Making a Retro Waistcoat // Sewing Diary

This week I needed to make a red vest, so I decided I would try to document the process to share with all of you! A little bonus sewing video before I dive into a bunch of (sadly) off camera sewing for my next lookbook!
Lowering the bust post: curvysewingcollective.com/tut...
Next week's video will be up on Thursday by the way, so have a great weekend and I'll see you all then!
Music from Epidemic Sound
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Blog: theclosethistorian.blogspot.com/
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Thank you for watching!

[@marciahighsmith4820]

Don’t listen to jerks who have nothing better to do than to criticize your arms. Good Grief!

[@harmonygibbs7904]

amen.

[@calendulaofficinalis7303]

We live in XXI century, but there are still people out there who believe that women have hair just on their heads. I don't get it...

[@AnastasiaR]

“All curves get clipped eventually.” Sounds vague and ominous and I want it on a t shirt

[@kayemcmullen]

“The body changes - which is so irritating” That’s why I like your channel the most - besides the great outfits, sewing tips and glamour. You have a sense of humour and never seem to take yourself too seriously.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kaye!

[@hollybauer7123]

I love the voiceover, it feels like we're hanging out, drinking some coffee and watching an event. The vests are both dope AF.

[@harmonygibbs7904]

+

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Holly!

[@maroulio2067]

When I was 13 and in 8th grade I had to take sewing and the pattern I chose for a red twill vest and matching circle skirt was so beyond my ability I had to get help from our tenant, who sewed beautifully. It was a beautiful outfit, just your style, as that was in 1953.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Sounds fabulous! A very good year for clothing indeed :)

[@suno8911]

I enjoy the process of “clothes” is exactly how I feel and what stopped me from sewing nice garments for years. I drew my mum nuts with all my corner cutting. 😋

[@meganpotter8045]

Two years ago but relevant for me today. I've never bagged out so thank you for explaining that. Many notes taken. Sewing my first waistcoat with my own pattern today. Thank you for all your advice. You're a treasure!

[@flyingpanda3997]

Both vests look really cute on you. I hate making buttonholes on my crappy domestic machine. I used to know a guy who did clothing alterations who had this terrifying industrial buttonhole making machine, we had this sweet deal going where he would make the buttonholes on my projects in exchange for quince jelly. Then he moved away, god I miss him. I'm sorry people say rude things to you in the comments, you are of course absolutely perfect as you are.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! They had one of those big buttonhole machines at the university I went to my freshman year, but I never got to see it in action!

[@pattysmith5867]

I like your style. I was once Patty your so cute you have a style all your on, she did nit mean tat as a compliment but I didn't care, I do have a style all my own, so do you and do mean that as a compliment I love the styles you choose to make. Keep sending videos I'll keep watching and learning I hope.😊

[@crystal8160]

Just a tip I learned in sewing class a couple years ago. When your opening a button hole if you place a straight pin just inside of the perpendicular end so it looks like a t shape that is not fully crossed the straight pin will keep you from cutting into the edging and ruining the button whole. Cutting button holes- sewing home decor by LanduaerPublishing is a decent video example of this technique. The only thing I would do differently is to place the pins closer to the ends of the button hole, but the idea is the same. Also dont waist time with haters you are a great seamstress.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@LixiaWinter]

Me, owning 1000 waistcoats, but desperately craving more: oH yEsS

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm about to own a lot more now I have a pattern I like... ;)

[@LixiaWinter]

@@TheClosetHistorian yasss thats the spirit

[@stephaniemorey8351]

I always thought that if your lining wasn't smooth it would show through your project? I enjoy your videos because it's like learning from a friend instead of some home ec teacher. Voice over is more entertaining than captions.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Stephanie! In this case the lining didn't have to be ultra perfect smooth because the outside fabric is a heavier weight twill and the very lightweight lining wouldn't show through it. In very fine fabrics or sheer things of course it can indeed be a concern!

[@Braz3nRav1n]

About the lack of interfacing behind the buttons on the red vest. I like to get those little , two hole, clear buttons and sew them on behind the shanked button as support. It keeps the fabric from tearing and acts the same way those plastic rounds that you put between the back of your ear and the earring close thingy on pierced post earrings to make it hang straight.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ah yes this is a good idea!

