Sunday 10 July 2016

Pathfinder Vest - Pattern by Big Little Patterns


I had discovered Big Little patterns not so long ago.... see my Big Little Animal Hood post HERE. I loved creating a unique and useful garment and was very pleased when I was given the opportunity to test the latest Big Little pattern.... The Pathfinder Vest!


The PDF pattern is a unisex vest pattern that includes sizes 1 - 12 (childrens size). I would rate this pattern suitable for advanced beginners, however the tutorial is very thorough and a beginner sewer could certainly have a crack (aussie for "have a go.") 


With 70 different possible combinations you can create a new look time and time again and be very satisfied with each outcome!


This vest that I made for my 2 year old is the standard length, with rounded pockets, flutter sleeves, button loops and pixie hood options. 


I quite enjoy embellishing my creations - and the pockets were an optimal spot to add some lace and ribbon. 


I also LOVE buttons (you will always hear me bang on (rave) about my button obsession) and this was of course an excellent garment to feature (enable) my button addiction ...... collection...... did I mention I love buttons?!? 


The next vest I made was for my 5 year old and I decided I'd choose the rounded hood instead of the more feminine pixie option. I kept the length standard. 


I managed to pick up this "Frodo" green pinwale corduroy for $4(au) a meter on clearance. So decided on the spot that my boys would go hobbit style and own a range of these vests in this special colour! 


Each vest, including my daughter's, was lined in cosy fleece. Fleece is very easy to work with and is very warm and budget friendly. 


The pattern proves a quick sew and I managed to sew three in one evening! I was interested and a little annoyed in the way you must pull the garment through. Like with any fully lined garment, there is always a gap where you pull the item the right way through. I can only advise you take your time. Sew one sleeve first, then only leave a gap on the remaining side (this will become clear when you read your copy and get to this step.) A necessary evil with any fully lined garment! Don't let it put you off! 


This vest was made for my oldest and I was keen to make the basic waistcoat. I added the standard pockets and chose to have the vest close using buttonholes instead of loops. 


The neck line is the 'v' neck option, as opposed to the rounded, or the high neck options required for the hooded versions. You could make this waistcoat as fancy as you wanted or casual like mine.

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The fourth vest I made - again for my oldest - I decided to chose the longer length and rounded back (kidney warming variation!) 


He was rather impressed with his little brother's rounded hood and asked to have a hood on this vest too. I found the rounded hood to be a perfect size and shape and certainly not difficult to create.


Pockets again, as children rather like to store their little treasures.


While the pockets aren't designed to warm hands, you can see they are just large enough to do so! This vest also boasts the sharp or square finish on the front bottom flaps (the above vests have the rounded finish.)


There are many directions you can take this vest in, including and not limited to changing out the straight back for a pleated back, collar, *petal closure* (only available for Big Little newsletter subscribers - sign up now!) Or if you own the wild things coat pattern, the hoods are interchangeable! (I have plans for a little pony!)

This pattern is highly versatile & excellent value. I love the layering of the pattern pieces and the detailed instructions. I love that this one pattern enables me to make garments for each of my children of various sizes and gender. 

To purchase the pattern visit Big Little Shop or to follow Big Little's blog please visit BL HERE

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