Field Notes: House of Versace, Vest Obsessed, and Spring Sewing Plans

Hello, sewing friends! 

Since my last report, I watched all three seasons of Making the Cut. And how different each season was. After the first couple episodes, I really started getting into the show. I loved how much more experienced and talented many of the designers were compared to many on Project Runway. Don't get me wrong, Project Runway had some very talented designers but many clearly were just included for entertainment value, for example, the strange guy who sewed unicorns on everything. In season one of Making the Cut, I loved the traveling from New York to Paris to Tokyo and the little Tim and Heidi out and about features. Then season two was completely different as COVID had arrived. That season was filmed pretty much in isolation in Los Angeles. And things were not nearly as fun. In season three, the show seemed to be turning more into Project Runway. Without the same level of support from seamstresses as the first season, the designers were left to do much more of their sewing in shockingly less time. And they faced extensive and unprofessional verbal abuse from Jeremy Scott. Season three was it for Making the Cut, and I was fine with that. 

Still not ready to go back to Project Runway All Stars, I turned to my watch list of fashion movies and chose House of Versace. Obviously tragic in ways but an interesting film for those who love fashion history. 

In workroom happenings, I have been on a vest making kick. I have been absolutely obsessed with trying out some popular vest patterns, including Sewing Therapy's Hanbok Vest, Syd Graham's Ruby Vest, and The New Craft House's Everyday Waistcoat. I made six vests in all. If you are interested in seeing those projects and hearing a short review about them, I made a little video over on my (new!) YouTube channel that you can watch here. 

My four reversible Everyday Waistcoats. I am obsessed.

I have decided not to make a capsule wardrobe for spring. Instead I am just filling in some gaps and planning to make a few projects from my want-to-make list, such as a matching denim jacket and jeans outfit. One of my gap-filling pieces will be black twill coulottes to go with some of my vests. 

What I am sewing this week: I now am in the process of making another Helen's Closet Orbit Bag in the same pink floral quilted fabric that I used for one of my Everyday Waistcoats. I am not sure what's next after that. Decisions, decisions. 

I would love to know what you all are working on. Feel free to share your project reports in the comments.