Hello Minerva Makers!
Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! I wasn’t able to share as many projects last year as I would have liked, but I am excited for this one, and I am excited for a new year of sewing projects!
Since the fall and winter of 2025, I have been inspired by a lot of more structured fashion, including suiting pieces like waist coats, blazers, tailored trousers, and more. I have found that I really enjoy creating something with sharp and clean lines. I was inspired particularly with this piece from some of the looks in the latest season of “Only Murders in the Building”. This is the Freya Vest pattern from Indie designer Just Patterns Atelier. This pattern is available on her website and on Etsy. This is a long line vest with a high neckline that flares at the hips. Shaping is done using princess seams and a back tie. There are also two pocket options (welt and patch) that I actually left off entirely to get a very clean line and to make the sewing process faster. There is an option for the vest to be fully lined (which I did), or unlined- which would be really nice in linen for the summer. I made a straight size 36- but I could have made some further adjustments to make the bust fit a bit better. I decided not to get too involved in the fitting process though as I want to be able to layer this over other shirts or sweaters, so I needed enough ease for that. I did adjust the neckline, I dropped the neckline in the front and back to match my inspiration pictures, which I like. It is dropped into a square neckline about 5 cm in the front and 4cm in the back. It also just gives a little bit more breathing room.
The fabric was kindly gifted to me from Minerva. It is their Core Range Oxford Melange Suiting in Steel Grey. I think the melange coloring gives the piece a nice classic suiting look. The fabric is also a nice suiting weight- light-midweight. The pattern did ask me to interface each piece, but I skipped this. I think it probably would have enhanced the look to have done the interfacing, but I was afraid it would have gotten too stiff. I think the fabric does have enough structure as it is, but I would recommend using a lightweight fusible interfacing if anyone else was going to recreate this look with this fabric. The fabric was easy to press and sew with, and turned out looking very professional - in my opinion! I would recommend this fabric for trousers or blazers as well.
I am hoping to share some more thoughts on my sewing plans for the upcoming year, but I think this piece is a great start. Let me know what you think, and what patterns you recommend for more structured smart pieces!
#Minervamakers #minervabrandambassador #minervamakes #indiepatterns #shareyoursewing #sewinginspiration #vest #suiting