining fabric above), I came across this lovely tweed fabric.

It is brown with pink specs in it. I know there is a lot of pink tones in these fabrics--I don't know what has come over me. I can't believe I'm saying this but I like pink and browns together. Mama R also likes it and would like a jacket out of it if there happens to be any left over. I will have enough for two jackets. Looks like I'll be busy making jackets and coats this winter.   

In other sewing news, one of the students at the school I work at stopped me in the hall to ask when sewing club will be starting. How cute is that! I think I might be more excited about this activity than the kids (if that is even possible) because I was off to High Tea Bakery to see if they will be willing to make some sewing themed cookies for our first "sewing class." I figure that since we plan to have our first sewing class before the end of September and September is National Sewing Month it would be a nice way to kick things off. And they can do it! I just have to finish off the sewing kits and my co-worker is working on a cross-stitch sample and then we are ready for the big day. I think I'm as excited as that student who stopped me in the hall. I can't wait.

And, talking about being super excited, I finally got my hands on a copy of The Lost Art of Dress by Linda Przybyszewski.

This will be my next read once I finish The Pink Suit. The book is on the back burner while I finish off the sewing kits. So Sew much to do, sew little time!

Happy Sewing!

Book Review: Reader's Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing

Reader's Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories

Published by Reader's Digest Association, Inc.

Consulting Editor: Susan Huxley  

ISBN:  978-1-60652-208-0

Retail:  $39.95 (Cdn)

I was quite curious about the 2011 edition of the Reader's Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing. I have the 1978 edition in my personal sewing library which has been a valuable resource over the years. I was curious to see what makes this latest edition "new" and when I came across it at the public library a couple of weeks ago, it was my chance to see what I was missing.  

The most noticeable difference is that the 2011 edition is smaller. Significantly smaller with 144 pages less than the original edition. It is more streamline with glossy pages and update photographs. 

The updated version boasts "all-new projects from Simplicity patterns" on the front cover. Simplicity 2652 is used to illustrate French seams.  Simplicity 3565 is highlighted for dress pants with a waist binding and darts. Basically, these examples are eye candy promoting the pattern company but it is nice to see techniques matched up with a pattern. I do like the example of the little girl's smocked dress where Simplicity 2767 was modified to for the smocking on the bodice front. The Simplicity patterns that are matched up with sewing techniques date this book as the examples listed here are now out-of-print patterns.  

In the 1978 edition, the patterns shown as examples can easily be made today as they are mapped out on grids and include cutting measurements where the new book guides you to a pattern that you need to purchase.  

The line drawings for the most part are exactly the same as in the original version. The original  edition credits The Singer Company with technical assistance in the preparation of book and the latest version does not. I found this to be interesting because the line drawings for the most part (exception is colour shading) are exactly the same as in the original.  

I was sad to find the two pages dedicated to the invisible zipper omitted from the newer version. Why the editors would decide on this I don't understand.   

Another noticeable difference is the "Sewing for the Home" chapter in the original version has been replaced with a chapter on "Patchwork and Quilting." It includes a page dedicated to the history and revival of quilting since the 1970s to the emergence of art quilts that find their way into museums. Instead of a chapter on "Sewing for the Home," curtains were a featured as one of the projects without a dedicated Simplicity pattern example.  

If you were to ask me which book I prefer, I would have to say the original. I prefer the detail in the 1978 edition over the glossy pages and colour photographs that are forefront in the later version. That said, it is a highly recommended reference book. I just prefer the original. Why mess with a good thing?

Happy Sewing!

One Last Pair of Pants

Stash busting 2014:  Vogue 1325 Wool Pants

Fabric:  2.1 metres of 100% British wool
             0.1 metre of fusible interfacing

Zipper:  7" regular zipper

Snap:     1 set of metal pant hooks.

Thread:  I finished off another spool of thread during this project.

These pants are my latest version of Vogue 1325. This is number six and I think I'm all set in the pants department.  

I'm quite smitten over this pattern with the raised waistline, front pockets and wide legs that can easily hide the knee brace. They are a conservative style that it will keep the workplace bosses happy too. What is not to love about this pattern. I would highly recommend this pattern without hesitation.  

That said, after six pairs of these in my closet, I do believe it is time to retire this pattern. But I will keep the pattern in my collection. You never know when another pair is needed. Do you have a favourite tried and true pants pattern that you love to sew?  

The fabric is a medium weight British wool that I picked up for 70% off at Fabricland earlier this summer. You can't find pants like these in RTW for how much it cost to make. Gotta love it when that happens! The zipper was a rescue from a other garment that was destined for the donate pile. The pant hooks were busted from my notion stash. And the thread was whatever I found in my stash that was a close match. I don't sew a lot of taupe / beige coloured projects so I wasn't keen on adding anymore thread just to match it perfectly. I was able to polish off a partially used spool of thread. Yeah, stash busting!   

Happy Sewing!  

