My First Waistcoat

I love the look of a good waistcoat. This sewing pattern has many views to choose from with collar options. I chose to make view B without a collar. All views have princess seams, and some have pocket options as well. View B has a mock welt pocket.

I learned how to bag the lining for a vest in this project. The sizing is always problematic for me in Big 4 patterns and this is no exception. I picked size 8, which is a half inch smaller than my actual bust measurements, and even so, the amount of ease around the bust area is more than voluminous. The pattern says that there is 5.5inches of ease, but it seems that is true only for the bust area and not the waist or hips. Strange. I highly recommend making a muslin for this pattern. I had to make multiple adjustments including a small bust adjustment, and taking in 1/4-5/8 inches at the side and shoulder seams.

But I love the end result. Especially when the waistcoat is paired up with a smart pair of trousers.

The fabric I used was a Lady McElroy dark-chocolate wool with a windowpane pattern. It was gifted to me by Minerva. This wool is to die for.

For more details and for tips on how I pattern match the check pattern, go to my blog at Geri In Stitches