[@gleann_cuilinn]

What I like about your videos is how much of the sewing you show us and all the detailed commentary. I’ll definitely come back to this when I get around to sewing a vest

[@holycrappitsjo]

I loved this, so helpful! Also, for me personally, I prefer voiceovers because I'm often only watching KZbin while I'm working in my own sewing room. I can keep up easier with the process if there are audio cues as to where you are in the project rather than just the text. :)

[@harmonygibbs7904]

agree. :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Yeah it is certainly better for the podcast style situation, I think I'll be doing voice over for the sewing portion from now on :)

[@trudicole3520]

I love that you explain all you processes as you go you have taught me a lot thank you

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Trudi!

[@TheKapuahi]

Miss B, sorry to hear people can be so rude and disrespectful, just ignore them, people can be dicks. Loved the vests, thank you for showing us.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Indeed they can, the internet is the wild west ha! ;)

[@DAYBROK3]

TheClosetHistorian there were more manners in the Wild West.

[@katieintraining]

Clip all curves in life...yes. A mantra!

[@tinkersintheworkshop4439]

Recently discovered your videos - they're great! Love your voice over, chatting, and your creations. Finding inspiration :) And F those people making comments on your body. You are fabulous.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kelsey!

[@linda6131]

I loved the way you did this video. Fab result. Who are these perfect people who think they can criticise you. Take no notice you look gorgeous, have great talent and personality. 💜

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Linda!

[@francesallshouse7060]

Just made a very undignified sound when I saw what your video was about today. I love vests and now am feeling the draw to start another project. Lovely video as always!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@MarahScott]

Ooooh I love this! I think I want to make some waistcoat style vests with matching blazer, high waist trousers and a line skirts for a mix and match capsule sort of deal.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks! It sounds like a fabulous idea! I have several left over pieces of wool from skirts I made and now I am eyeing all of them as potential vests...

[@brendaelsender]

I do have PCOS and for years I was so self conscious about being hairy but it didn’t bother my husband or my kids so screw the haters and embrace the differences xxx

[@christinewhitehair6402]

Bianca, thank you for your time. Your vests are beautiful and so are your arms.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christine!

[@razelliott907]

Can't wait to see the rest of the Hogwarts house videos! You're still fabulous even without your lipstick.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@dunkelwoelfchen]

I've made 3 vests within the last half year and I'm happy with none of them. I might try making one again and use this as my inspiration! (Because let's be honest here, I really do want to own a vest that fits and looks great. Damn breasts that make every commercialy available vest into deathtraps)

[@sekaihatsu]

This is all so advanced for me but I appreciate how you talk through what the project was, what you want it to become, and how you plan to get there. What I've learned from watching costumers here, is that the undergarments make the outfit that the public sees, which you probably already knew. So it's probably the undergarments ladies at the time wore that gave the bust garment curves their height and such. I really like your spider web vest. I would live in it. I think the iridescent fabric is magical with the red vest. Long ago, my home economics teacher gave us students this advice: "Always use more pins than you think you'll need." Do you know, making button holes in knitting is a tricky thing as well. I have yet to master them and avoid patterns that use them if I can, which of course doesn't help me learn to do them. I need to re-knit a button top and am putting it off but it haunts me.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I am a terrible knitter so I'm sure I would find knitting buttonholes very confusing!

[@stephaniemorey8351]

If people make personal comments, you can reply politely, "if you don't have something nice to say...," or, not so politely, "FOAD."

[@lynnekingham8754]

Yay a waistcoat - gorgeous lining fabric. Both of them are fantastic. I want to make one but am terrified of doing buttonholes! As for the hairy arm thing - I too have hairy arms. It's annoying to get stupid comments like that. who gives a f*** really?! Can't wait for the rest of the Hogwarts Lookbooks and I love a good voice-over as you know. All beautiful darling.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynne!

[@jenniferg2771]

Don't fear the buttonhole! They're stupid easy. Just practice on scraps

[@alaineblaylock557]

Enjoyed voice over.Ignore ignorant,unkind remarks.Your arms are awesome....look what they’ve achieved!!! Xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alaine!

[@beatricewhitcombe]

Have I told you this month yet that you’re my favourite? No? You’re my favourite 🤓

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beatrice!

[@susansmith8602]

You are creative and supremely talented, so of course, people have to make some random rude comment about hair on your arms that is irrelevant and hurtful if you allow it. Kudos to you for deflecting it and not letting it overshadow the talent you offer so generously in all these videos.

[@Lisette001984]

Love the voice-over.

