Tons of clothing and domestic cast-offs continue to make their way here. I try to focus my work on denim, but this piece caught my eye. As a former quilter, and especially of traditional patchwork designs, I could not help myself from purchasing this small wall hanging. First, it was hand quilted for someone. Second, it was in perfect shape with the exception of one tiny hole. Third, it cost only US $ 0.25. Yes, if not purchased soon, it would have been sent to a landfill.
After washing and admiring it, I had to “play with” the wall hanging to decide what I could upcycle it into. Recently I have seen antique quilts being deconstructed and remade into dresses, coats, shorts and other garments. This piece was so small that it seemed to be perfect for the front of a vest.
Step One: Make a pattern to use for cutting the fabric. Fortunately, I have kept a favorite patchwork vest that a friend gave me many years ago. The vest fits a little small so I also chose an exercise tank top that had a loose fit. Between the 2, I was able to make the 2 pattern pieces. The front vest pieces were aligned with the bottom of the quilt so that the wide frame was included.
The back piece was cut from an old linen curtain because I wanted the vest to not be so warm. I actually cut the back piece too wide so I added inverted pleats down from the neckline.
Another feature I added was 2 ties for the back of the vest so that a “shape” could be given to the front since there are no darts. They were made from the same linen curtain and about 2 inches wide.
Step Two: Sew the 2 pieces (2 front and 1 back). The side seams were sewn together with the 2 ties inserted. the shoulder seams were sewn together. All the raw edges were sewn to stop the fraying and also to use as a guide for the binding.
Step Three: Make fabric binding tape. Again, I had to “play with” the vest. The pastel colors were lovely but I also wanted to make this a quick project and not purchase anything. The binding fabric was scouted out from my stash of preloved clothing/fabric that was damaged or not usable or not donatable.
Voila! A stained linen blouse was found and seemed to be just the right amount of color pop needed. Diagonal strips were cut with the rotary cutter then ironed to have a double fold.
Step Three: Attach bias fabric to raw edges. The final step was to attach the binding. Notice how the double fold on the fabric tape will give a clean finish to both the outside and inside of the vest. First, pin down the tape on the outside of the front, armholes and neckline. Machine stitch the tape just along the fold line.
After machine stitching the bias tape down to the outside, turn the fabric tape to the inside of the vest. Pin it down by tucking under the other fold. Since it is cut on the bias, you will have a little “stretch” for going around the armholes. Adjust to tighten or loosen as needed. Remember to finish the ends of the tape by tucking it under and then blind stitching it closed.
Voila! A quick and easy summer vest made in a short time.
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