Guest Review of Candle on the Hill pattern "Modesty Vest"
An Extremely Versatile Vest Pattern
This review was generously shared by Miss Maggie, and also appears on her site Hillbilly Housewife. Plenty of people have written in with glowing reviews of Candle on the Hill, but here Miss Maggie gives us her tips and ideas as well. Thanks Miss Maggie!
Candle On the Hill dress patterns are some of the best I've ever found. Krista, the artist who creates these patterns, has a special talent to find the most basic form of a pattern and give it a touch of elegance and femininity while keeping it easy to sew and beautiful to wear. I have a few of her patterns and as the Lord provides, I intend to buy more.
Review of the Modesty Vest Pattern
My most recent creation of Krista's is the Modesty Vest. It is designed to be worn over a blouse or dress to give the wearer double coverage to ensure modesty (and in my case to alleviate the need for an uncomfortable and much detested brassiere). I have not worn many vests since discovering modesty because I didn't have a good pattern, but also because I didn't fully appreciate their versatility.
Jumpers have been my bread and butter of modest clothing because they offer double coverage, are easy to find ready made and are relatively easy to sew. Also I always feel cut in half when I wear a blouse and skirt because I am short and round. With a matching skirt and vest I get the versatility of a skirt but the put-together, lengthening look of a jumper. Another look I'm going to try soon is to make a dress (from the same pattern as the yellow one pictured) but with the skirt in a patterned fabric and bodice in a solid fabric. Then I'll make the vest from the same patterned fabric as the skirt. This will give the look of a Vest, Blouse & Skirt, but without the tight waist seam, which will be perfect for summer heat. The vest can be left unlined for summer wear, so it will be cooler.
Pattern Versatility
Another nice thing about this vest is that it comes in my size. I'm an 18/20 at Walmart and a 22 in most sewing patterns. The size XXL fits me perfectly. Loose enough for comfort, and slim enough for a becoming profile.
I am looking forward to using this pattern to expand my options. I've seen and even used vest patterns from Simplicity, McCalls & Butterick and they are not half as versatile as this little gem from Krista. Easy to cut out, easy to put together, easy to sew, can be used with or without lining and with or without buttons. Simple, attractive and comfortable. What more could I ask for?
Sincerely,
Maggie
Hillbilly Housewife