[@bettyvargas3138]

You are just wonderful the way you are. Love watching you sew and all your video's. Just let the trolll's pass. Lol

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Betty! Will do ;)

[@ahikernamedgq]

You and your arms are all beautiful! F all those people. Also, me as someone who's pretty new to sewing, and interested in drawing my own patterns (mainly for men's shirts), your videos, especially your content about altering patterns, are amazing. So easy to understand and helpful. Thanks so much for generously sharing your knowledge and all the tips. It's honestly so impressive (at least for me) how you're able to draw a flat pattern, fit it and have it fit so well. Like, it's kind of almost magic? But, you're really able to explain so clearly how you adjust the pattern to fit, which is so helpful for me. Thanks so much!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jesse! It still feels like magic to me and I've been pattern drafting for over a decade 🤩

[@shonapushedplay4326]

I enjoy those flares in the back and your attitude (specifically to arm hair idiots).

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@harkaretweet]

Watching from the future and giggling at the "I only have these two" tattoos comment. If only 3 years ago Bianca knew 😆

[@valencialoop]

Ann Lister! Hah. Perfect reference. The vests look great, excellent video. I prefer the voice-over and had a waist once.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@reformvideos4303]

I love your sewing room. It has the natural chaos of an actively creative space. I'm familiar with the look 🤣

[@amyhannon3034]

Thank you!! I am sewing a last-minute waistcoat for a hobbit themed party and your construction tutorial is a lifesaver!

[@julied.8277]

Don't know what those nasty folks are talking about. None of their business! Your videos are great!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Julie!

[@cauldroncreations]

I loved the vest video. It was interesting to see your process for finishing it. I worked on a Renaissance bodice many years ago (don't ask how many!) and they had me sew up all but the bottom and side seams and then pulled the front panels through the shoulder. Then the sides were sewn next and the bottom was finished last. It worked so well I default to that for all the sleeveless tops I make, regardless of what the instructions call for. It's nice to see a different way to do things. Thanks for all your hard work on posting these videos!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rebecca! I made a renaissance-ish bodice just this week myself ;)

[@venlafaxinequeen421]

I personally find it very inspiring seeing a fellow hairy armed woman

[@kerrimackay521]

I know what you mean about nerves when it comes to button holes. You only have to have a tension issue with one hole and it never looks as it should.

[@shirleydrake1602]

After reaching the age of 70, and working many years as a RN, I can speak with authority when I say everyone has hair all over their body. Arms and legs are covered. In the US we shave our legs from about the age of 9. Some girls ALSO shave their arms. The problem with that is the hair becomes course after being shaved over and over. I would never recommend it. I personally think your arms and hands are very attractive, sexy even. I am another one who sees your complexion as beautiful. It is flawless on the videos. Peaches and cream. Loved the tutorial. I am really learning a lot from you. I need to buy a Donna,and ,make myself up a fitted bodice and skirt pattern onto Poster paper.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Shirley!

[@baricala]

Beautiful vest! I've always loved the red/purple combo. The pointed flairs are great!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@MsDianne1951]

Beautiful jobs! I've always hated to close the shoulders that way. Yours look great. Well done!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@salttothesea]

I always learn so much watching these videos! Thank you :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Jollymadhatter]

I love waistcoats and they both turned out so good!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@athomewithkarmen]

Not sure what exactly would possess someone to leave uncharitable remarks here! That is absolutely asinine. But on a more positive note, I enjoyed the voice over more that the text!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@jorothbaum4114]

the closing stitch you call a slip, i call a ladder stitch, because it creates a ladder effect as you take little bites either side to create the 'rails' but it may be the same thing. Love your videos and hell yes to voiceovers, you are very entertaining!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jo! ❤

[@WerewolfStyleGuide]

What a great tutorial. I love the little flares in the back!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@susangannon5621]

I just heard what the comments were from you were about your arm air....people have little else to worry them! I once had a woman, a complete stranger say to me that my arm pit hair made your physically sick, I raised both arms and said vomit away woman! 😂😂😂

[@22mendonca]

Always a treat to watch you sew doll! I adore a vest too! You look fab as ever! Xx

[@valeriewade3688]

Whooppee Following your expert tutorials, I have made my OWN waistcoat pattern from a bodice pattern that fits me. Thank you for the inspiration I am amazed at how "easy" (it isn't necessarily easy but it is certainly achievable) it was to make a few tweaks to the basic block. I am a total convert to self drafting . Now my problem is looking for dresses etc to copy And I will happily accept that "problem"

[@TheClosetHistorian]

This makes me so happy to hear! I am always on the look out for designs to demo too, but I am a picky gal 😂 Thank goodness for pinterest!

