I’m back from a little sew-batical! Yeah… my sewing mojo has taken a bit of a beating recently. That combined with a hectic schedule at home + work meant I needed something lighthearted, fun and with fabric I could get excited about to entice me to get back together again with my Janome.
At our recent Melbourne Sewist’s Meetup, nearly everyone was talking about the Freddie Vest – a pattern with rather a bit of rock-star appeal, from a fellow Melburnian over at The Maker’s Journal. You’d expect that it would, considering it was named after Mr Mercury himself… It fit the bill to end my hiatus! I sewed most of this up during our Social Sewing outing (organised by Rachel from My Messings) where I was lucky enough to again spend the day sewing with a fabulously lovely group of ladies – I’m really looking forward to our next session!
I love the concept of mis-matching different weighted and patterned fabrics like this – the options are endless… But not really trusting myself to put together a winning combo and absolutely loving the version shown here, I took the shameless route of complete copy cat. And I’m liking the result a lot more than I thought I might.
I made the 14 (it comes in Australian Sizing), and used Liberty of London Fabrics for the front (Milliner Grey) and the lining (Axiom Black), some textured metallic-print fabric (Elephant’s Back, not available online) all from Tessuti, and some gunmetal-blue petersham ribbon (and elastic) I bought from Clegs. The other great thing is this pattern uses so little fabric!
I made a few changes, mainly shaving back the curved seam allowances at the back for a closer (non-poufy) fit against my body. Without knowing better, I would say the pattern accommodates up to a B cup – if you’re a fair bit bigger than this (like I am), then you’ll need to adjust the front pattern piece to avoid the it-must-have-shrunk-in-the-wash look. For me this meant I needed to move the elastic casing a bit further south, which didn’t surprise as the location for this is the same on the 8 as it is for the 14. Ah well.
What I do really love about this pattern is the finishing – it could even be reversible if you didn’t mind inverted darts/tucks on the front!
The instructions require some super fancy footwork between you and your Iron. I (metaphorically) have two left feet – ironing flat a 0.5mm seam allowance? Yeah… I prefer my fingers un-burnt and my fabric un-scorched, thank you. One lightbulb moment later and I was using my new-found miniature hemming technique to take care of those pesky 0.5mm seam allowances.
Rock on, people.
poppykettle 
I still haven't managed to make my one of these! I love your Liberty combination and understand your replicating one that you like. Much easier and seriously, will you ever be side by side with The Makers girl wearing the same vest??
You totally should – it's a funky little thing & an awesome stash buster! Thanks :) I certainly hope not though… That might be awkward! :P
I'm not a vest person, but you may have converted me. Yours is so cute! And I love the back!
It's gorgeous – and wouldn't you know it, I just finished mine yesterday! I made a 14 as well, and was impressed by how little fabric it used. Now I just need to figure out how to style it well. You are definitely rocking your vest!
Very cute for warm weather!
Hey rock chick! Great to see this on you, having witnessed its very rapid development at the social sewing.
Nice one Melanie! Pamela.
Wow! I love what a fun little piece this is! It looks like a great project to get your sewing mojo back on track.
I hear you about the sewing hiatus, I've been in one for weeks. If there was ever a project to get back on the wagon with, it's this one! Awesome vest!
what a cool vest! love the unexpected shape, i'm sure it'll be a nice layering piece.
What a groovy vest. I really like the back of this vest pattern. Looks great worn with jeans.
This looks great on you! What a fun piece!
I love how this vest rocks. It's a great shape.
Rock on for sure! What a fun little project that is perfect for a sew-sabbatical. I hope you get your mojo back!
It looks lovely on you Melanie, it was great to catch up at the sewing social!
Im not vesty, tho my former boss used to say, 'a vest is a chubby girls best friend'… this is no tapestry horror… I love it! I covet it, great job!
Yeah, that was what drew me in too! Thanks :)
Oh cool! Looking fwd to seeing it :)
Thanks Karin :)
Thanks Helen! Can't wait for our next social sewing!! :)
Thank YOU Pamela! Esp with your help on locating those fabrics ;)
So do I – there should be more accessorising sewing patterns like this :)
I'm well over mine now & back to seeing up a storm thank goodness! And I have this little best to thank :) Cheers Lara!
Thanks Lisa – the shape is what sucked me in too :)
My thoughts exactly. Thanks Bernice! :)
Thanks Kat – I'm really liking it :) and me too – very much looking forward to our next session! I'm going to book into that CAE course, too, so I'll see you there!
Thanks!! :P
I think so too :) Cheers!
Oh it's back and with full force – I'm sewing up a storm now! :P thanks Maddy!
Why thankyou! As always, I totally value your opinion ;)