Vest/Waistcoat Pattern

[Frances]

I saw this at Chico's (American Woman's Clothing Store) and would like to make something similar. Does anyone have a template/pattern they would share a picture of to help me get started making a resist. I have never made felted clothing but have sewn clothing. Any help will be appreciated. I will be using Merino.

[halay]

Frances, if you have never made a vest to your size I think it is best to buy it. I saw a pattern on Etsy www.etsy.com/listing/161327904/patterns-for-wet-felting?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=felted%20vest%20pattern&ref=sr_gallery_20 You can modify it but what is convenient is that you will have the basic pattern. The pattern is innexpensive and can save quite a lot of trouble with calculations, etc. There is also a Practical guide available. I'm sure Luba Voronina(the author) will also be able to provide instructions in English. You need to inquire.

[jwugg]

I've often looked at her patterns & thought they look good. I also like these packs she does eg:
www.etsy.com/listing/254102275/wet-felting-kit-32-silk-mosaic-bay?ref=shop_home_active_1
With pattern, instructions, silk & fibres to make a vest.

Or Frances, you could do what I did - I drew around the outline of a vest I already own that I know fits, then added 30% all round. I know that's not very technically correct, but it worked!

[Pandagirl]

Frances, I have a vest pattern from Lyba her instructions are very clear, but I haven't used it. I would also do what Jill suggested in the event you can't find the same type of garmet in a felt pattern. Please keep us posted on your progress. Good luck!

[MTRuth]

Sizing is always the issue when making clothing. Especially for your first one, a pattern is a good idea. Didn't you have some books Frances on felt fashion? Or was that someone else. The book I have has some patterns. You could check your local library for books with patterns.

[koffipot]

I can imagine you in this Frances. To achieve something similar to your photo, I'd go for the the pattern Nada suggested and add some length and flare to the bottom. It's a good price - cheaper than a commercial pattern which you'd then have to enlarge in all directions.

Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

[Frances]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I will order her pattern. It will probably take several weeks to arrive from Russia. It will be will be awhile before I start it.

Pattern ordered - Pattern $8 shipping $10

[Shepherdess]

Personally if you want a good fit it really is easiest to make yardage and then cut and sew. I say that because I have already done seamless things. It is interesting to try doing seamless things and if I hadn't already done it I would try it. If the pattern is the one I am thinking of she seems to pay a lot of attention to how you lay out the wool. It will be interesting to see how it works.

So now we are all waiting ....no pressure or anything. LOL

[koffipot]

Dec 11, 2015 1:14:42 GMT Shepherdess said:

Personally if you want a good fit it really is easiest to make yardage and then cut and sew. I say that because I have already done seamless things. It is interesting to try doing seamless things and if I hadn't already done it I would try it. If the pattern is the one I am thinking of she seems to pay a lot of attention to how you lay out the wool. It will be interesting to see how it works.

So now we are all waiting ....no pressure or anything. LOL

I agree Ann. Seamless garments are not for me, I have too many curves, some in the wrong places Also they are so unwieldly and need a lot of space to lay out. I make mine in manageable sized pieces, then cut and sew.

Though one has to try these things to form an opinion.

[jwugg]

Wheareas I love doing them seamleass - as that's unique with felting & you get a reversible garment. I like to do silk 1 side & fibres on the other.
Frances, that coat is beautiful but will be very big to manage - a shorter, maybe hip length version would be easier for a 1st time.
Do let us know please, how you get on. Bummer about the P&P costing more than the item! She has a web page describing her layout etc - I expect a link to it will come with the pattern. Have fun!

[Frances]

Yes, ladies I should probably start with something shorter. Do you still get 30% shrinkage if you do one side silk. I do not think my scarves that are silk on one side shrink as much as solid merino ones.

[Shepherdess]

Frances, I can easily get 30% but usually stop before then. I have the texture I want on the silk side and the wool has the silk for support so you don't have to harden it as much when fulling. With a garment there is a lot more wear and rubbing so I think you may want to make sure you get at least 30%. Even then you will have to shave some spots once and a while because of pilling, at least there is with merino. The fine fibers pill a lot more because the individual fibers break a lot easier.

[jwugg]

I allow 30%, with silk fabric on 1 side. I'm not an expert, but I've found I certainly get 30% by the time I've fulled it enough - probably a bit more than I would full a nuno scarf. & this allows for some extra working to shrink particular areas more if needed. Of course, it all depends on how much fibre, what type etc - but I mostly use silk chiffon or light habotai (often recycled silk saris), with a fairly finely laid 2 layers of merino, with a little surface design in other fibres. For this layout 30% reduction is about right for me. This is with the rubbing & rolling method - you'd probably get more shrinkage if you put it in the washer or dryer, in my opinion.

[MTRuth]

I would make a sample first Frances. I know I always say this but for a big project like this, it is well worth the effort to figure out with the fabric and wool you are using plus how much wool you are going to apply. I have gotten anywhere from 30 - 50 % shrinkage with nuno. It depends on a lot of different factors. And when you are trying to fit something like clothing, a sample could save you a lot of time.