Bird Watcher

Here's my final entry for the Spring Top Week challenge. Phew! I had a lot of ideas going on inside my head and every time a saw a new post to the Flickr group I was inspired. I wasn't sure I would be able to pull it off, but I actually made five tops. It became ADDICTIVE! I don't think I've sewn five anything for myself in the last decade. I still have a few in my head that I'd like to make so now that I'm on a roll I think I'll probably keep it up. Hmmm...we'll see about that. I do tend to start a lot of projects that don't get finished unless there is some impending deadline like, oh let's see,  April 30th! Thanks Rae for inspiring me to sew for myself.

 The vest is made from Simplicity 4079. This is by far the most detailed I ever get in sewing. I usually shy away from projects that take this much sewing concentration. This vest involves lots of picky sewing. It's not really that hard to sew and the instructions are actually pretty straight forward, but it's definitely not for beginners. Although this would look great in velvet... I would NEVER be able to successfully construct this garment in any picky fabric. I used fabric from my stash. The main fabric is Alexander Henry "bird seed". The collar is the Soiree Collection by Paula Prass. The green dot contrast used for the pocket flap, fabric covered buttons and back strap is by Red Rooster Fabrics. I lined the entire vest in black Kona cotton.  I found the strap buckle in the notions department of my local craft/fabric store. I would have preferred something that looked like tortoise shell or black, but it's really not that important of a detail.

 I love how funky this vest turned out. It's definitely unusual. My husband actually laughed when he saw it. I kinda don't blame him. Although it borders on clown-like I think it is just a fun piece to have. I'm not sure where I'll wear it, but I'm sure to get some comments. Tell me what you think of this vest.