Making a Weskit from 1950s Vintage Patterns

The blog has been more focused on writing recently, but I’ve kept up my sewing projects too! I just got behind in photographing the completed projects. This is a project I finished last winter!

Three years ago, I made a weskit from a vintage pattern, pictures and details here. It is one of the items that I wear a lot in the colder months, especially because it is a layering garment which makes it versatile. It is also a gorgeous green wool which coordinates with many of the other things I like in my wardrobe.

However, there were a few things I would have changed. It was a little too big for me. It wasn’t a major issue, but because a weskit is usually tailored, I would have preferred it to fit better. Second, I had made it longer than the pattern suggested because I am long waisted. I realized in looking at pictures that the style of the original weskit made my waist look even longer (and my legs look shorter) because there was no defined waistline, and the bottom of the weskit pointed down.

I had more wool remnants, so I tried another weskit. This time, I combined inspiration from two patterns, primarily using Advance 5379. This one would have a different neckline and the bottom edge would not draw the eye down as much, though it still had some interest. I took the time to adjust the pattern to a smaller size and I did not extend the bottom edge. The visual effect was more proportioned than my first attempt.

As before, the weskit is fully lined, and I hand embroidered the button holes. I also added a half belt at the back for interest.

I love this brown wool! It has green in the weave so looks especially gorgeous next to green fabric. As the weskit took shape, I realized I liked the fabric best when paired with green, but I didn’t necessarily have a green skirt or jacket to wear with it. I pulled out the wool scraps from the first weskit and made a simple beret. Wearing it with the brown weskit would draw out the green in the fabric (though I forgot to wear my hat for the photos!)

Now I want to use these two weskits for a partner costume with someone. We could be a female Frog and Toad (but make it 1950s vintage)!