I love a great dramatic garment and my pinterest boards certainly indicate this. Sometimes though, I just know when too much is too much and things have to be reeled in just a bit. That was the case here.
I made this sleeveless blazer about five years ago….back when they were still called vests. I was enrolled in a tailoring class and was told I needed a vest pattern for the class. At the time, I was quite perturbed, a vest for a tailoring class?! I wanted a full blazer…with sleeves…to learn it allllll! I will not go into a rant about my disappointment in this and other classes I have taken at the local art college… BUT let me just say this, it was a waste of my time and money! I have learned so much more from fellow sewists online and through online classes and tutorials. I am so proud of this community and the quality of skills that is shared…for free! That is true passion. Ok…I’m done. I’m feeling just a little angry about it…all over again…maybe that’s why it has taken me so long to write about this make…. Husband will surely be calling it the Angry Vest after reading this post. lol
Ok. Now I’m really done.
I choose V1214, an Alice and Olivia pattern. I remember choosing this one because it had pockets and I loved the lines of the back. The class instructor said my choice was too difficult….ughhh!!!! IT’S A TAILORING CLASS! (oops sorry, I fell of the wagon, won’t happen again).
The pattern called for godets in the back and I felt that they were just a bit too much for me. So I omitted them. Pretended those pieces didn’t even exist, like my class instructor by the third night…oops I lied.
This pattern called for lots of topstitching and I remember enjoying that part. I think that I should have used a heavier interfacing for the front band because I find that it went a wee bit wavy.
For the lining, I used a Bemberg in gray. I find Bemberg so fiddly when sewing with it but I love the finished product so much that it’s worth the effort. I didn’t put closures on the front band because I knew I would likely wear it open and on the odd occasion that I wanted to wear it closed, I wore a belt.
I like the paired down version of this pattern and think that without the full godets in the back, the subtle details and design lines are able to shine.
I just want to say… I love the sewing community both online and off. The support I feel and I see given to others is outstanding. Â oh…and sorry about the rant…
Just came across your blog about 10 days ago……have so enjoyed looking at your wonderful makes. I have been at the sewing game for 44 years and still stand in awe of younger peoples talent….and of course you look so gorgeous in them. I will be visiting your blog regularly to see what you have been creating next.
Thank you Rianna!! I feel the same way about so many talented sewers, both on and off line! I have great respect for this sewing community we are a part of. Thanks so much for you comment!!!!
I'm 100% on board with you about this "tailoring class". I'm putting that in quotes because it seems like it was mislabeled when it should have been beginning sewing or something. At least you liked your finished garment and I think it looks lovely on you.
Love your angry vest – very chic! I agree – I've learned so much from the online sewing community – and it's amazing how nice and helpful people are.
Sewing community is great and I am really happy to be part of it. I was planning to attend a sewing class here in my place but I am glad I gave up and decided to learn by myself with books and join sewing community 🙂
I understand your feeling about the vest, it's waste the money and time but I think it's a lovely garment 🙂 I love the whole look and you look great as always 🙂
We all need to express our inner feelings sometimes – I know I do! Very nice vest and outfit!
haha, you are hilarious! I love the back of that vest too, good for you for going with the project you wanted to make!
I love this! and so glad you omitted the godets. It has a great shape http://sewsincity.com
That is a beautiful vest. I am so sorry about the disappointment in the class but you are so right the online sewing community is amazing.
Just saw you on PR as member in focus and decided to visit your blog. As a new sewist I'm always looking for inspiration, and your blog is a perfect place for that! I really like your vest and the whole outfit in general. Great job!
Kelly (with a blog coming soon!)
It was definitely mislabeled. Oh well..
Lol! Thanks Faye!
Thanks Noelle!
I am very happy with the vest and have worn it quite a lot. Thanks Hana!
Thank you Helen! The back is my favorite part of the vest too!
Thanks!
Thank you Lori! I find sewists on and off line are so helpful! Sharing a passion draws people together.
Thank you Kelly! Welcome to blogging…it's fun!
That is such a stylist little vest! At least you got your cool seam lines, even if you didn't get sleeves.
You had a vision for this pattern and the pared down version worked well. Looks like you were able to learn some tailoring techniques in the process too!
I'm obviously old fashioned. I'd call this a gilet! Or a vest. Not a sleeveless blazer. Oh well. Looks good anyway and at least you came out of that class with simmering you could wear and feel proud of.
Since I took up sewing over two years ago now (gosh how time flies!), I've been to many classes and found some wonderful, some a waste of time and some surprisingly exhausting. I'm currently doing a course (with a syllabus) and if course that means that I'm not getting exactly what I want, when I want, but I am learning a lot. I love the online community and its support – and have also got a lot from books and online classes. I feel so grateful to have all this.
Margo – congrats on being Vogue Pattern Magazine's Star Blogger this month! I really like your interpretation of the vest. The godets made me overlook the pattern but with them removed it's pretty awesome. Great job on the vest and sorry about the class.
It sounds like the class you took deserves every rant it gets. I love the online sewing community too! I basically started blogging just to be a part of it, and now I love blogging too 🙂
Hi,Margo. I just discovered your blog, thanks to Vogue Patterns, and so appreciate your honesty/humor regarding your class experience! We just moved from our family home of 25 years in Seattle to a condo in Portland and your blog is inspiring me to unpack and get my sewing space set up. I will be checking in often, as I like your style and value your attention to detail.
Well even though it's an angry vest, it still looks lovely! And what kind of teacher tells you something is too hard – isn't that the point of taking the class? Sheesh!
Thanks Carolyn! It is such an exciting thing for me…it still doesn't seem real.
Thanks Morgan!
I did. Thanks Sarah!
I learn something new everyday. Thanks Anne!!
Blogging is great! Thanks Nilla!
Awww..thank you Karen! Yes, your sewing space should be the first to be set up! lol Thanks for following!
I know right!? Thanks Heather! 😉
Your angry vest is quite sassy. Congratulations on the article in Vogue.
Hey. You needed to vent so this is the perfect forum to vent because it's your blog.
Great 'sleeveless vest/jacket'.