Rye Vest

Rye Vest, my newest sewing pattern, can be found in By Hand Serial Issue #12. This pattern was inspired by Merchant & Mills’ gorgeous jacquard cotton. Since I sewed the samples, there are new textures and colors in this fabric out, as well - so many inspiring options! I love how the vest is both comfy and stylish, shapely but also roomy - in other words, you can wear it comfortably, but without looking too boxy or oversized. With only a few pattern pieces, it sews up quickly, and can be sewn by an advanced beginner (or even as a first apparel sewing project, if you go carefully and have a little patience!)

My favorite part is adding the lining - I used Liberty London fabrics because they are such perfect pops of floral color. You can also customize the piece in how you choose buttons - I experimented with three different looks and liked all of them. I think the feature I like the best is the pockets - they’re perfectly positioned and sized so that it’s easy to rest your hands in them at a comfortable angle, and without dragging down the fronts or making the vest look baggy or stretched out.

I struggled a little at first designing the collar, because I wanted it to fit pretty snugly around my neck. I had to craft the collar piece much smaller than I anticipated, and ease it along the neckline, in order to pull it in close enough. Drafting patterns always gives me a renewed appreciation for all of the geometry and mechanics that go into creating clothes that fit!

Pattern: Rye Vest in By Hand Serial Issue #12

Outer fabric: Merchant & Mills Jacquard Quilted Cotton

Lining fabric: Liberty London Tana Lawn