This is my eighth project from the Little Things to Sew Book (I still haven't got a picture of that tutu to show). It is one project from the book I thought I would never sew up.
I thought my daughter was too girly to want this but recently she has become very interested in all things nature and bug-like.
I chose my fabric carefully to match the hat that she already has (which used to be mine). I picked a sand coloured cotton for the outer fabric and a soft flannel with a fun camping print for the inside.
The flannel makes it incredibly snuggly. This might even get some winter wear!
I had some fun with details on this. I was worried it would look too boyish so tried to make it girly with some bug appliques.
A flying ladybird....
And for the back, a beautiful blue butterfly.
I was thrilled to find this butterfly. I had searched the web for appliques and they all looked a bit babyish, but this one is fancy and we love it!
I used silver and blue thread for the running stitch on this one.
The flannel is from Fabric Rehab. The camping print was too appropriate for me to resist buying it. I have just enough flannel left to trim a pair of PJ's which is now a project to be saved for the winter.
I had a heck of a time finding coloured snaps for the vest. I didn't want to use buttons because this will probably be used for dress up play and so it needed to be easy to do up.
Eventually about 2 weeks after finishing the project I found these red ones from Jaycotts.
Back in February I treated myself to some fat quarters of Makower fabric which turned out to be great for this project. I lined the front pockets with these cute bees and little chicks.
We had a lot of fun playing about in the garden for some photos. Amazing how we manage to have so many props lying about the house already!
This outfit lasted all day. We even went to the shops in it.
Making the bellows version of the pockets (you can just make them patch pockets, which is easier), gave them so much capacity. We discovered that the bug book fitted perfectly into the back pocket.
So there we have it. An unexpectedly delightful thing to sew, which is going to get a lot of wear.
The appliqués and decorative stitching, snippets of fabric under the pocket flaps and of course the perfect nature fabric lining makes this vest truly a work of art. You did a excellent job Katy!
ReplyDeleteDeb! Thank you! I still chuckle at what you said about the lining fabric. Whenever I look at it now I think of you and your back yard!
DeleteKaty this is brilliant. I love the applique you added, and that lining is just perfection! Isn't it the best feeling when a project you weren't initially keen on turns out to be enjoyable to make and loved by it's recipient. Yay!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I had to think of a way to make it more feminine (even though she would probably have worn it regardless).
DeleteLove all the little details you've added, it's sooo sweet!
ReplyDeleteThank you, adding the details was the fun bit.
DeleteThe butterfly is perfect and so beautiful, well done, I think even my terribly girly girls would go for this version!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I found that butterfly, she loves it!
DeleteThis is brilliant!! I love the details you've used on it and the lining, perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I enjoyed this project.
Deletethis is the perfect vest for a girl! I love the appliques on it, Well done!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon, I bet you have made a fair few of these!
DeleteWhat a lovely vest! I love all the decorations you added to it.:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy!
Deletethose pocket flaps!!!! I love everything about this vest. It is too cute!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe chick fabric is really cute, I should have bought more of it. Thank you!
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