the challenge: dcf seasonal challenge winter 17 - lara and i started the dcf seasonal challenge a year or two ago – we buy a couple of metres of the same fabric from darn cheap fabrics each season, and each make a garment. we then reveal it on our blogs on the same day (or a day apart this season!). it’s just a fun thing that we started when we realised how often we buy and sew the same fabrics (often from darn cheap).
the fabric: double sided scuba/knit, navy scuba and light marle grey knit
the pattern: style arc estelle ponte jacket. when we agreed on the fabric i wasn't quite sure what i would make. then i went to a party and one of the guests was wearing a double sided waterfall cardi vest which i really liked. i googled looking for pattern options and decided on making a sleeveless version of the estelle ponte jacket.
sizing: my measurements put me in size 10 for bust and between size 10 and 12 for waist and hips. i normally make a size 10 or 12 in style arc knit patterns, the chosen size usually relates to the extent of stretch in my chosen fabric. given the style of this jacket with excess fabric i decided to make a 10 and am happy with the overall fit.
alterations: none - apart from not using the sleeves and also making a fabric tie belt.
the sewing: making this a vest instead of a jacket with the edges left raw made this a very easy make. the centre back and shoulder seams are flat felled. i hadn't looked at the sewing instructions before i cut the fabric and when i saw flat felled seams in the instructions i was a bit worried that my fabric would be too think to do this neatly but it all worked out ok.
the verdict: in comparing my finished item to the pattern line drawings you will notice that my version does not really resemble the line drawings. i quickly realised during construction of the jacket that the thickness of the fabric did not allow for a flowing waterfall - see second last pic above. to compensate i made a tie belt (read: i cut a long rectangle of fabric, and left the edges raw). in using the belt i can create a waterfall type look.
i really do like the look i achieve with the belt and the fabric is toasty warm so i love wearing the vest...around the house. the thing is i am not really keen on wearing clothes that have to be re-adjusted regularly, so unfortunately as much as i do like the vest, it is unlikely to get much wear. if you have any suggestions on a) how I could make the look i get with the tie belt permanent or b) other pattern ideas i could reuse the fabric for, please leave them in the comments!
now i need to check out lara's post.
til next time,
emma
Emma, Gorgeous vest. For what it's worth, I would probably add snaps or hooks, to make the vest doubled breasted. (US term, don't know if it translates) (I HATE button holes, but that's an option) That would give the look without the belt. Alternatively, I'd add belt carriers (center, left, right) in the matching dark blue to keep the belt in place. Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah snaps as suggested above sounds like a good idea. It looks lovely wth the belt! The fabric looks lovely but I've never sewn with scuba so can't think what to suggest - maybe a bomber jacket?
ReplyDeleteIt looks great Emma! I agree with the snaps or belt carriers idea. I've been wearing my vest with a pin to hold it closed. It's really warm!
ReplyDeleteWhat about sewing thick elastic directly to the inside of it to cinch it in? Or would that not work with the lapels? Shame you're not 100%happy as it's very chic and striking!
ReplyDeleteHow amazing that you've both ended up with a similar type of pattern! If you like the waterfall style why don't you fold it into the draping waterfall and stitch through the folds to get a draping effect! Alternatively, you could cut the lapels back (to any shape & size, really) and it'll probably sit flat. You could mark the shape with soap slivers or chalk before cutting,
ReplyDeleteYour vest looks lovely and quite striking with the belt. If you prefer unbelted I agree with Winny about either stitching or cutting. I feel like the huge lapels when left unbelted might be overwhelming your frame and might be easier to wear if pared back. High maintenance clothes never get worn around here either!
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