Waistcoats (2013 and onwards)

I have seriously lost count of how many waistcoats I have made now. When I was looking through photos to start this blog I kept seeing them and saying ‘oooh I had forgotten that one!’ It was interesting that they made a waistcoat in the Great British Sewing Bee final this year. The construction was different to the 2 methods I have used, but didn’t have pockets, just FAKE welts (shock horror).

This was my first waistcoat, for my son, and I think I made it by drawing around a bought one we had. I googled how to do pockets, and found a tutorial that was really good. I can’t seem to find it now. This wasn’t the one, but looks quite good –
https://historicalsewing.com/sewing-single-welt-pockets

Construction of this waistcoat was, I think, to join back and fronts of outer fabric, and same for the lining, and then to sew the outer to the lining, excluding the sides. It is then possible to turn the right way out by pulling the fronts through the shoulders… Then sew the outer part of the sides together (right sides together), you then need to hand sew the linings together on the inside. I made my Dad a matching waistcoat for Christmas, this time based on view C of the Simplicity 4762 pattern. I have more recently done this, in the same fabric again, for my husband.

I sourced some hot air balloon fabric from Etsy to make waistcoats for husband and son for steampunk events. I also made a very basic bustle for my daughter out of the same fabric. These waistcoats are view B of the Simplicity pattern.

Confidence growing I bought a new pattern that I had seen other Steampunks wearing. I really liked the back of this, and that it looked good without keeping a jacket on (for in hot weather!). This is the Harlots & Angels pattern. They also had a fantastic tutorial on their website, which I can’t find now, it seems to just take me to their Etsy site. Believe me, the tutorial was MUCH needed when it came to the construction, and the final part sewing the armholes up! However, once this is mastered, it is a great pattern, and I have made many of them since! The first ones were in this lovely red brocade.

Many more made since 🙂 I like this pattern!