DIY Winter Waistcoats -- 1st real sewing projects

**Richrail** · 5th November 12, 12:14 AM

Nice job, they look great.

**Whidbey78** · 5th November 12, 01:50 AM

Very nice work. I've altered a few waistcoats, and have just started on one for class (I needed an elective, and it seemed a better choice than others). I hope mine turns out half as nice as yours. A lot more work goes into these than most folks are aware.

**MNlad** · 5th November 12, 04:44 PM

Nicely done, indeed. Just the thing for the weather ahead of us with the full back. I also like the welt pockets and top stitching--they really go well with the material.

**Alan H** · 6th November 12, 01:05 PM

Those are really nice.... I'm tempted to try a tartan waistcoat, but I think my overall lack of available time is going to nix that idea.

**Llama** · 7th November 12, 09:13 AM

These are gorgeous. I've been wanting to try and make my own, but have had a hard time finding a pattern in Gentleman-of-Substance size.

**sydnie7** · 7th November 12, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by Llama

These are gorgeous. I've been wanting to try and make my own, but have had a hard time finding a pattern in Gentleman-of-Substance size.

Would this Simplicity pattern work for you?

Or this one?

And here's a blogger who keeps track of all available big-and-tall patterns.

Hope this helps! Vests are pretty simple, there's even a "make your own pattern" post on eHow but I'd go with commercial pattern first.

**piperdbh** · 7th November 12, 09:36 AM

I've used that pattern a few times myself, Paul, and I really like it. I added real pockets on some of them, which makes the vest much more wearer-friendly. Good work all around.

**Llama** · 7th November 12, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

Would this Simplicity pattern work for you?

Or this one?

And here's a blogger who keeps track of all available big-and-tall patterns.

Hope this helps! Vests are pretty simple, there's even a "make your own pattern" post on eHow but I'd go with commercial pattern first.

I've looked at a few of those, but I'd still have to add some space (size 70 chest) - I've thought of just making a pattern out of one of my current vests.

**sydnie7** · 7th November 12, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by Llama

I've looked at a few of those, but I'd still have to add some space (size 70 chest) - I've thought of just making a pattern out of one of my current vests.

In that case, here's another link that might be helpful (pattern measurements for vest). This one's designed for leather but if you make it up in muslin or other inexpensive fabric first, you can adjust as needed. Combined with measurements from an existing vest you should get pretty close on initial try!

**brewerpaul** · 17th November 12, 06:01 PM

Thank you everyone for your compliments, advice and encouragement. This is just the beginning of my sewing projects so in time more to follow. Ive got a pile of worsted wool, tweed and tattersall fabric that will become shirts and waistcoats. I just need more time but winter is always good for sitting and sewing. The next two photos are of me in my vests as promised. I think the herringbone one fits for dressier occasions and the plaid tweed is much more the casual. With this in mind Im dressed the way I was this past two weeks, first in my Weathered MacKenzie from Stillwater, Lovat green kilt hose, black wingtips, burgundy dress shirt and blue wool tie. The second is what I wore last night at the pub except instead of the Weathered MacKenzie I had my Stillwater wool Black Watch. Natural tan brown wingtips, MoJo leather sporran, Copper and brown tweed hose, hand made garter ties and brown cotton twill shirt. All in all both look pretty nice and kept me comfortable in the 40+ cool night. Again thanks for all the compliments.