DIY Winter Waistcoats -- 1st real sewing projects

[Kennedy]

I have never heard of that particular brand, but it was from the 50s and they weren't using plastic parts in sewing machines yet back then. If it sews nicely now, then it obviously was well made and cared for. If you take care of it, have it inspected and professionally cleaned and adjusted annually, it will continue to serve you well for many, many years.

Nicely made waistcoat.

There was a question and some diversion on this thread about sewing machines, well here is my trusty circa 1950's Goodwill buy.

[brewerpaul]

Ill start a new thread when I actually take some photos of me with this waistcoat on but for now this will suffice to add it here. Ive always admired and wanted the "New Bankers Vest" from Gentlemen's Emporium and have come close to buying. Well after sewing a bit I thought I would try my hand at making a similar version myself. What I liked was the straight front at the waist that makes it a classy looking vest. I had found some very nice wine colored worsted wool and decided to use the Laughing Moon #109 vest pattern B from the frock coat and vest pattern set. The difference with this pattern is that it has a collar, which was fine with me. This pattern was a bit more involved than the standard Simplicity/McCalls vests so it was quite fun to make. The pockets are real welt pockets and the touch and feel of the worsted wool is very smooth. I know Ill find this being worn as often as I can. It is modeled on my evil twin brother that is wearing a 1800's Rutledge shirt from Gentlemen's Emporium. Ill make a new thread when I actually put the thing on and snap a few photos.

[David Thorpe]

Very nice!

[Bearded Man Brew]

Where do you find fabric at those prices. Everywhere I see around Seattle is $20 or more a yard for anything wool

[brewerpaul]

Where do you find fabric at those prices. Everywhere I see around Seattle is $20 or more a yard for anything wool

Im a steely eyed bidder on Ebay waiting till the last few seconds to put in my final bid in hopes of winning. Not to give away a secret, but share one, there is alot of beautiful fabric on EBay. Paid about 25 dollars for 2.5+ yards of the fine worsted wool that was used for the bankers style vest. Ive also bought vintage Pendleton wool, vintage (1956) wool tweed and fine English wool at quite nice prices. Believe me I couldnt touch the stuff if it was at retail. Fore me its wool, tweeds, herringbone, houndstooth, windowpane and such. It takes some patients and time and a bit of search work but depending on your needs you can often find it on EBay. The tweed bonnet in the photo below was made from some of the 1956 vintage fabric I bought for 31 bucks for 3+ yards 60inches wide.