Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Just Because



I decided to make a green corduroy vest. Just because I wanted one. Just because I had the fabric in my stash. Just because I think it's my duty to clear out that stash instead of leaving it lying about in the sewing room. It's the principle of the thing, you know.

I used Simplicity 4079 for my vest, without any major problems or alterations. Even after cutting it down a size, I had to take up an inch in the shoulders and over an inch at the bottom armhole.

I love the little open tabs in the back:



I already had the perfect buttons in my stash, making this project absolutely free:




And, of course, a new vest calls for a new blouse. I've been sorely in need of some practical white blouses for everyday use, and this one did the trick. I used my absolute favorite blouse pattern, Simplicity 4499 (out of print, sadly). I think I need to transfer it to interfacing, as the tissue paper is beginning to fall apart! I drafted a Peter Pan collar, which was a nice departure from the stand-up collar I typically use with this pattern.



More stash buttons for the blouse, this time taken from a garment that was destined for donation before I vandalized it:



I'm starting to take this stash-busting idea seriously! In fact, I don't think I paid a single penny for either of the projects -- except for patterns and interfacing. The only problem is that I seem to be adding to my stash faster than I am using it up!

10 comments:

  1. Oh Shannon, I cannot tell you how lovely I think your whole outfit looks! Wow! I definitely need to start wearing more vests!
    The photos are great too, with all the beautiful books. What a lovely library, is it in your house?

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  2. Oh, it is SO pretty! Those pictures remind me of Narnia for some reason :) Truly lovely. I'm always so impressed by your sewing skills- I would love to have a class someday... if only Florida weren't so far away from Texas!

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  3. Lovely! You could tailor for a living! If only I had time and material to sew like you! The skirt is cute too.

    Maria Pauline

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  4. Thank you so much for your kind words!

    Aurora, the pictures were very kindly taken by my mother in our living room. We have this obsession with books... This is the second vest I've made, and I'm enjoying it. I had always thought of them as masculine garments, but I'm discovering that they can be quite feminine!

    Lauren Christine, you are just too sweet! I wish Florida was closer to Texas, too :)

    Maria Pauline, thank you! You have a lovely avatar, by the way.

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

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  5. Shannon...I'm always so inspired when I stop by! The whole outfit is lovely..and yes, vests can be quite feminine:-)

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  6. Vests really add something to an outfit, don't they? Yours is just beautiful... good job!

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  7. Thank you, Sommer and Clare! I think vests may turn into an addiction for me...

    Oh, I just had to share -- I wore this outfit to teach violin on Thursday, which happened to be "Grandparents' Day" at the Classical Christian School where I teach. One of my little kindergarten students looked at me during our lesson and said, "You're all dressed up for Grandparents' Day!" Too cute! :)

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

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  8. It is soooo beautiful! I simply love your new vest and blouse, and they look wonderful with your skirt (and the library setting -- GREAT bookshelves!! I love them!!).

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  9. Dear Shannon,

    I stumbled upon your blog by a Pinterest and I am so pleased I did. I am in search of a blouse that is simple with Peter Pan collar and it's nice to see that somebody has found one looks so good. Your vest and skirt are lovely as well. I started wearing skirts full-time before my last baby was born and I love it! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Have a wonderful day!

    Yours in Christ, Lisa Anne

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words, Lisa Anne, and I'm so glad you found this post helpful!

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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