ASKING FOR HELP/TIPS: maybe overambitious project of modifying (thrift flipping?) a vest with lwk no experience in sewing
Hi okay to get out of the way. Yes I know, this may be a bit much to start out with as a beginner. I know my basics of how to work a sewing machine, and I have a general knowledge on different stitches and their purpose, treating different fabrics uniquely, yadayada. However I have not actually used a sewing machine or made/modified clothes with one. And I’ll try to get some practice and train myself into getting used to one by making other clothes/crafts with easy patterns. Just getting that out of the way just incase someone says something along the lines of “you can’t expect to jump into a harder project with no experience” or smn.
So back to my main point. I got this vest from the thrift store, and I wanted to take on trying to modify it for my bf’s cosplay. It’s this Calvin Klein suit vest. My main inspo are those military utility jackets with hella pockets and decorations u see on pinterest.
Details on the vest
- I dyed it black, there’s still this very faint pattern on it that you can also see in my drawing. The modifications I’ll add to would just be the same overall color of the vest, rather than me trying to find fabric that has that same pattern. I think the difference would add cool but subtle visual interest.
- the vest has some inner lining (is that the word to describe it? There’s two layers of fabric sewn together, and it shows underneath), mostly in the back/arm area and to accommodate for the fake useless pockets as well. This could get in the way of whatever modifications I add to it. If I could change/add a different lining, I’d make it dark red, if not, the vest may be messy from the inside which I think wouldn’t be too bad. Unless they serve an actual function.
- buttons are black. I wanted to change them to a grey color.
- there’s a two stitched lines that go through the pockets and sorta just ends near the breast region. Not sure what it’s called, and I would like to know what its called because you’ll see a bunch of lines of stitches in jackets and such. And idk if they ALWAYS serve a practical purpose. I do really like how it looks on clothing.
Concerns about modifications
- alot of my inspiration is drawn from jackets. But this is a thin slim fit suit vest. And while I’m not trying to go for a formal attire style or anything. I do wonder if some of the modifications may not work for this type of clothing.
- whatever the over the shoulder part of the vest is called, its shape may interfere with how I’d want to put pockets and other stuff on it, as well as layering it the same way I drew it on my sketch.
- the actual inner lining in the vest may be an issue. Idk if lining is something you can just take out and replace. And if not, I’d probably just have to make a vest from scratch, which may not be a problem.
- I’m not entirely sure where to get the fabric. Nor do I know what the fabric used for this vest is called. I thought about just taking apart other similar thrifted clothing to harness its fabric (Like how ppl will take apart jeans to make it into bags), but idk if that’ll be efficient or if that’ll provide me with enough fabric.
- are pockets something you can just make by itself and then attach to the vest later on, or is it something you have to kinda sew WITH the vest.
So here’s my questions.
For starting out as a beginner and training myself to be able to tackle the project
- is there such a thing as “sewing warmups” to get used to using the sewing machine?
- what common errors would I have to be careful of when it comes to sewing? (Like how thread could bunch up in sewing)
- Any easy clothing/craft pattern for me to start out with to get used to sewing and build up my knowledge/skills?
- Any other resources you’d recommend? (Good video tutorials you think are the best, books/articles to read, etc)
And for modifying the vest
- how do I deal with the inner lining?
- is what I drew up in my sketch something I can do on this thrifted vest, or would I have to start from scratch?
- any specific techniques relevant to the design idea? (Ie, some resource on how to sew those kinds of pockets).
- any resources relevant to the design idea?
- is my design possible to make? Or like is there some changes needed to make for the design?
- are pockets like something you can make buy itself and just attach to the vest later once its done, or would I have to make it with the vest?
- what kind of fabric+tools would I need? Is there anything potentially special for the tools in this project, or could I just work with the basics…
- what are the materials needed for this design? (ik fat shoelaces/ribbons for the string design thingy. What are the little metal ring loophole things used for lacing the string? Wait was there a Phineas and ferb episode about that. Was it an anklet? Idk I’ll check later)
- What should I look out for?
- Any advice… 😢😢
I think that’s about it. Thank you. I needed some sort of project to work on in order for me to force myself to sew, I’ve always wanted to do sewing stuff.