Vest from an old wool suit coat

When choosing a wool suit coat, keep in mind that you won't be able to wash it. Suit coats are dry clean only. I do not take mine to the dry cleaners before I cut them up, that would be expensive. Before I purchase one from the thrift shop I make sure that it doesn't smell like cigarette smoke. I place it in the dryer with a couple of dryer sheets and that usually freshens it up a bit. There are also home dry cleaning kits, they work well also. It is also important to check for small holes from moths. although, they can be covered with the yo-yo's if placed in the right location. Besides the suit coat  you will need an old cotton dress for the lining, a sewing machine, matching thread, scissors, measuring tape, straight pins,  12" of 1/2" elastic, buttons and scrap fabric for the yo-yo's. 

Step 1 Deconstructing the coat

I chose a nice plaid wool suit coat. I thought this would make a nice vest. The first step was to cut out the lining and throw it away. Remove the buttons with a seam ripper and add them to your button jar. You don't have a button jar? Well, by all means get you one started...Leave the back center seam intact but take the jacket apart and separate the pieces. Most suit coats will have the bottom of the back open, I sewed this closed all the way down so that I could use it for the back of the vest.

Comments

[Cat-Chick]

I think vests should be mandatory. Always stylish and flattering.

Yours is absolutely adorable. No more $60 vests for me... gonna make my own now. Thanks so much for the awesome idea.

[flyingpuppy]

Well done! I think with these instructions, maybe even I can make one!