Sunday, March 8, 2009

Simplicity 2665 - Black leopard vest w/ red topstitching

Here's is my first spring FO. It is extremely hard to photograph, even in full daylight. If you scroll down, I've included a bunch of close-ups so you can see the details better. The white blouse I'm wearing underneath was made last October.

I thought the pattern was super cute when it came out last month, and this fabric, which has been marinating in my stash for at least 3 years, wanted to be made into the vest. I did red lining and red topstitching for a pop of color.

I used thick heavy-duty thread for the topstitching and regular thread for the bobbin. I think the thicker thread shows up a lot better. I also used my walking foot to do the stitching so the outer fabric and lining didn't shift out of place. Here's the back, or what you can see of it:

Okay, so now you can see the stitches a bit better and the bright red lining. I used red thread to sew the buttons on. Notice this inset is sewn onto the vest with the 4th row of topstitching. I thought that a very neat detail.

Here's the full lining:

These back tabs aren't that noticeable, but another cute detail. I used red lining fabric for the under-tabs and under-pocket flaps.

This is a junior pattern, but I simply cut the 11/12 and had no fit issues. I do think junior patterns tend to run small in the bust. Not that this was a problem for me (having a small bust and all). I would totally have loved the shorts a few years ago. But now that I'm in my 30's with kids I just don't feel comfortable showing that much leg. I guess that's why ladies' shorts get longer and longer the older they get. :)

I finished the vest last Tuesday and have been working on these pants ever since. They're Vogue 1051, and after figuring out my first ever welt pocket and matching all the horizontal lines of this pesky plaid, they are unfortunately too small. Arg! Making pants is so hard for me!!! It didn't help that this fabric has zero stretch. And yes, I made a muslin, and thought I'd worked out all the fit issues with it.

I think I'll trace off this blouse today and get it cut out tonight. However, spring is here and I love gardening! All my plants are putting on leaves or flowering or emerging from the ground. This is the time of year I like to be outside working in the yard. It's a mad dash these next 3 months to get the dead growth cut off and new plants planted before the dog days of summer hit. So, I might be around a little less then usual.

23 comments:

  1. Super cute vest. I like all of the embelishments you did with it. I'm too afraid of junior patterns but it looks great on you.

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  2. I love that vest. It is to die for!!! I can't wait to see your pants.

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  3. Amanda, this is so cute! You did such a great job with all that topstitching. Shame about the pants :(

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  4. Love the vest! Do you have any tips about how to stop thick top stitching threading jamming in the machine. Do I need a special needle? I use a lighter thread in the bobbin.

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  5. That is a very cute vest and I love the red details that you added to it!

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  6. The vest is beautiful! You did a great job on the details. Love the red!
    Too bad about the pants, I fully understand about fit issues.
    I spent some time outside digging today, it has finally turned nice here.

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  7. Very smart looking vest. It appears your blouse ruffle fits exactly into the vest neckline. However did that happen?

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  8. Very cute vest, your topstitching is perfect.

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  9. That's a sharp looking vest. I love that you selected red for the topstitching.

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  10. Oh wow...I think I have to 'borrow' your design idea. The stitching just gives the right 'pep' to this cute vest!

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  11. I love your pop of color on your vest! You have great style. I'm not a blogger myself but I love looking at other people's creations.

    As far as pants go, I used to have tons of problems with fit but now I just cut them quite a bit bigger on the outer seams. I sew everything like normal and then baste in the outside seams for the best fit. Once the fit is correct, I cut and finish my front pockets and then stitch the outside seam. My mom taught me that trick and it saves me tons of frustration!

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  12. What a great ensemble. I think your choice of red top stitching makes the whole thing pop!

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  13. That is one super stylish and very cleverly made vest!

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  14. Cute vest! Shoot on the pants. Isn't that frustrating, and you did such a beautiful job with the plaid too. Boo.

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  15. Cute vest! I love the red topstitching! Just wanted to let you know that I've nominated you for the Sisterhood Award. =)

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  16. FABULOUS!! PERFECT!!! I want one too!!!! I'm a sucker fror topstitching details and red linings!

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  17. Thanks for all the positive comments!!!

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  18. Your vest is absolutely gorgeous! You have done an amazing job with it. So neat!!

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