I can totally understand why making arguably the most boring garments ever won't appeal to everyone. For most people who like to sew, time to do so is at a premium. Many would prefer to spend their precious time making a beautiful dress out of eye-catching fabric that will make them feel like a total starlet when they're wearing it. I have often heard it said or seen it written, 'Why make something that I can buy easily and cheaply in the shops?'.
I get that, I really do. But I don't feel like that. Making an item that ends being relied on and worn very frequently gives me a real buzz and sense of achievement. I like to be reminded that my sewing skills can equip me with some of my most fundamental wardrobe needs. Don't get me wrong, I love to make a fabulous dress as much as the next sewing chica, but the ratio of time taken to make it compared to how often it gets worn frustrates me so I don't make such things very often.
Aside from during the height of Summer, I usually wear a vest under my tops. But lots of my tops, T-shirts and blouses aren't entirely opaque which can lead to wierd effects when paired with a bright coloured vest underneath. So I gathered some pieces of jersey, one flesh tone, one white and one black, and made this little range of basics. I'm now set for whatever outfits I come up with.
But don't worry, not all my recent vest-making activities have been to produce boring basics!:
Finally, I'd like to thank the people who have bought me a coffee via the donate button on the Free Patterns page. I can guarantee that if you keep me caffeinated, new free patterns will be released quicker!
11 comments:
I'm with you- I love making functional things that are quick. You feel very fulfilled seeing a pile of stuff you actually wear.
I wear these kinds of tops under everything and have been delaying making myself a pattern so I may have to check out the free one to whip one out fast. All of mine seem to be dying at once :(.
Similar styles in the stores are, well..basically junk if you don't want to pay an arm and a leg.
When time permits I even take the basic idea even further and make my own underwear, which maybe makes me weird.
Hello!!
i'have tried you vest pattern and i love it!! The instruction are very clear and the vest it's very nice. I used an old T-shirt, and I'm ready to do one more. I have some problem sewing elastic,it was my first time whit FOE, i hope i'll improve whit practice.It's a pity is very difficult to find FOE in my little town in Italy, I was able only to find it black, white and flesh color. I think i have to give a look on e-Bay.
Thanks a lot!!!!!
I like your thought process. Making basics can be a testament that you know your fundamentals as well as a great palette cleanser in between projects. Not to mention, who wouldn't want to sew 2 tops during the men's Wimbledon!
I'm with you on this one! I love ramping up for a big project, but I find that simple pieces that I use all the time are even more gratifying. And if I can use salvaged materials, all the better.
So cool, I sew lots of my basics too as I can't find what I want in my size. :) I wear silk camis mostly, because silk is so darned warm, and I bought a bolt of water damaged silk satin with some stretch in it for peanuts about 10 years ago and it is a gift that has kept on giving! :)
I think this is precisely the type of pattern that is really difficult to find. So, thank you so much for filling that void!
Yes, I quite agree re the fundamentals. I bought a batch of beige knits to make singlets and used it to learn how to use the binder on my new coverstitch machine. So nice to pull one out each day to wear. Enjoy your coffee!
I was looking for something like that! Usually, I just trace the pattern from another shirt...
But why do you think people find "basic" patterns boring? It gives more freedom to make variations and play with it!
I like making undergarments for a couple of reasons.
1. I can make them in whatever colour I want, it's not easy to find purple bras.
2. I take pleasure in having self made things on me, underwear are like a little secret hug to myself.
3. It's usually a quick project and even if things go wrong, it's not a lot of wasted fabric.
I agree, much as I love making dresses, it's the things that get worn everyday that make me the most happy. Your vests look great. :) I have been trying to egg myself on to making undies... soon, soon...
I'm determine to master knit fabrics. And this pattern is perfect for honing my skills on :-) my first vest is wearable but a little bit dodgy with slipped stitch. So, I'm going to try spraying the fabric with homemade starch solution to stiffen it up and make it more manageable in my machine to stitch.
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