Michelle, ma belle... tres bien ensemble
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Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,

Tres bien ensemble

Misty Mountain Hop.

2/2/2016

27 Comments

 
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Historically, most of my sewing energy has been directed at warm weather. I love sewing dresses and skirts, and I wear them often when I can. But, they're not enough to get me through the year. It gets cold in Illinois. VERY cold. If I wanted to continue working towards my goal of a completely self-stitched closet, I needed some winter wear. Pronto. Knowing that I had our Cortina trip approaching was an excellent catalyst towards filling some of my wardrobe gaps, because I had a suspicion the Dolomites would be a great place to take pictures of my cold weather creations.  
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To get started, I made a list of the types of clothing I reach for when the temperature drops. Layers are key for transitions between indoor and outdoor settings, so clothing that's easy to put on and comfortable to wear over the top of other garments was high on my list. 
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Right around the time I started making a list of the types of projects I wanted to sew, I saw the Waffle Patterns Dropje on IndieSew.  I had gone searching for a similar vest patterns weeks prior to this pattern release, so I took it as a sign from the expanses of the universe that we were meant to be together. If there was any doubt in my mind that I needed this pattern, seeing Lauren's Pendleton version pushed me over the edge! 
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I love the possibilities for customization with this vest. My goal for this version was to sew a "puffy" vest, that would be suitable for use as outerwear. To do that, I knew that I wanted to use batting and include some quilting lines to keep things in place.  
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I also decided to fully line the vest and create in-seam pocket bags  instead of patch pockets. I had fun with the quilting and chose a few different line directions to stitch varying pieces of the vest: chevrons on the top of the hood, horizontal lines down the fronts and backs of the body, and diagonal lines on the sides. This was the first thing I've ever quilted, so I played it by ear and used a tip I'd read online (painter's tape) to mark my stitching lines. I think it turned out pretty good! 
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I have a collection of small pieces of wool that I purchased from a milliner's estate and I was really excited to find I could use some of them on this pattern. The pattern calls for 2meters of  55" wide fabric, but I'm certain I had less than a yard each of my main and contrast fabrics. 
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Spoiler alert, I made more than one of these. The shape of the vest is less fitted than I'm used to, but it's perfect for layering. It's warm too. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 
27 Comments
Meg link
2/2/2016 05:32:43 am

Cute! It looks so cozy!!

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:11:54 am

Thanks! :-D

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Elle link
2/2/2016 07:39:52 am

So chic! I love this, and I love your use of your stash of cool vintage fabrics!

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:12:52 am

I LOVE having a stash to shop, especially on projects like this. It's fun to play with combinations.

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Kathy
2/2/2016 08:14:13 am

I really like your vest. I didn't know I wanted a vest, but now I do. I live in IL too, and yes it gets cold. I think the shape is nice. I don't really think you would want it too fitted. And, as a side note, I love your glasses!

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:14:49 am

It got really cold this past weekend! I'm holding my breath for an early spring, but really, we've been lucky this year compared to the past two winters! And, my glasses are Etna Barcelona. I LOVE this company's eye wear.

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Mary Danielson link
2/2/2016 08:19:19 am

Oh, this is so cute! That vintage plaid is the *perfect* fabric match for this pattern. I love, love, love it.

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:16:04 am

Thanks! I kept joking that I felt 'Elmer Fudd Chic' with the brown/orange plaid. But, I like it a lot. :-D

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Meg
2/2/2016 08:32:10 am

It's so fabulous! And of course your backgrounds are AMAZING. Love the colors of this plaid, and the cream contrast!!

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:16:58 am

The views are awe inspiring! Truly!

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Heather link
2/2/2016 11:40:11 am

I love it!! Can I just steal your wardrobe please? I've had my eye on this pattern for a while too - it seems like such a great layering piece. Can't wait to see your other one(s).
Also: gorgeous photos!

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:18:25 am

Oh! SEW IT! It will be amazing. And, you know I'm willing to swap closets with you any time girlie! You're my jeans sewing guru!

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PatQ
2/2/2016 12:43:29 pm

I'm so excited to see these roll out. I hope to see many more posts from Italy.

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:19:27 am

I'll keep 'em coming! You got the preview in person, so you know what's coming ;-D

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crab&bee link
2/2/2016 01:12:57 pm

It's dreamy! I like the subtle shaping and your contrast fabs.

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:20:37 am

Awe, thanks! It's a fun pattern to play with! There are so many possibilities for fabric choices, quliting, etc..

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Renee Anne link
2/2/2016 02:06:43 pm

Yep. Still mad jealous of your sewing prowess (and your knitting prowess but that's for another post).

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:22:14 am

You're so talented, I have NO DOUBT that you could sew an amazing wardrobe! If your hesitant, you could always start with projects for the boys and build confidence.

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Jillian link
2/3/2016 03:05:56 am

Super cute and a perfect layering piece. And those views...

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:23:28 am

The views are UNREAL. there aren't any mountains in Illinois, so it's always a treat to escape to see them!

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Jo link
2/4/2016 03:42:51 pm

Love it! Particularly your clever quilting lines. Looks awesome and cozy, amazing job :D

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:24:33 am

The quilting was fun. I'm definitely going to try it again on future garments. The painters tape was a really excellent tool.

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Becky link
2/5/2016 06:43:36 am

It looks very cozy, and perfect for winter! And wow, nice backdrop. :)

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:26:03 am

It is very cozy! I'm happy to have more me-mades to incorporate into my wardrobe for winter.

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Pippa link
2/5/2016 07:58:42 am

This is lovely. I never really managed to find a vest that worked for me but in last year's winter sale I managed to find one in h&m in a army green colour. Not a colour I used to wear much.
I think this pattern might have to be used to make me a more versatile colour vest. :-)

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Michelle link
2/15/2016 11:26:59 am

I love having the option to customize clothing! It's the best part about sewing, isn't it?

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lsaspacey link
2/22/2016 07:10:58 am

So cute, and I'm in love with those front and back shoulder darts.

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