The Shepherdess in Winter

No matter the weather, the Shepherdess is on duty.  Might as well make it fashionable! 

Actually this post has very little to do with sheep, unless you count the fact that I utilized the backside of the barn for a cool photo shoot.  More to the point, I wanted to share the wool vest that I recently finished sewing.  The plaid skirt is a new project, too, but I'll chat about that in another post.

details on the locket are here

When I got my hands on this fabulous piece of Prussian Blue wool, I immediately envisioned an underbust vest.  Is that the proper name for this style?  I've tried this once before in my Victorian witch's jacket and love the fit.  It feels a little steampunk and is very comfortable, slightly provocative without revealing lots of skin (ie. mounds of cleavage which I really don't have). 

the pattern I didn't use

Any of you who've done Regency, Edwardian or Victorian sewing are familiar with all manner of corsets and vests of varying shapes and heights, but imagine my surprise when I came across a bonafide mid-century pattern showing this style.  At first I was pleasantly surprised, but then I felt a bit cheated, having previously thought that I was being a bit subversive in my daringly low neckline.  Ah well, nothing's new, is it?

the pattern I actually used

Unfortunately I do not own that Butterick pattern but having the appropriate pattern never hinders my imagination.  Or my sewing machine.  Instead I used Simplicity 2240 as the basis for my vest.  I sewed all the darts, then basted the shoulder and side seams.  I reshaped the neckline to ride lower, and finished it off.

 

The vest is lined with a 1930s cotton floral.  It started out life as a duvet cover.  The buttons are real leather, and if you look very closely they are also in three different sizes and four different colors.  The top two are the same size but varying shades of brown.  The third one down is slightly smaller and black.  The bottom one is smaller yet and dark green.  But if you have read any of my other sewing posts, you know I do this all the time.  Make Do and Mend!  Besides, I like the whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-feel of the curved placket and magically shrinking buttons.

And every shepherdess understands the peril of having your crook caught in your skirt.  Seriously.  This happens.  So often.  You wouldn't even believe it.  On a side note, I am also wearing a vintage mink hat, and that's a real coyote tail hanging off my hip.  Some day I'll catch the rest of the coyote and make a coat...

Keep sewing, and enjoy the rest of your Winter!