| My linen vest with black trim is a favorite recycled piece. I used the Bugs in Flight Stencil, Eucalyptus Leaves and Fall Leaves to add a fabulous pattern to this vest. I started with an over-sized, ill-fitting jacket: added the black trim fabric, buttons and unique folding to create this vest design. I like to work on a dressform to fold the shapes. Next I pin, baste and steam them with an iron and try it on to see how it is working on me. I stitched the fold as a big tuck across the front of the vest-so it became a flap for the pocket. In the back, I stitched the rest of the fold down.
Once I am happy with the new design, I do the permanent stitching. This vest, I printed before I folded it into a smaller, more shaped garment...then added a few more accents once the folding was complete. A trick for securing raveling buttonholes: stencil a design over the buttonhole, on both sides with a heavier application of paint. This will extend the life of the buttonholes and give them more body....in addition to making the closure more interesting. To finish the vest, I stacked shell buttons through a second button with a bead to finish it on top.
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