Faux Leather Vest

 Hello Readers. Sometimes clothes that don't fit at all are the best for refashions. This VERY tight "pleather" dress from Zara was just one of those garments.

Before and after.

There was nothing about this dress that worked for me. It was tight and accentuated all the worst spots. I almost didn't take it home from the swap I was at. My friend D. told me to take it. I am glad she did. I came up with an idea to use it later. (Spoiler-A vest with open sides.)

 

I cut the top of the dress off the skirt of the dress. It was going to be the beginnings of my vest. Pleather doesn't fray so I just cut the skirt off.

One side of the dress had a zipper that I could use to open it up on that side. I used the seam ripper to open the other side that was sewn shut.

 

I used a needle and thread to sew the side seams back together. I made the stitches by working the needle back and forth between the 2 sides so the stitches would be hidden. I wanted hidden stitches on the side seams so hand sewing was best.
 

 

I used a needle and thread to sew the side seams closed. I made the stitches by working the needle back and forth between the 2 sides so the stitches would be hidden. I wanted hidden stitches on the side seams so hand sewing was best.

 

The top of the dress had pleats at the waist and a lining. I just left them as they were. My vest was a rectangle with a head hole. At this point it looked a little weird. That's OK it was going to get better.

I cut the hem of the skirt off so I could use it to make straps to connect the sides of the vest. I was making it up as I went so I wasn't exactly sure yet how I was going to attach them, but I knew where.

I used the hem of the skirt because it was folded over and had the leather look on both sides. I cut 4 equal sized pieces. It was really easy to cut. 

It was not easy to sew.  I could not get the sewing machine to sew the pleather straps to the pleather vest. It was a slippery mess. I didn't want to mark it by using pins so I had to get a needle and hand sew the straps to the vest.

 

I decided to use these buttons my daughter gave me. She got them on a trip to Iceland. These buttons were large enough to be visible and add interest. I liked the brown wood with the tan vest.

I tied the straps together on both sides at the waist. 

 

The vest had a round neck hole in front and I realized I liked wearing it backwards because the opening had a V that was more roomy and comfortable to wear. I just tucked the corners at the neck in and it looked great.

I liked my new vest a lot. It was easy to wear and adjustable with the open sides and ties at the waist. Thanks for reading along, now go make something fun for yourself.

 

 ***Year End Update- I think this vest is fun and it was fun to make. I like how it adds a fun punch to the outfit.