Named Tala Vest!

October 6, 2015 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , 65 Comments

Hi, guys! Hope you’re all well! OK, I have a thesis for you: a fuzzy wool vest is the perfect transitional garment. Now, wait, don’t run away! Hear me out! They keep you warm in cool weather without limiting your mobility or leaving you with bulky sleeves that you need to roll up. They’re easy to toss on, over a tee, a sweater, or a jacket. You can wear them under a rain jacket or a windproof shell for an extra layer of warmth. And they give you an extra set of pockets to shove stuff into when you’re out walking the dogs or running errands. And how much nicer is soft, squishy wool than a static-y nylon vest? SO much nicer, dudes. Are you convinced?

Named Clothing Tala Faux Fur Vest | Ginger Makes

So, for my latest Mood Sewing Network project*, I reached for this springy, fluffy wool knit. It was labeled as Rag & Bone, and it has plain knit stitches on the wrong side and a really woolly, brushed face on the other. My original plan was a moto jacket– wouldn’t that have looked cool?? But after some thought, I couldn’t justify another jacket- I have too many! And I have a sad, worn-out, cheap down vest that really needed replacing. So there it was! Now that I have a vest, I’m glad I do… I know I’ll be able to wear it more than yet ANOTHER jacket. :)

Named Clothing Tala Faux Fur Vest | Ginger Makes

I decided to try out the Named Clothing Tala Faux Fur Vest. While this isn’t exactly faux fur, it’s spongy and really thick, so I knew that this would work well with a pattern intended for faux fur. It doesn’t have a lot of seam lines or a notched collar, which is great for a fabric that gets bulky fast. The pattern comes together really quickly, like a jacket lite. It’s amazing how much faster it is to sew something that doesn’t have sleeves to set in and hem! Oh, and if you want to see what this pattern actually looks like in faux fur, check out Rachel’s cute version! (And if you’re scared to try faux fur, don’t be! Here are my tips for handling it). This was my first Named pattern, and it was a good experience. Well… let’s not count the Jamie Jeans pattern that I traced, but ran out of confidence before getting to the cutting part. Or the Vanamo dress, that I muslined at the very last minute before an event when there was absolutely zero chance of actually completely a garment in time, but I tried it anyway… OK, OK, obviously I need to visit my UFO bag! But it’s scary!!

Named Clothing Tala Faux Fur Vest | Ginger Makes

Now, because this is a knit and the pattern is drafted for a woven, I was careful when handling and stitching. The pattern already called for the armholes, neckline, shoulder seams, and hem to be interfaced, but I would have done that anyway. The interfacing kept things from stretching out and really gave a nice substantial feel to the seamlines. Also, I was between sizes, and I decided to size down, which worked well.

I used a universal needle and a longer stitch length (since the fabric is quite thick, a longer stitch length gets you to a normal-looking stitch) and just sewed it with a regular straight stitch. This worked really well. Since this is a wool knit, it pressed beautifully and the seams stayed nice and flat, even though they were fairly bulky. I was quite aggressive with clipping and notching to make sure that the curved seams in the shawl collar were nice and smooth.

Named Clothing Tala Faux Fur Vest | Ginger Makes

I lined the vest with a definitely-giraffe-print silk leftover from the plaid Coco jacket I made earlier this yea. It’s so nice using up odd bits from the stash, isn’t it? I also used a small piece of a different silk print, this one leftover from one of my final tailoring projects in the spring, to add pockets, which, in my opinion, are essential for a vest. I put them in 5″ below the armhole, which seemed like OK placement. I never know exactly where to put them when I add them myself! I do a lot of pinning and trying things on, but I still don’t feel confident when I stitch them in!

I’m so excited about this vest and I know I will wear it all the time (even though Man Friend opined that I look pregnant in this… OK, he may have a point there; the side view in particular is pretty unflattering, oops!)! I have this weird winter wardrobe that’s black, white, and grey (don’t ask me why, but I’m not excited to wear colors in the cold weather), so this will mix and match with nearly everything in my closet! Hooray! What do you guys think? Would you sew or wear a vest?

Named Clothing Tala Faux Fur Vest | Ginger Makes

One last item of business: this is my last post for the Mood Sewing Network. I’ve absolutely loved being a part of the network and trying out so many fun and special fabrics! I have too many irons in the fire right now, and I had to let a few things go, which is sad, but I’m so grateful to Mood for giving me this opportunity. I know that I wouldn’t be half the seamstress that I am today if it wasn’t for joining the blogging network- I really had to push myself to keep up with the other amazing bloggers!

