DIY Winter Waistcoats -- 1st real sewing projects

**Llama** · 20th November 12, 08:10 AM

Any of suggestions for someone looking to purchase a sewing machine? I know my way around one, so I'm not a complete novice, but I don't know how many of the bells and whistles are worth it.

**sydnie7** · 20th November 12, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by Llama

Any of suggestions for someone looking to purchase a sewing machine? I know my way around one, so I'm not a complete novice, but I don't know how many of the bells and whistles are worth it.

Bit of a derail here, but we've had several discussions about sewing machines, mostly in the context of kilt-making but everything said holds true for the accessories such as vests.

Post 5 and beyond

And your exact question

Any more than that, and you really should start a fresh thread.

**Kennedy** · 25th November 12, 10:36 AM

As to purchasing a machine for sewing any project: Go for quality, not for bells and whistles. The machines that you find at chain stores that sell all sorts of crafting stuff or the chain stores that sell fabric - don't. Go to a store that sells quilting fabric and have them show you their quality basic models. If you want to go higher in price, then do so. Bells and whistles don't do you any good unless you actually want and need them. Better quality machines have metal parts and will last you a lifetime if you have them serviced regularly. (And they will last more lifetimes as well.*) Cheaper machines may seem to be a good buy at first, but sooner or later, you will regret your decision. Sometimes you will find a place that sells vaccuum cleaners and sewing machines. Many of them sell many brands. The machines they sell are good quality, but the sell so many brands that they don't know any one of the brands all that well. A shop that sells quilting fabric and only one or two brands of machines will know their machines better than a place that sells many brands. Kiltmaking may be best done by hand, but a waistcoat can easily be stitched on a machine. If you are using a tartan, you will have to match the plaids, but that can be done without too much difficulty if you have matched the plaid up in the cutting out process. In any case, it would be advisable to begin with a simple pattern and a fabric that does not have to be matched up such as a simple tweed. Sometime I am going to have to take a picture of a waistcoat I made for myself way back when in Kennedy modern colors. (I still have the vest; unfortunately, after all these years it no longer fits.)

*Old Singer sewing machines from the 19th century are still in use. I know one woman that collects and repairs sewing machines. She likes her 1890s Singer the best of the many machines that she has. Singer used to be one of the best brands around. However, the new ones are not the quality of the old machines.

**brewerpaul** · 15th December 12, 08:20 PM

Vest number three here. Decided to just add on here and not start another thread. This is a very nice houndstooth wool I found on EBay. The seller said it was fabric used at a Ralph Lauren factory when it was located in Massachusetts. Got two yards of it and made this vest for my dad. I bought a tailors form so I could size it better. Sent it to him this weekend so waiting to hear how it fits.

Front of Vest...

Back of vest

I also found a place in the UK that has nice little 1 inch buckles for the back of vests. I ordered a dozen and got them in about a week. Here is the URL.

http://www.venacavadesign.co.uk/Prod...ml?q=waistcoat

And here is a link to my XMarks thread on my tailors form (dummy)

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...rs-form-77217/

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

**Kennedy** · 15th December 12, 08:38 PM

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.

Originally Posted by brewerpaul

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

**brewerpaul** · 26th January 13, 05:20 PM

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.