Description
Session 1 (stitching): Wednesday 10th June 2026, 10am - 4pm
Sessions 2 (construction): Wednesday 18th November 2026, 10am - 4pm
Difficulty: Intermediate. Students should have some dressmaking experience. Students must also have a working sewing machine that they can bring to the second session.
Make a statement with your own take on this boro inspired reversible vest. Designed by Jane MacDonald in 2017, this garment is both comfortable and versatile to wear.
There are many fabric and colour combinations that work well to make this unique vest. This could be made out of traditional Japanese fabrics such as Yukata, or use your own scraps. There really is no limit but consider the thickness of the fabrics as you will be stitching through a few layers. The linen/cotton blends or patchwork weight fabric such as the ones we sell in store work best.
Tracey recommends you bring your lining fabric first, and the use that as inspiration to find coordinating scraps from home. We can spend a short time during the class choosing fabrics that go with what you bring along if you need help.
In this class Tracey will teach you how to make this unique jacket. The format of the class will consist of two sessions. The first day in June will cover how to select, layer, and stitch your fabrics. You will then finish stitching your panels at home over the following months, and in November you will meet again to construct your jacket.
The jacket pattern is one size only, approx Australian Women’s size 14-16, but Tracey can advise how to make it a bit smaller if required.
Length 67cm (26½in) (note that you will lose approx. 2 inches in length after the stitching, so don't be tempted to shorten the length)
Materials:
As part of the class fee students will be provided with the jacket pattern.
Students should bring:
- 2.5m (2.75yd) print fabric for reverse side of vest
- Large assortment of scrap fabrics or fabrics from your collection for outside of vest to total approx 2.8m (3yd). Tracey even used a beloved vintage tea towel in her jacket, so don't be afraid to think outside of the box. (old doilies, etc.)
- Sashiko thread, pick 3-5 colours that coordinate with your fabrics
- Long sashiko needle
- Sashiko thimble if you want to use one
- Basting thread (any kind of cotton thread will do)
- Erasable fabric marker, or chalk pencil
- Lightweight iron-on interfacing. Note: This is only necessary if you use patchwork fabric for the lining, if you use a linen-cotton blend you won't need interfacing.
- Large fabric scissors
- Paper scissors to cut out your pattern
- Pins
- We will have some mats and rulers available for use in store, but you can bring your own if you prefer
- Bring a working sewing machine to the November class
*Please familiarise yourself with our class policy before booking