If using a sewing pattern, I look for one that has clean, simple lines.
When deciding to sew a garment, I’ll typically choose a “main”, or “ focus”,
fabric first. The focus fabric in the (unfinished) vest shown is the purple/yellow/green
floral print. That fabric was a vacation souvenir, purchased in Bozeman, MT.
Once I’ve chosen my main fabric, I’ll look through my stash of fabric to pick
additional prints/colors that might be worked into the project. I often make
pieced strips ahead of time, so I can work them into my garment.
Note the fabrics I chose to add to the featured floral print. Some are prints,
others are tone-on-tone. I used a basic, commercial classic vest pattern for
this vest. I typically cut my pattern pieces out from the batting, in this case,
flannel. I start strip piecing each front piece from the center outward.
Sometimes I do designs that are mirror images of each other. My work
is always spontaneous. I love to play with fabric and see which pieces
work well together! This vest has an asymmetrical design, which I find
visually appealing.
Up close and personal! Once I have strip pieced my vest front pieces, I
love to add vintage and/or contemporary trims. I usually do this by hand.
Buttons and beads may be added for additional interest and texture. I am
careful to stay away from seam lines. My embellishments are almost
always added before I line my garments. I then quilt the garment by hand,
or, with decorative machine stitching (as I did on this vest).
(shown) for the entire back. Photo shows a portion of the vest back.
There is flannel batting underneath. I have used decorative machine stitches
and randomly sewn over the entire surface. I used yellow, green, and lavender
thread.
This is what the inside looks like before I add a lining and complete
the vest. The lining will provide a clean finish!
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