I have a treat for you today – a parade of finished Belvedere Waistcoats! I hope your waistcoats will be worn to many memorable events this summer! I know a few of them were sewn for lucky grooms and others were sewn to wear at the local pub. Maybe others will be given to a deserving Dad this Father’s Day (on Sunday)?
The dark grey fabric and luxurious champagne lining used on this waistcoat are a perfect combo of fabrics. And those welt pockets look very well executed! This Belvedere was sewn by Jane of The Drapery for her husband, Andy. She wrote a review on The Drapery blog.
Next we have a work of art sewn by Zak! Check out the embroidery and the custom chest pocket! Plus, I don’t think I need to point out the paisley lining since it is difficult to miss (and matches the embroidery so beautifully).
Many of you have been sharing your Belvedere photos on Instagram using #belvederewaistcoat Here are a few of the versions that stood out to me today:
To finish off this sew-along parade, Matt photographed me in my new Belvedere standing in front of the garden.
As mentioned before, I did not make the suggested alterations to my waistcoat in order to fit it to a female figure. I wanted this sample to serve as a visual example to show why making a few simple fit adjustments can lead to a much more flattering waistcoat for women.
The main thing to notice is that smaller armholes are needed. For me they gape at the front but on other women (depending on your bust size), you may find they gape at the back. I’ve explained how to adjust the armhole earlier in the blog.
Since I have a pretty small bust measurement I don’t think the gaping is that bad or noticeable. The main thing I dislike is how low the armhole sits at my underarm. The next time I sew a Belvedere for myself I will reduce the scoop of the front armhole so that the curve is more shallow and so that the side seam is at least 1″ longer.
I think this waistcoat will be worn often in the Fall despite the fact that it is not perfectly fitted to my figure. I love how warm the spongy wool is! It’s satisfying to have a project finished and sitting in my closet a whole season early…that doesn’t happen often.
If ever you would like to share your Belvedere Waistcoat masterpiece, use #belvederewaistcoat on Instagram, join our Facebook Thread Theory Sewing Community, or email me at info@threadtheory.ca