[@stephaniemorey8351]

A beautiful video to show a beautiful vest. Thank you.

[@FranLu-qs2xv]

Beautiful makeup on you at the very end. Of course lovely sewing work.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@coolthinghere6853]

finally, a sewing diary short enough i can pay attention to almost all of the way through! adhd, its so pesky even for things we find interesting >:/ with the bright red purple combo, it reminds me of the red hat society lol

[@india239]

Here’s me all proud because I altered the style lines on a pair of knickers

[@vivienneandersson6019]

Bianca, I love how you sew in batches, such a great idea, I am the total opposite but I am going to try this!

[@mmw55122]

I always love your instructing and demo-ing! Thank you

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@dawnvickerstaff9148]

My beloved middle daughter has blond, blond hair, black eyebrows and dark hair all over her legs and arms. I have no hair anywhere on my body except my head, pits and hoo-hoo. We are as we are, wonderful natural surprises meant to be appreciated and adored. Just as we are. Don't let the meanies get to you.

[@kassywilson7292]

Thank you, I've always had issues with vest shoulders, what a great technique!

[@owfuckit]

I love both of those vests!!!! And that finishing technique on the shoulders is so interesting!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Bluemagilla]

I love watching you sew. Pattern fitting is something I struggle with and your explanation of using the block is inspiring. I will attempt to make a block for myself. Thanks so much!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! A properly fitted block makes life so much easier. I always think the hassle of fitting the block is worth it when then using it from then on results in garments that just work!

[@k1tkat-kate]

Love the voice over! Any chance to hear more of your lovely voice is welcome! I absolutely need more waistcoats in my life, so thank you for this!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Katie!

[@stacylorraine3130]

Just to let you know I really enjoy watching your video's and I learn something new every time I watch them. I also enjoyed the voice over!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Stacy!

[@josie8581]

Yeeeeesss, another lecture to watch and listen to over and over again! I love both vests, and now I really want to make one for myself! Thank you for sharing! :) 💙

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Josie!

[@toastracktramcar]

Love me a waistcoat. This was fascinating, thank you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@catherinelevison3310]

I love it. I had one I wore from an antique store. Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Catherine!

[@gabrielagarcia8564]

I love to listen to your longer videos while at work, kinda like a podcast so voice over is great!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Gabriela! I think I'll be doing voice overs for the sewing bits from now on for this and other reasons indeed :)

[@debbiel7736]

Those vests fit you beautifully. Nothing looks better than fitted clothes. I love the voice overs, you have a very pleasant narrative voice. As for your arm hair. You do you. I long ago just put that into my shaving routine, legs, underarms and arms, but that's me doing me. Love your sewing videos and thanks for taking us along on your sewing adventures. Even now you teach this old, learned to sew in home economics sewing lady something new.

[@robbiecrafter]

I love that I learn new things from you. I am always open to learning new ways to bag a lining. On vests, I usually turn through the side seam in the lining. I am like you in that I sew to obtain the end. I find sewing very stressful. I never had a problem with clenching my teeth until I starting sewing. I have bit my tongue and lips due to trying to get a sewn two piece (convex/concave) curve just right, too. Who can enjoy this madness! And with buttonholes you are totally at the mercy of the machine.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I am just naturally impatient and a perfectionist, which means I really have to be in the right and very chill mood to really enjoy the process of sewing as much as I do the results ha! ;)

[@irenespanner6500]

Thanks for a great video packed with so much fantastic info. Love your commentary as well ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Irene!

[@juliabetts9801]

Fabulous job and love the two colours together, I love your channel 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Julia!

[@michellecostley7878]

I enjoyed this video thoroughly. The vests are great.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle!

[@pattysmith5867]

I love the alteration you did to the red vestbitbis beautiful. Great job😊

[@auntiedramey3855]

They look beautiful, also looks great on you!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kellyelizabeth9858]

Omg, thank you so much. I've had such a hard time figuring out how to fully line garments, and watching you through each step of the way helped me with my brain block. You're a doll!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Kelly, I'm glad it helped!

