Buckle your seat belts, we are heading to Columbia! That’s right…Itch to Stitch’s newest pattern, the Envigado Vest, derived it’s name the lovely town of Envigado. So before I tell you about my vest, would you join me on a brief look at this lovely town?
Envigado is know for it’s friendly, family atmosphere set amongst the lush green landscape of Columbia. When I look at the above screenshot from Google Images, I can just imagine wearing my vest as I travel the hills and forests of this beautiful area! Now, let me tell you about my vest!
I made the non-hooded version in a size 10 bust and waist, graded to a 14 hips and I used the B-cup sized bodice piece. Isn’t it nice not to have to tinker around with doing your own bust adjustments on patterns!?! Grading between the two sizes is a pretty straight forward process, but if you are new to it, Kennis walks you through it in her detailed instructions. The only thing I would do differently on my next one, is to try the A-cup bodice piece, as my bodice did seem to have more room than the other testers after I compared my fit with theirs.
I also did a 1/2″ forward neck adjustment, which is a standard adjustment for me due to the curve of my neck and my sloped shoulders. I also added 1″ to the length between the waist and the hips because I am taller than this pattern is drafted for. I checked that the waistline was sitting correctly, which it was, and that is why I determined to add the length where I did.
The Fabric
The fabric I chose is a light-weight fine corduroy which I picked up at my local fabric store last year. It wasn’t heavy enough for pants, but I loved the carmel colour and knew that the right pattern would present itself sooner or later. This is the perfect pattern for it. We haven’t had as cold of a winter that we normally do(think -40C!), so the Envigado, layered over a turtleneck, and worn under my down-filled winter coat, has been perfect to keep me warm.
I layered mine with this beautiful green cashmere turtleneck sweater I picked up on clearance last fall, but it goes equally well with the mustard coloured Itch to Stitch Hepburn Turtleneck I made awhile ago but haven’t blogged about.
Some of the finer details of this pattern are found on the inside. The finishing details of the pattern rival any ready-to-wear garment in most stores! I used a lightweight flannel for the binding edge of the sleeves. The zipper instructions are nicely detailed and I love how clean it looks!
I used the same flannel inside my pockets and I really loved the technique that Kennis used to finish the inside of the pocket with the same flannel fabric. There was no trying to press in a perfect edge around the pockets to get both pockets to look the same. It is very clever, really. The antique brass snaps were a breeze to attach. I have used them a few times in the past and one pointer I would give is to do them on a sturdy surface. My husband gave me one of his metal weights from his barbell set and that worked really well.
I even used my coverstitch for the hem on this. It is the first time I used it for a woven hem and it turned out quite nicely. I just love how the coverstitch covers up the edge of the fabric. Of course, the hem can be done with a regular machine and a straight stitch, but I am digging into all that I can do with my coverstitch, which isn’t easy as there aren’t many resources out there, so I am compiling my own binder of ideas and methods.
I am undergoing a few projects here at home which is limiting my sewing time, but there will definitely be another in my future. This is a staple garment for me, as it falls into the whole layering thing that I am so fond of. Thank you for joining me on this journey of the Envigado Vest. I hope I have inspired you to make one for yourself. It is a perfect project to stretch your wings on if you have been sticking with beginner patterns until now. The instructions are detailed and you can also reach out to Kennis and the other members of the Itch to Stitch Facebook group if you get stuck anywhere along the way.
The Envigado Vest from Itch to Stitch Patterns
sizes:
US sizes 00 to 20
skill level:
Intermediate+
features:
–Options for A, B, C, D and DD cups
– Front and back princess seams
– Waist drawstring for shaping
– Ample front pocket with buttoned flaps
– Optional hood with drawstring
– Unlined bodice
pattern details:
-layered options for printing only the size(s) you need
-printable on A4 and Letter paper
-A0 print shop format
-trim pdf pattern assembly
suggested fabric
-lightweight to medium weight woven fabric such as twill, broadcloth, chambray, taslan nylon and linen.
Embrace Everyday 
Nice work sewing it up! Your serger does a really good stitch. I think I’m going to have to get mine serviced. It embarrassing what kind of stitch it makes! Do you think it would be possible to make this vest with a fleece lining for warmth?
Thank you, Linda! I have fiddled with it to get the right stitch and it wasn’t always pretty. I hadn’t thought about lining it with fleece but that is a really good idea. I would be inclined to go up one size. I am not sure if I would bag it or treat both fabrics as one piece. What method were you thinking?
Yes, one size bigger would be a good idea. I was thinking it would have to be attached at the armholes and the neck/front facing only? So it didn’t pull anywhere?
That’s a good point. I guess it would depend on the thickness of the fleece, though.