New Look 6166 - Pendleton Fabric Shawl Vest

Dear readers,

Finally, this project was a LOT more difficult than I expected.
 This is New Look 6166 -- a wonderful pattern.  I based it on the following inspiration below:
It's not exactly the same.  I missed buying it (and it was pricey) when it came in last season.

This year they also have another evening star-ish vest on their Fall line right now:
A little closer view of the matching and fitted arms.
 Boy, there is a reason that these Pendleton garments are expensive.  This fabric - Evening Star, a light to mid - weight blanket fabric was unwieldy and difficult to put together.  I ripped out the sides six times the first time I tried to match up the pattern.  Finally, I put in pins and actually sewed over them (no needles broken in case you were wondering).  This is after using jeans needles and a roller foot.  I thought it would take an hours to put together - NOPE.  Two days after cutting.
 I picked up the frog/finding at my knitting store I really like it.  I made a chevron patter for the shawl collar.
Again, getting the collar to turn was even a bear.  I see how coats can be difficult now.  Some notes:  
the Pendleton Woolen Mills Store in Portland is fantastic.  It turned out I made some errors in my cuts -- not a problem -- they sent me (via phone and email) their last yard (lucky!).  Also, they suggested felt as a binding (they have in stock).  I love it but ended up not going with the felt binding as the pattern I think is too busy.  I can always add it later.  Plus my execution on binding, based on my past record, is sketchy. 

I think turning blanket type of fabric into a garment is tough - there is a reason the cost for Pendleton is high -- it really takes industrial machines to get a professional finish in a thick garment.  I really worked and steamed this garment.  That said I'm very happy with it.  I might have made it a bit too fitted, but I can live with that.   Whew!  I was going to make a second one -- but now I am going on to my next project. 

Have you made any Pendleton items?

XOXO, 

Pam

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