Saturday, December 11, 2010

10-2008-123 - Faux leather quilted vest

If you'll recall, I attempted this design last month, but it turned into a wadder because of poor fabric choice. And my zipper insertion looked horrible. And the collar was too tall, making me feel somewhat choked. I'm calling that first try an expensive muslin, because this one I'm actually really pleased with. Here's the drawing again to refresh your memory:

Ta da! You might notice right off the bat that my version has no sleeves. I thought them a little strange but edgy at the same time, and couldn't make up my mind if I should include them or not. As it turned out I needn't have concerned myself; there wasn't enough fabric anyway. I barely squeezed out the inside facings, and had to cut the undercollar with lining fabric.

This time I cut 1.25" off the height of the stand collar and now it is the exact height of the shawl collar, totally eliminating the choking feeling. Isn't this fabric so fun? I bought it a year or two ago from Hancock's for a vest I decided not to make. The front side looks like quilted leather and the back is actually fleece. It's thin enough not to add a bunch of bulk but warm because of the fleece. I was concerned the leather-like layer might melt when being ironed or act willy nilly but it was very easy to work with and pressed like a dream.

I added this 1" elastic casing to the back to give it some shape.

I did include the working front pockets, even though they are tiny and I'll probably never put anything in there. The welts were turned on an angle and have vertical and horizontal "quilting lines".

This project stressed me out because of the silly front zipper. On my last attempt, the zipper was wavy and didn't meet exactly at the top or bottom. However, this one went in with relative ease and didn't have any waving issues. I love the contrast of shiny gold metal and matted black leather. I see lots more exposed metal zippers in my future.

Also, I cut each piece out individually so that all the quilting lines matched up horizontally across the front and back.

The second shawl collar is simply stitched on top of the vest and then zigzagged at the edge. I had to do a bit of handstitching where the tip of the collar overlaps the zipper. Here's where you can see the undercollar cut from lining fabric. This was a happy accident as it cuts down on bulk and never shows anyway.

The elastic casing was easily made by stitching the lining and vest fabric together at the top and bottom of the casing. Then I inserted the elastic and closed the ends.

Even though I live in Texas and we have very mild winters, I get cold often. (I must have cold reptile blood or something.) I think this vest will see a lot of use as a warm layering piece.

43 comments:

  1. Your vest looks awesome! Very sleek and sporty. I like it better without the sleeves as well. Beautiful job matching up the quilting lines!
    It's nice to see you back in your finished objects after months of dress-form-only photos. You look great! :)

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  2. Wow. You did a fabulous job on this. So chic.

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  3. WOW!!! I wish I could be as good as you!! that vest is great, the fabric is nice too.

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  4. Fabulous vest! Great fabric choice, I love the diagonal quilting lines. The elastic in the back is a great idea.

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  5. Love it! Great job on matching up those quilting lines.

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  6. I love this vest - have been wanting to make something with quilted outerwear fabric, you have inspired me.
    and the matching quilting - fantastic.

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  7. This might be my all-time favorite project of yours, and that is really saying something. It is so chic and detail-rich. I love everything about it.
    You'll be the smartest looking mama on the block!

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  8. I am salivating. That, is all. Salivating.

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  9. Wow, this looks awesome (of course!). Perfect matching, perfect zipper, perfect fabric. Perfect!

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  10. Oh, I like that one! Beautiful job!

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  11. Wow...edgy and very flattering on you! Of course, beautifully made as well. I want one!

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  12. You look great Amanda! and this vest is stylish and fun. You did a fantastic job on it, especially with matching the fabric along the zipper. I really love this! PS Rachel is just adorable in her new black pants and red and black top. Too cute!

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  13. What a great vest...love your fabric choice, your zipper choice and how you used the elastic in the back! It is a true winner!

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  14. Great Job! ...and kudos to you for not giving up even after your first attempt at this pattern was a wadder. This one is absolutely fabulous.

    Christiana
    sewamusing.blogspot.com

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  15. Wow! That is awesome! So very RTW, you'll have everyone fooled, and asking, "Where did you buy that?" Job well done!

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  16. That is the perfect vest, the fabric is so right for the design. Great job once again.

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  17. Fantastic workmanship (workwomanship??) anyway - it's totally awesome!

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  18. Wow, it look great! Well done!

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  19. Yes, your vest is fabulous, looks great on you - but, what I really want to know is how you pull YOURSELF back together so fast after having 3 kids! You look amazing! My baby turns 19 next birthday & I'm still fighting my baby weight! Please, please Amanda, share your secrets!

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  20. Beautifully constructed! Glad it worked out the second time.

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  21. Hotness, pure hotness. Every decision you made was genius.

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  22. Wow! You have really made this work. I love the fabric - it's so perfect and your construction is superb. The overall look is very sporty but also very high fashion - ie. a garment that is very useful but also looks fabulous. What more could you want?!

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  23. This looks such a complicated project but you have achieved perfection yet again. I love it Amanda the construction is awesome.

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  24. This vest is a true winner! It seems that the second attempt did the trick! I love the texture and shape of this vest! It's pure perfection!

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  25. Wow, I LOVE this vest on you. Terrific design lines, wonderful collar details and great texture. I must have that same blood....even in southern Florida I'm chilly in "winter" and need my polarfleece.

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  26. Very nice, I love your blog, you are so good at sewing..and so industrious too!!

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  27. Brilliant job, it was worth persevering with! The fabric is perfect for it and the matching of the quilting lines is impressive!

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  28. Very cool. I love the two collars. You did a great job.

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  29. Impeccable! An edgy piece with great elements. The zipper on this one looks perfect.

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  30. What a nicely fitting vest with great style. I love it.

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  31. Wonderful! And you have gotten your figure back so quickly! My youngest is expecting her first any minute now, so I might have to give her some tips from you on how to recover!

    Love the vest. Great job, as always.

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  32. This looks wonderful on you!! Very classy and professional looking. Great job!

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  33. I'm glad you gave this one another shot, because this is fantastic! :)

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  34. your vest looks great ! I love this sort of layering pieces. Great job !

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  35. Absoultely fantastic vest. Love it.

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  36. I'm really not into vests or leather clothing, but OMG, this is such a fabulous garment! Love! I can see you getting many years wear out of this. :)

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  37. I haven't visited your blog in AGES, Baby Rachel is ADORABLE, I love her crazy hair! And you look amazing, how do you do it??? Where do you find the time to sew AND look after children?!

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  38. Wow. You did a fabulous job on this.....

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