Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Finished: Burda 7499 Cargo Vest

Modeling my new Burda cargo vest near my Midtown office building.


I actually finished something just for me! This is my Burda cargo vest made from taupe cotton with lycra. I think it sort of looks like a vintage Girl Scout uniform without the patches, but I like it. My friend and photographer Karen says I should wear it sleeveless, with a white tank underneath. It actually looks kinda cool that way. At any rate, this vest is a welcome change from my usual uniform of cropped jackets.

The pattern: Burda 7499, view C. Just like working from the magazine but with the pattern pieces already traced for you. In other words, proceed with caution if you're a BurdaStyle/ BWOF novice and are unfamiliar with Burda directions. But I love the fit--perfect right from the get-go.

The fabric: Midweight taupe cotton with a hint of lycra. I got this for $4/yd from one of those stores on W.39th Street that always have those phony "Store Closing!" signs in the window. Rayon with lycra lining from Mood Fabrics.

Sewing the vest: It came together easily and a confident beginner could make this. I made flat-felled princess seams and inserted the sport zipper so the teeth would show. I sewed the lining separately and attached it by hand to the edges.

The little touches: Nail heads (from M&J Trims) on the pocket corners, and sewing my label on a square of the fashion fabric.

Another view of the vest front. You can see the felled seams and my label treatment.

The nail heads at the pockets. I love this touch; so glad I already had them in my stash.

The back.

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Not much to report on the sewing front:
I'm busy making pillow covers for Annie's dorm room and running around assembling all the things she'll need for college. Thank you for your great dorm room tips, by the way. She finds out who her roommate is on August 1 and the two of them can coordinate all the finishing touches. Once September is here and I only have one kid at home, I expect to have lots more time for me-sewing again. Hang in there with me!

33 comments:

JoanneM said...

LOVE the vest.
The details make it look so professional. LOVE the color, a "summer" black. Another winner with your trademark touch.

Cindy said...

I love the vest! The nailheads are a great touch! I have been making so many easy summer clothes for my girls and me that hardly require any couture touches. I had to laugh when I read felled seams--I couldn't remember how to do them! My next project needs to be more challenging!

Kyle said...

LOVE the pocket detail. Perfection!!

becki-c said...

very cute! I love the details.

Gail said...

It is all in the detail isn't it. Love the nail heads on the pockets and tan and white is such a stylish look.

Bunny said...

This fits and looks great! You really "nailed" the details, ;)

Andrea said...

You look soooooo sharp. Love it. The nail heads were a nice added touch.

Lori said...

Very stylish vest. I hear you on the sewing front, home from work and then 3 trips back and forth to town running the girls to different events.

Vicki said...

That's really cute. And like you say, a nice change from a jacket - especially for summer.

Tasia said...

Great vest! I love the little personal touches, the studs and your label.

Adriana B. said...

Love the vest and you look great in it!

AllisonC said...

Lots of great details on your vest, and I like the front zipper too - the whole outfit looks great.

Karin said...

It looks great on you! I agree that the nail heads on the pocket upper corners are a nice touch. They add some zing without being ott.

Eugenia said...

Fabulous vest - it looks like it's come straight from the pages of a fashion magazine. I love all the details and you have sewn it so perfectly!

Gigi said...

That is beautiful. I love the nailhead trim on the pockets!

Little Hunting Creek said...

Great vest! I love the nailheads. As always you do beautiful work.

ClaireOKC said...

Love the details, and love that you have the fabric district to shop in - you lucky devil!!! I'm like your photog friend...would look great with a shell-type thingie under it! Although your top looks great for the A/C office.

Julia said...

The details are inspirational! You are so talented!

rosemarie said...

Love it! The nail heads gives it that oomph! You look quite cool despite the humidity/heat here in the city.

Cennetta said...

Love, love it.

a little sewing on the side said...

Wow, I love all the little details. This looks really professional!

Angela said...

Great vest! It looks fantastic on you!

Summerset said...

Great job! I think this will make a great summer to fall transition garment; you'll be able to wear it so many ways.

gwensews said...

That is a terrific vest, and one you can wear year around.

~ Kimberlee B ~ said...

Very, very cute!!

Capitol Sew and Sew said...

Remember that piece you posted about all those "young skinny beautiful New York girls" - well darlin', they have NOTHIN' on you!!!!

PS - I love love the pockets

Christina said...

Tres chic! The nailheads are perfect.

The Slapdash Sewist said...

Totally chic vest! Your little touches really bring it up a notch. I'd love to see it over a dress, it could be totally funky.

senaSews said...

Beautiful vest. Great job!

Nancy K said...

Love it! You look very chic and I agree about wearing it with a sleeveless tank. It will also look good with black in the fall.

MushyWear said...

This is a timely review! I just picked this pattern up and am ready to start on it. Great to see it all made up. I love your little final touches on the pockets and with your label. What a fun vest. Can't wait to have one of my own too. Great Job!

A Sewn Wardrobe said...

You look so stylish and modern in this vest! I think you did a brilliant job of putting this outfit together: the white jeans/top, plus the necklace. The whole look is fabulous.

amber said...

The fit is fantastic! What a great vest and I agree with your friend - sleeveless with a white tank underneath sounds like it would be quite adorable for this summer. Congrats on finally getting back to sewing for YOU!