Named Clothing Tala Faux Fur Vest | Ginger Makes

*Once a month I receive a fabric allowance from Mood to make something fun! I blog it first on the MSN blog, then over here. If I use stash materials or things purchased from another source, I’ll let you know in my post. 🙂

65 responses

  2. Aaah, so snuggly! Really glad to see this made up in something other than faux-fur – you’re right, it’s just the thing for those middling autumn days…

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  4. Hey! This vest rocks, but what are these nice heather grey pants you’re wearing with it? The whole outfit is gorgeous and I see no pregnancy signs there. Maybe your male friend has a secret wish…

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  5. It looks fab! Lovely and warm and cosy! Yes I’d wear it, but don’t your arms get cold?? I love the fluffy fabric. We call them gilets in the UK. I don’t think I have commented on your blog before, but I have been lurking! I love to see what you make, I’m doing a challenge, 300 blog comments in 30 days, hence my comment today:) X ,

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    • Heeheehee, I’m sure my arms would get cold in really cold weather, but it’s great for fall here. And I like to wear one beneath my parka when it’s super cold for extra warmth!

      Thanks for stopping by and for commenting! That sounds like a fun challenge! Are you enjoying it so far, or is it out of your comfort zone?

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  7. oh, that looks super-cozy!

    PS I’m spreading the word about this Great Netflix series “The Time in Between” (or they could have called it Seamstress Gone Wild) – it is SO MUCH fun! … and the clothes are GORGEOUS!
    Here’s the preview on YouTube:

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  11. Gray, black and white – that’s my rainbow.

    This is soooo cute. I used a Mood Rag and Bone gauze last month and LOVED how it handled. I bought a Theory wool knit while I was at Mood last week.

    This looks great on you. I love the lining. AND those pants!! I must have them.

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    • Oh man, wool knits… they’re so delicious!!! The pants are from a Theory sample sale– I’m hoping to work up the ambition to trace them for a pattern because they fit really well (aside from a bit of weirdness in the crotch C’MON INTERNET PERVERTS!).

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  14. This is where I admit to wearing stuff I cannot sew; it’s all about the down vest. I’m cuddly, I hug myself dammit. I become my own comfort object.
    I did alter one (sewn tube seams shut, THEN take outside and fluff out extra down). Perhaps I need to add googly eyes to complete the allusion.

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  15. You really have spread your wings as a sewist while part of Mood! Hurray and congrats! I’m sure the pressure of a special project every month takes it’s toll, even if it is self-imposed pressure.

    I love this on you. It’s kind of crazy in a cozy, fun way. I bet you’ll wear it to pieces.

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    • I have always been a person who struggles to meet deadlines… a combination of inefficiency and biting off more than I can chew means I’m always up half the night before something is due! So it will be nice to have a reprieve from the deadlines. But I really tried to push myself to try new things and new materials and that really helped me to learn at a faster pace than if I was left to my own devices. 🙂

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  20. I really like this and I’m sure it will be super handy to throw on as you run out the door. Don’t banish all colour for winter though – this would look fab with a punchy, bright top underneath.

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    • I’m really going to have to push myself to keep some color in my life! I don’t know why I shun it in cold weather! Although I just bought yarn for my next sweater, and although I planned to buy grey, when I got to the store, I got seduced by a poppy red, so I’ll have at least one colorful sweater!

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  21. It looks very cozy, and you don’t look pregnant at all in it! It is sad that you have to leave the Mood Network, but it really is great that you got to participate.

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  22. Pingback: Wednesday Weekly #10 | Helen's ClosetHelen's Closet

  23. Oh, so snuggly!! I love the fabric, and it really does look like a faux fur rather than a knit, which is pretty cool.

    I’m also so jealous of you East Coasters and your fall – we’re still sweating over here (it’ll be in the 90s later this week). At least I get to be cool at Camp next week!

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  26. First of all, I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU ARE LEAVING US AT MSN 😦 😦 😦 You will be sorely missed!!!

    Anyway, I’m not a vest person, like, ever – my arms get tooooo cold – but yours is making me rethink that stance, because it looks so fuzzy and comfy! And I totally agree with you on the whites/blacks/greys during winter… dunno why, because I love wearing color in warmer months, but something about the cold makes me go all monochromatic! At least we look super chic, I guess 🙂

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    • I’ll miss blogging for Mood, too! But I know you guys will make all kinds of awesome stuff and I’m excited to see what you come up with!

      Hahaha! Pretty sure winter is the only time I could be accused of looking chic! Fun, sure, bright, yes, but chic… nope! 😀

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  28. This looks super cozy and chic! I’m not sure if I would sew a vest, but you never know. I like wearing colors in winter, or at least a pop every now and then (at least I think I do, need to start paying more attention!). Somehow makes me feel connected to the warm weather I’m desperately missing. 🙂

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  30. I honestly love this! I don’t look half as cute in one but, I love the thin, quilted vest I have for exactly the reasons you mentioned. I used to call it my Black Friday vest (warmth needed at 4am, mobility needed to grab the goods :P) but, I don’t do that craziness anymore, yet still wear it. Now, in a cozy wool knit? Ah, perfection:)

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  31. Pingback: Fall Shopping & Sewing List | Vivat Veritas

  33. I love vests, they go with everything!
    And the fabric and the fit (I found it’s not so easy to get the right fit when you work with bulkier fabric) are great too. Love the print!

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