#35 Back to Elementary School Wardrobe: Boyfriend Length Grey / Pink Plaid Vest from Blazer

REFLECTIONS: During winter break I am planning the Jan/Feb school wardrobe.

I am re-fashioning several grey blazers / suit jackets into school days vests.

To be worn with winter pants and jeans. This is my first education position where jeans can be worn daily.

BEFORE: Much worn, now too small Liz Claiborne jacket from the closet. Moths / wear left bare spots in the sleeves. Lining was much too worn. I removed shoulder pads years ago.

STEPS: This will become a boyfriend length easy to wear vest.
Tiny pink stripe runs through the grey,

• Seam rip to remove jacket sleeves and lining. Open sleeve and side seams.
• Serge exposed seams to prevent fraying.
• Use old lining and jacket pieces as patterns for new lining from a bright stash fabric.
• Hand / machine stitch lining in place as facing pieces. Not as a loose bagged lining.
• Cut wedge shapes from sleeves. Insert into side seams to enlarge sides. Serge seams, press,  hand stitch serged edges to lay flat.
• Trim arm holes at shoulders to fit. Do this 1/4 inch at a time, trying on often. My shoulders are very narrow and existing shoulder is far too wide. 
• Cut and insert bias armhole trim from the lining fabric.
• Add new buttons from the stash.

AFTER:  Versatile vest to wear with grey, pink, black, white, purple tone turtlenecks.

Rumples in the after pics fill out when wearing. I love the bright pink lining!

AFTER: A lot of work,
but this will be much worn. 
Left the original boyfriend length.

AFTER: Side view

AFTER: Tapered side insert,
cut from sleeves
plaids matched.

New buttons from the stash.
Tiny pink stripe.

AFTER: Back

AFTER: Faced lining was
time consuming, 
but adds layer of warmth.

AFTER: New lining.

AFTER: Bias cut armhole facing

AFTER: Hand tacking the seams.

BEFORE: Well worn blazer from the closet

BEFORE: Lining beyond repair.