Vested interest
The Japanese Sewalong at http://tanoshii-schneidern.blogspot.de has encouraged me to sew up some patterns from my largish Japanese pattern book collection. I have left my run a little late, but in my defence this is a transeasonal piece which is perfect for taming oversized shirts and adding a layer of warmth for our current Autumn weather.
I’ve always loved the Pattern I – Bolero Vest with Braid Trim from Casual Sweet Clothes by Noriko Sasahara and I’m surprised it’s taken me this long to make it.
Before we talk construction I need to tell you a little story. My vest was sitting on the ironing board when my mother-in-law came to visit on Sunday afternoon. She saw it and made a quick (wrong) assumption. Yes, that’s right, she thought it was a dress-up for one of my daughters. Sigh… Do you have any good mother-in-law sewing stories to share with me?
This is a little vest that doesn’t use much fabric, but boy it was quite the process, that went something like this…
1. Trace the pattern and add seam allowances
2. Make a calico version to test fit. The medium was perfect without alteration (bonus!). I love that this book includes finished garment measurements… they are oh so helpful.
3. After joining the shoulder seams, the instructions specify ‘sew on decorative braid’. Those four little words sound so easy, but without pattern markings requires the following interpretation… do your best to make the braid look presentable.
Some freehand braid pinning looked disastrous, so I took to using my measuring gauge and marking the braid placement in chalk. I traced around a small cylinder for the loops. Those of you with good eyes might be able to spy the blue chalk outline (bottom left).
4. Side seams were joined and then the facings were assembled, attached and understitched.
5. The hem and the facings were tacked in position before blind stitching them in place by hand. I’m really starting to enjoy this hand stitching caper… and (bonus) I’m getting neater with more practice.
And because I’m taking part in a Japanese Sewalong, it seemed fitting for some minimalist Japanese styling and poses!
Pattern: Bolero Vest with Braid Trim from Casual Sweet Clothes: Favourite Pieces for Every Day by Noriko Sasahara
Size: Medium
Fabric: Dark Forest Green Felted Wool from the Clear It (Alanah Hill) Outlet (leftover from this project) and trim from Darn Cheap Fabrics
Alterations: None!
Accessories: Bangle by Sonia Rykel (brought here) & shoes from Zomp.
I love the vest and it looks exactly like the original. I bet your MIL felt bad but I guess it could be an easy mistake to make.
Thanks Andrea. I love it when a project turns out just as you imaged it in your head. My MIL is here again today and now telling me that she’s seem a similar vest in a newspaper this week and I must be ‘on trend’.
Anna, you are almost as incorrigible as my husband with your puns! Love it. I also love the vest, and particularly your pose with the little pot plant. Total Japanese sewing book cover shot 😀
You’ve found me out… I do love a good pun! It’s fun mixing up the photo shoots. Another Japanese make from the same book is next up… stayed tuned!
Love your styling Anna – looks fab! I was eyeing off this book yesterday – the collarless coat is calling me 🙂
I’ve just finished the jewel-neck jacket with bow. It’s another great pattern and it’ll be on the blog tomorrow. Watch this space!
Your photos are so cool and I like the vest too. Should be a good ‘extra layer’ piece for tricky warm/cool Autumn weather.
The photo shoots are nearly getting as much planning as the pattern and fabric selection Christy! I too think this vest will get a lot of wear with out changeable weather (and cool mornings).
My MIL has always been polite about my sewing, and puzzled as to why I bother… She finds it easy to get RTW that fits.
On other topics she can be quite vocal 😜
Ha Ha… I hear you!
Looks like the original, but better made! That’s why we sew!
I like your style very much! Great pictures!