Recently I sent my overlocker and sewing machine away for a routine service.  This meant that I was without my machines for a little over a week.  So what did I do when the impulse to sew something became very, very strong?

I hand sewed it together! This really was an impulse sew. It’s the Tessuti Amara vest pattern. I was aiming for wearable muslin, and pulled out two largish scraps of ponte from stash to sew it from, and pulled out my embroidery supplies.

This vest is designed to have overlapped, topstitched seams, so I simply joined them with a running stitch. I only needed to sew the shoulder and the side seams, although I also attached the patch pockets to the front in the same way.

I have always admired Alabama Chanin hand-stitched embroidered tops, but have never had enough oomph to actually sew one. Maybe I’ll feel more inclined soon, as this vest didn’t take long at all! All edges are left raw.

From the pattern website: This loose, boxy vest/top is the ideal layering piece to add colour, contrast or texture to a relaxed look. Style features include drop shoulders, patch pockets and a wide neckline. View A has overlapped and raw edges for a super quick and satisfying sewing project. View B has bound edges for extra interest and more fabric options. Recommended fabrics: View A: boiled wool knits, felted wool, ponti. View B: woven wool, wool blend, tweed and knits.

I sewed size 2, which I am happy with other than the big fold of excess fabric at the centre front neckline. That could partly be due to the fabric choice, but I think it’s also the width of the neckline on my body shape. I will address this if I choose to sew this pattern again.

It was a bit of fun to spend a Friday evening hand-stitching a vest together in front of a movie! However, I’m very pleased that my sewing machine and overlocker were back in their places before we started lockdown 2.0.