Reference Collection

Weekend (and evenings) Project

My after-hours project has been making utility totes and grocery bags for family and friends.

Bay Rum After Shave

 Solstice gift made by my special lady.  It smells, really, really good.

Work Vest, Coal Tender version

Had to test out the size 36 pattern, so thought I'd try out a few other things as well.  Don't think this one will make it into production as it is, but some good things came of it in terms of fit and construction technique.

Black selvedge canvas, corozo buttons

"come on in the snow is fine", winter 1936

More Vests on Etsy

Stuff for Sale on Etsy

Hey folks.  I put up a few of my samples and irregulars on Etsy today.  Will be adding about half a dozen more throughout the week.  Mostly vests, maybe a shirt, maybe a chore coat. 

You can check them and some wrinkle-y old clothes out at my shop here. 

Duck Vest, sz 42

Grading test - successful!

Work Vest, olive gray wool, test 1

 First time using a heavy wool fabric.  It's a little bit difficult to work with; doesn't lay flat or crease after ironing so it's challenging to hand-fell the seams and fold the pocket pieces.

Made a separate band out of canvas for the armhole.  That way my machine doesn't have to try and pass through 7 layers of thick fabric, and it keeps the armhole seam from puckering so much.

This vest was also a test of my grading skills.  This one was supposed to measure 44" across the chest, ended up 45 1/2".  But I do feel pretty good about my sizes 36, 38, 40, and 42.

Naval Uniform, 1897

 

 

   

Work Vest, v.9

It's difficult to stop fiddling with this pattern, but I've decided that the fit is good enough and everything else is just window dressing - three pockets or four, tack buttons or sewn buttons, buckle back or not, etc.

So now it's time to learn how to grade the pattern into multiple sizes.  

Reference Collection

Work Vest, v.8

Weekend Project

 The grocery getter.  After looking at our faded and stained grocery bags I decided to make this bag last Saturday night.  I usually make a pattern before constructing things, but after a few Highland Flings I just went ahead and made it up as I went along.

Ingredients: vintage mid-century selvedge denim, re-purposed leather belts, copper saddle rivets. Inside pocket not shown.

Reference Collection - Library of Congress

Diagram of a Chore Coat, 1921

Work Vest, v. 5, chambray canvas

Here's some snapshots of my most recent denim tuxedo...

One more iteration of the work vest pattern after this one, and then I'll be satisfied with the design.  I hope.