Quilted Vest From Fabric Samples

 Hello Readers. I have a lot of fabric sample that my mother in law gave me. She used to work at a fabric store and these sample pieces were on display. They are squares and 30" by 30". They are not always big enough to make clothes but I had 2 of these quilted pieces. That was enough for the front and back of the vest. I love quilted items and this quilting was already done for me. 

Sewing from my stash? I love it!

This fabric was a few layers thick because of the quilting. I liked the off-white color. 

I started by using pattern 8632 by Simplicity. I made my vest larger so the pattern was more of a loose guide, but it helped.

This pattern was so simple it was easy to work with.

I put my vest together. I left these small openings so I could add some pockets. I thought that would be easy even with no guide or pattern. It should have been but I sewed the pockets in with the seams showing on the outside. Twice. Ugh!!! It was OK, I just kept going.

I used bias tape on all the cut edges to finish the vest. I didn't want to turn the edges under because it was thick and it would be bulky. It was OK, I just kept going.

The bias tape was great until I ran out. You can see the left armhole is not done. It had to wait for me to get to the store. It was OK, I just kept going.

I used these buttons that my daughter got for me as a souvenir from her trip to Iceland. They are made from bone or antler... I can't remember. I have been wanting to use them for a while. Sewing them on was easy.

I had to make the button holes without a buttonhole maker. I just eyeballed it and used a zigzag stitch. My sewing machine is from 1943 and it doesn't have a buttonhole feature. It is the only thing from modern machines that I wish I had. 

Here is a look at the back. (I did get more bias tape and finished that armhole.) 

It was really OK, I finished it! This vest is very neutral in color. It should go with everything and be easy to wear. Thanks for reading along, now go make something fun for yourself.

***Year End Update***- This vest is great. I get cold but I hate big winter coats in the car. It's worn often.