Tackling the Ever Growing Mending Pile...

Part I

Oh what is it about mending and alterations that I just don't like? Let me count the ways... 

1. mending is tedious, in the dull sense of the word.  
2. It cuts into my creative ventures.
3. It bores me silly. 

✄ ✄ ✄ 

You get the gist, right? Sometimes I can justify taking in my own mending and alteration pile to a professional like this project that I feared.  

My favourite jacket, sized as a petite, had sleeves that were much too long. I wore it a few times with the sleeves turned up but I longed to have them turned up. The functionable buttonholes and mittered corners stumped me so I took it in to have it altered. Stitch It Clothing and Alterations fixed it for me. 

They did a great job even without being able to save the functionable buttonholes, they did a way better job that I could. I wish I could afford to give them all my mending and alterations.

✄ ✄ ✄  

One of my knickers made it to the mending pile when I poked a hole into the knit fabric with my finger nail. Totally by mistake. All it needed was a dab of Fray Check and just to have a needle and thread run through it--a five minute job that waited weeks to be done. And then I clipped my nails down to a less-dangerous length.

✄ ✄ ✄ 

Mama R threw some of her mending and alterations my way. How can you say "no" to your mom? I wouldn't want to anyway. I'm lucky to have her in my life, even if she does give me her mending to do. This RTW shirt needed to be shortened. I had to dig out my jean-a-ma-jig to help with the bulky sections but again, it was another quick fix that waited too long to get done. My bad.

✄ ✄ ✄   

Okay, I had a really good excuse for these pockets taking so long to materialize. I spent some time searching for the left-over fabric that I mis-placed while cleaning up my workspace.

Mama R wanted pockets added to her housedress. Yes, I made this dress back in May. That is how long she has been waiting for pockets to be added to her dress.

Have I mentioned how patient this woman is with me?

I was lucky to have enough of the navy fabric left over to squeeze in a band on the top of the patch pocket. Mama R didn't care if it had the navy trim, she just wanted pockets. But once the pockets were done she was happy that it matched the upper portion of the dress. Although, I'm not sure if it made up for the time it took me to complete this request.

I can't take all the credit on this mending and alteration job. Mama R let the dress out herself. Armed with a seam ripper, she let out some of the seam allowance on the curved dart in the front and restitched a new seam allowance. It worked out perfectly giving her the desired amount of ease.

Much more on the mending pile, stay tuned for Part II.

Happy Sewing!

Pattern Give-away Winner: The Mad [Wo]men Package

Good morning, 

It is very early and I have a few moments before I head off to work so I won't take too much time...

the winner of The Mad [Wo]men Pattern Package is... 

Mary Maryall!  Congratulations! Thank you for leaving your email address, I'll send off a message right away.

Thank you to everyone who entered the pattern give-aways this summer. I hope you have fun sewing them all up!

Have a great day and Happy Sewing!

Mismatched Plaid

Stash busing 2014:  Loose-fitting Very Loose-Fitting Vest

Fabric:    2.3 metres

Buttons:  2

Pattern:   Butterick 6064

I loved the look of the draped neckline on this vest when the pattern came out. I'm not quite as excited about this pattern while sewing it up though. It is not a bad pattern, I just can't pin-point when my enthusiasm became deflated.

I love the fabric and goodness knows I love a plaid. So, that is not it. The fabric is a silk and cotton blend that I found at Fabricland. It has blue, beige and gold tones in it. I did a horrible job at matching the plaids at the side seam because I was too cheap to purchase extra fabric to match the plaid. I'm good with my cheapness. The pockets are designed to be at a slant so there was no way of matching them with the fashion fabric. The pattern does say that it is unsuitable for diagonals. I'm starting to think it might not be suitable for plaids as well.

The buttons were found in my button stash. I used a clear button for the interior button and I found a button for the exterior that picked up on the colours in the plaid. The armholes are finished with bias strips cut in the fashion fabric.

The pattern is nice. kAtheRine Tilton did a good job with the instructions and drafting this pattern around the corners. The miter corners were simple to construct and the pleats on the pockets are nice. It is a nice pattern--not exciting or challenging, just nice. 

I did shorten the vest significantly since I'm shorter than the average model that the Big Four pattern companies use. And I still feel it is long on me. Because of the length adjustment I waited until the vest was constructed before I sewed the pockets in place. I also left off pleats on the back section. They looked as if they were too close together on the pattern piece and after I checked out another version of this vest on Pattern Review, I decided to skip this step. Those were the only changes that I made to the pattern.

Maybe I shouldn't have skipped the back pleats because this looks big (or should I say shapeless?) on me. Maybe that is what is stopping me from loving this vest?  

I'm sure I will get a lot of wear from this vest as part of my work wardrobe as the pockets are my favourite feature. But I don't see myself making another one. It sort of feels like I'm wearing an apron, a fancy silk apron, instead of a vest. It will be perfect for those I-feel-fat days.  

Happy Sewing!