Hopscotch Vest

Inspiration: I've always liked vests. Dressy vests or sporty vests, but certainly fitted vests. Mom made me a brown mini-plaid vest and skirt ensemble when I was about ten, and I drove her nuts by insisting upon wearing the vest buttoned closed, because I liked it fitted. Anyway. This particular garment isn't inspired by anything other than that I like vests, and the fabric was a good price.

Pattern and Modifications: Kwik Sew 3453, view A. I shortened it to fit an 18" zipper. It would have been simpler if I had remembered to shorten it *before* cutting out the fabric; however, it still worked.

Fabric: 100% polyester fleece from Fabric.com. It's Malden Mills Polartec 200, the "good stuff" as far as polar fleece goes; this particular fabric has a cool grid texture on one side.

Interfacings and Notions:

• Fusi-Knit for shoulder stabilization
• 18" one-way plastic separating zipper

Notes: I don't really like sewing knits on a standard machine, but fleece is no problem. The topstitching was a little difficult, though - but the pocket topstitching is better lined up in real life.

The only step that made me nervous was applying the band to the armscye, but it was easy. What I should have been nervous about was the hem, which took three attempts to get something presentable.

The fabric for this was under $5/yd. I bought a yard and a half of fabric, and I could get another vest out of the piece. Compare that to fleece vest prices at L.L. Bean, or R.E.I., or Cabela's. I love sewing.

Conclusion: Outdoor wear is a new aspect of sewing to me, and it's awfully fun. My brother told me this vest is pretty nice; he is stingy with compliments, so I consider this a great success!

Apologies for the blue cover on the dressform.