[@lesliejacobs3605]

Very cute makes!!! I always learn things when I watch your tutorials. I no longer have to top stitch everything to make the lining stay put!!! Lol.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Leslie!

[@anieth]

I love your videos. I liked that you actually explain what you're doing, but with such humor! Keep going with these, they're very fun!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@debbiestuttgen1825]

I am learning so much from you. Thank you for your wonderful videos.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debbie!

[@bonniecolleenpappin8807]

Hi, Bianca, the vest turned out lovely. The black one also looks great. BTW, there is nothing wrong with your arms. How dare people make such personal comments. I really don't understand it. I have very hairy arms too, but was a strawberry blonde and am now all grey. It just isn't as obvious with the lighter hair but we all have it. Thank you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Colleen!

[@violetteplague3043]

Yay for a video that shows how to attach a lining in a vest.

[@stephaniemorey8351]

My mother would smack me in the back of the head if I sewed over a pin! I do it any way, so kudos to you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I do hit them sometimes and break/bend them...oops! I'm an impatient person ;)

[@trinettewells5013]

I love the red vest!

[@peggyriordan9857]

I really enjoyed this video. I found your channel by accident. As I was looking for another channel and this video caught my eye and the rest is history now. I liked how you went over each piece explaining what was being done and how. Thanks so much!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Peggy!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Really enjoyed watching and because of this video, I will start sewing in batches in order to be more efficient. The sewing process gives me almost as much of a thrill as the final garment. In my head, I'm proving everyone wrong, when they told me that I will never be able to achieve or accomplish much. Also really nice to get all the ooohs and awes when I'm out and about from friends, acquaintances and total strangers.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@Lamdennison]

Another marvelous video! I love both versions of the vest, and you have such a lovely figure for showing them off. I always learn so much watching you, and some day I hope to do more sewing. I buy lots of fabric, thread, notions and materials, but get so nervous about ruining and wasting things that I choke and don't end up finishing (or sometimes even starting) projects. Oh well...vicariously living the seamstress life through your videos for now while I work up my nerve to do more.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Leigh-Ann! Perhaps some super bargain fabric or second hand sheets for practice projects could give you some more room to grow confidence before cutting into the good stuff, as mock ups always help to learn! As does making mistakes of course, the greatest teacher of all ;)

[@RhymingMime]

Enjoying watching this at work while I sew

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Sew_Learning]

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm learning so much from you...which is inspiring me to have a go at sewing. You've taught me that it's better for me to try and accept I might make mistakes than continue as I have been, which is not sewing because I was afraid of making mistakes. Best wishes from Down Under 📍✂️🇦🇺

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rhonda! It's true there may be mistakes along the journey, but that is the best way to learn

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Well done, both the vest and the video. I sometimes can't see well, so when there are words on the screen I pause to read them. Nuisance for me, so I appreciate your voice over.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dannie!

[@harmonygibbs7904]

I love this video! i am such a fan of vests and have been wanting to make myself a few. this was the perfect inspiration i needed. :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Harmony!

[@kasiaiwanio619]

I love this design! When I'm watching your chanel I can only see gorgeous attires and young, clever woman with charming personality! Best wishes for you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kasia!

[@davidhutchison3343]

Loved your explanation on how to do the shoulder seams. It's a but fiddly, especially with kids sized vests, but the result is perfect.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I can't imagine on kid sized ones! eek!

[@TheZombieMe]

I have a lot of hair on my arms as well! I've never shaved or waxed despite being made fun of my whole life for it (even adults use to make fun of my hair). I've come to embrace my arm hair, it's super soft and helps keep me warm so screw all those people!

[@kathyjohnson2043]

I DO have PCOS and I've even got hair on my toes (and yes, people have been unkind enough to call me 'hobbit toes' ... maybe I'll take it as a compliment)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

People are so strange right?! Like...we're not made of plastic, were humans!

[@ah5721]

I actually was thinking of vests and wanting to wear them! Then I found your channel!

[@goldkats]

The black vest is gorgeous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@NortherlyK]

This is the first video I've seen on this channel, but I dig the voiceover.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nicole!

[@kckazcoll1]

Once again, so informative and love the end result. I'm going to invest in glass head pins! I have melted so many of the others :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kaz!

[@kuppikahvikeisari9120]

Wow!! It looks amazing! I would love to try make this, even tho I have never sown a clothing piecw in my life. But ahhhhh, it looks so amazing ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!