After a break from sewing, I find myself reaching for textiles again….and wanting to create more of a balance there. February is my time for Birthday garments….it’s when I ask myself- ‘what can I add to my wardrobe that feels like the me I am becoming?
Ashland Vests are a great way to play with new fabrics and color combinations and have some new layers in my wardrobe as the weather changes here in So Oregon. It’s my go-to basic vest shape I like to work with.
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I loved using a vintage quilt piece and combining it with a blue pin-stripe linen.
After removing the lining and repairing some of the batting, it still has some added warmth and weight to the front pieces. I was able to add a roomy pocket without it distracting from the quilt and it’s original hand stitching.
After ‘making’ a new piece of fabric by stitching scraps of a favorite print by Marsha Derse, more decorative machine stitches were added to the grey linen.
This vest is a single layer, with only a facing down the center fronts. It has raw edges across the bottom and neckline, carrying out the theme of the print and piecing. I worked on this vest during a recent weekend visit with good friends, Katherine and Marcy Tilton. Marcy shared some impromptu videos on her facebook and instagram as we worked on projects in her studio. Both vests have linings on the backs.
Success Tips for your Vest:
For better bust fitting: Ease stitch the front armhole along the bias edge (which is about where a dart would be if there isn’t one). By adding a running stitch along the seamline and drawing in some of the fullness (see left photo above), the edge can be steamed and shaped to curve into the armhole before finishing the armhole. This technique can also work along the back of the neck if your body has a curve at the top of your spine.
Leave side seams for last: Finishing the garment with sides open leaves my favorite option for overlapping the sides at an angle. This lets the front armholes drop as the vest fronts swing forward, creating a bias hang and more coverage across the garment front. I love the way this fits!!! Nipping in at the back to finish with a few pleats is a nice way to add shape as well.
The garment you create should feel comfortable .... like your second skin!!
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It seems we are all making plans farther ahead for things we need to nourish our lives. If you are planning to join us in a retreat this year, here are some updates and links to more info on my website. A deposit will hold your place in the studio with us until each session gets closer.
Ashland,Oregon sessions:
The workshop with John Marshall at the end of March is full with a wait list. We have just invited Carol Lee Shanks as our returning guest teacher in the Oct session, with some spaces available.
Taos, New Mexico sessions:
I’m looking forward to sharing textile artist Karin Graves (#KarinGraves) with you in June as our guest teacher in our studio there with lots of fabric printing, stitching and construction play.
In the Sept Session in Taos we will welcome Arunna Khounnoraj for piecing and hand-stitching and conversations about Imagined Landscapes.
Enjoy the changing season, be thoughtful and enjoy the inspiration it brings to your life and work, Diane
