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No Sew Fringe Vest

Hey! Wait a minute! Isn't this blog about sewing?

Why yes it is. But sometimes "projects" happen where sewing isn't needed. But it sure helps to have sewing and quilting tools.

I need a costume for a 60's themed BBQ (where social distancing will be practiced). I looked for ideas online and saw where I could purchase a costume for $$. Why would I do that if I could make my own? I decided I needed a fringed vest as part of my outfit.

Hmmmm...yeah, I could make one out of my fabric stash, but that is mostly cottons and I felt not suitable for what I was thinking. I ended up purchasing a men's black sleeveless t-shirt from Wally World for under $5.
Purchased Shirt
I laid out the t-shirt on my cutting table, face up, and smoothed out the wrinkles as best I could. I took a strip of 1" blue masking tape and placed it on the shirt just below the arm holes. This would be my stopping line when cutting the fringe. Using my 24" ruler and rotary cutter, I cut 1/2" wide strips lengthwise across the entire bottom section of the shirt, ending the cuts at my tape line.
Smoothed Out Shirt

Mark Ending Cut Line

Cut Fringe
Next, I found the approximate center of the shirt and cut the front only with scissors to open it up. I then shaped the front edges to be more vest-like.
Cut Center

Shape Front
Using one of my rulers and a chalk pencil, I marked 2" down from the neckband edge at the center back and 1-1/2" down at the shoulder seams. Using those marks, I connected the dots to create a new neckline for the vest, tapering the line to the just under the neckband at the front edge. Using my scissors, I cut along the line to remove the collar and create a new neckline.
Mark Neckline

Cut out NeckBand
Voila! I'm done!
Finished Fringed Vest
I left the armbands intact. It worked for me to help hold the shape.

I did do some sewing for my costume. I made a pair of bell-bottomed jeans by adding inserts using recycled jeans. There are many tutorials out there for doing that. I'll add a photo or two after the BBQ.

Groovy baby!
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