ALTERED VEST…. for me!
If you’ve read the Altered Clothing section on my blog, you know I love denim clothing that’s been jazzed up with embellishing and remaking. I had so much fun doing altered jean jackets for my two daughters and three granddaughters (check out the photos in the Altered Clothing section)…..but, naturally, I didn’t get mine done last winter when I was doing theirs. I’m sure all of you out there who make lots of great stuff and give it away for gifts (keeping none for yourself) can relate to that!
Anyway…..I finally got something done for myself….not a jacket but a vest……and I’m very pleased with it.
I’m kind of particular about the handmade or embellished clothing I want to wear….it needs to look fun and artsy, but not “crafty.” I hope that’s clear….all I can say, is I know it when I see it!
On my vest, I used several African-looking commercial fabrics, including a great animal print, and cut from the fabrics to create the raw-edged applique.
A little hand-stitching and beading around the collar …..
And lots of machine stitching with metallic threads and beads, of course! The beads I used on my vest are kind of a dull copper looking……I didn’t want to create a really glitzy look….more of a ethnic look.
If you’d like to try one of your own….a great place for purchasing your jacket or vest is on ebay or at your local thrift shop. The price is right and you’ll get a genuine used and lived-in look….which is a great contrast for the embellishing.
And here’s the fun part…..I’ll be wearing it soon at International Quilt Market in Houston! Not exactly my usual professional look….but perfect for wearing during the Schoolhouse presentation my daughter Rachel and I will be doing. We’ll be talking about our new book, Sew Easy Sewing, which includes tips and ideas for altering your own jean jacket. It should be fun!
