If you read my previous post you will know that my lovely husband talked me into buying 1metre of Sherpa when I really only needed about 20cms. This meant that I had enough left over to make a little something.
I had Kwik Sew 4220 in my stash and decided that the gilet pattern would be perfect.
The line drawing shows a central zip, kangaroo style pockets and princess seams. I busily cut it out, then had one of those brain fizzing moments when I realised that it was designed for stretch fabrics and my sherpa had zero stretch. The vest had a 1.5cm seam allowance so I decided to reduce it to 1cm and hope that this would give me enough ease. I duly sewed it up and it was enormous! I had to unpick everything and resew with a 2cm SA and it’s still a little big, but this allows me to fit several jumpers underneath it. I used overlapping seams so that the shearling would show on the outside and made sure that the shearling side was next to my neck on the collar for snuggliness.
I wore it quite a bit in Hong Kong, where it was absolutely perfect to stop the evening chill.
And have worn it almost non-stop since I got to the US. It was exactly right to walk around the Air and Space Museum.
It kept the chill off when I paid an early morning visit to the roof of our hotel. Those pockets are perfect to keep my hands warm
I took it to Washington DC where I wore it constantly, including in the Old Ebbitt Grill, which is a gorgeous building and apparently the oldest saloon in DC.
It is really useful to layer under my 1960s reversible coat. The exposed zip was bought in Singapore about three years ago and I’m really happy to have finally used it. The scarf is knitted from Musk Ox yarn which I bought on our trip to Canada. It is the warmest scarf I own.
I still had some scraps left over so made myself a hat. I self-drafted the hat, based loosely on one of my sun hats. I didn’t line it so that I would have the shearling next to my head. I used some elastic around the inside of the doubled over brim.
It’s quite nice when I wear all the shearling at once.
I feel as though both these makes were a bonus as they were made from leftover fabric and I’m going to enter the gilet in the Sewalongs and Sewing Contests January challenge of Coats, Capes & Cardis, even though it is technically none of those things!
That looks so cozy!
It’s really lovely to wear.
Oh I love it! I recently finished my first faux shearing garment and although not perfect I do love it. I have enough left over and had thought of making some type of vest from it. Yours is great inspiration for my future make.
It’s a good way to use leftovers and these are really versatile garments.
What a great use of left over fabric! The gilet is such a versatile garment and it looks really good. Have a lovely trip!
It is really versatile and has been wonderful on this trip.
Now you look warm! All those layers must be fabulous! There goes the #travelingsewist again!
Lol! The layers are why I look so round. The coat is quite baggy without them!
Great idea to use up the shearling and you look so snug and cozy.
It really is a warm layer. Thanks Sharon.
Hey Sue. Looking great and love the short hair.
Shani
Ah thanks Shani. The hair is always a mess here because of the hats but it’s great in our warm weather.
I love how you’ve used the sherpa with your mum’s coat, and the vest is perfect (as well as the hat)! I also love wearing red shoes whilst traveling and those look comfy. Do you mind sharing the brand? I’ve been following your posts for some time now and really enjoy every outfit. Welcome to the USA!
Thanks Nancy. Red shoes are the best! These are Birkenstocks and they are fabulous.
Warm, cosy, practicable and smart- all at the same time. I love the look of all the pieces worn together.
Thank you, I do too! That sherpa vest makes a huge difference in the cold.
Your sherpa is a winner and I too love all the pieces worn together as an ensemble!! I shall be shamelessly copying you, if you don’t mind. Love the red accents !! And am thoroughly enjoying all the travel photos you are sharing on IG! 🙂
Thanks Lisa, well I’m copying your long sleeved sherpa so we will be doubly twins! Glad you like the photos, I always worry that I’m spamming everyone.
I cannot believe you made all three things out of only 1m of fabric! I think the vest looks great and it sounds to be very practical as well 🙂 the matching hat is a great bonus!
Thanks Katharina, the fabric was quite wide but I was surprised to get so much out of the metre.
WOW. Well done Sue. What a great make using of leftover fabric.
Thanks Sonja, it’s so nice that it didn’t finish up in the stash.
What a versatile make and perfect for your chilly trip. Enjoy the rest of your trip, it looks fabulous! xx
Thank you Suzy, I had planned to share it with him but it appears that he’s being very possessive!
It’s wonderful when you feel you got something for nothing – even better when everything turns out to be so useful!
Stay warm out there Sue 😃.
Yes, staying warm! And yes, I feel as though I do have two garments that cost nothing and which are nice to wear to boot.