{a sew warm contest entry!}
In this instructable, I'll show you how to sew the unisex vest pattern from Vogue, with a couple enhancements (real pockets, fleece lining). You don't need too much experience; this is how I taught myself how to actually sew (that archaeopteryx costume in 1st grade doesn't count; my mom did most of the work). If you don't know much about using patterns (as I didn't), continue reading! All you need to know is how to use the machine.
If you actually know how to sew, I welcome your comments on how I could have done this better, and also to correct any unorthodox techniques I might be using.
It's Oh Sew Warm, this vest!
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Signing UpStep 1: Preparation
Materials
outer material (I got 1 yard, but only needed half that)
lining material (fleece) (used 1 yard)
satin backing material (only needed half yard)
fusable interfacing (1 yard)
four 5/8" buttons
1" buckle for the back
thread. (can't really sew without it...)
I'll be showing you how to sew the unisex vest pattern from Vogue (ooo, stylish), found here: http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v7644-products-1265.php?page_id=180
Tools: normal sewing stuff.
scissors
tape
pencil
sewing machine
iron
regular needle
some way to do button holes :/ (step 24)
wax
seam ripper
lots of pins.
only the most basic of sewing skills: how to operate the machine, what a backstitch is, etc. I'll even tell you how to sew on the buttons.
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Great instructable.
I'm so gonna make that !
hey, why don't you make a fine suit-jacket and post the instructable ?
Basting is, traditionally, the process of running a quick, wide stitch along the edge of a seam. It is typically done anywhere a cut made on the bias is not supposed to stretch. I've never heard of basting interfacing before, because it is not the nature of interfacing to stretch. Interesting!
I love the finished piece, but I do have a word of advice:
Unisex patterns try to take the broad shoulders of a man, and the broad waist of a woman. For instructable purposes, that's handy, because your audience is going to be both genders.
But you, sir... you have no hips to speak of. If you ever make another one of these puppies-- and I would, because it's a great project, and you'll be wearing these for years to come-- I would do some alterations to your pattern.
I'm seeing FAR too much slack around the back of the piece. Personally, I would have "taken in" the back seam. Eyeballing it, I'd say the shoulders are fine, but the bottom needs two inches on each side pulled into the seam. This will "swallow" the V at the bottom of the vest, which is designed to allow for some give. You may choose to omit it, since your waist is so slim.
This is why it's important to try on your piece during construction, eh?
In the meantime, my girlfriend wants one, probably requiring different modifications.
I just thought I'd reply about your post because I do know of a reason for basting interfacing. Even though it's more common to baste on interfacing when the interfacing is not fusible, it is sometimes used to keep it in place while ironing. Otherwise it is used to flat line garments which simply makes the fabric heavy by basting on another layer underneath the top layer.
It would be sort of a repeat, but I've been promising a welt pocket demo for a while now and haven't seemed to get around to it just yet. . .
This one would do great double duty!
Would you want to help make the text more descriptive / correct? I seriously just looked at some pockets and made a few prototypes out of paper to figure it out, so I'm not sure if everything is really "correct", per se.
(do you have to have a pro account to do a collaborative instructable? I don't see how to do it, otherwise I would suggest it...)