Stitch Marvelous Money Saver Vest

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I assembled my own winter attire in the same manner, although the out-of-print Butterick pattern I used (which was lent to me by a friend) was a bit simpler . . . having no collar, pocket or snaps. And, since I wanted a bright ly colored lining in my vest, I dug up a scrap of flannel left over from an earlier sewing project (rather than use the nylon remnants for that purpose) and fashioned a few ties—to secure the front of the jerkin—out of the same material. My vest cost me less than 50¢ (for "my half" of the sleeping-bag mill ends) . . . but even if I had bought the pattern and the flannel, the total cash outlay for my comfy creation would still have been well below the $38 price that such quality garments go for in sporting goods stores!

My husband and I have been so pleased with our new winter garb that I'm currently stitching up a few of the vests to use as gifts for our friends. And, in my quest for additional supplies, I've discovered that salvage clothing stores and thrift shops arc worthwhile hunting grounds. Or, if you live near a large manufacturer of camping gear, you might be able to get your mill ends there. (I've found that many such factories are glad to give the remnants away!) Just look in your phone directory's Yellow Pages under "Garment Mfg.", "Sleeping Bags—Whol. & Mfrs.", and "Sporting Goods—Whol. & Mfrs." to locate potential sources.

I'm sure that once you've stitched—and worn—one of these attractive vests, you'll come up with other uses for sleeping-bag scraps (they'd make great booties or quilts, for example). And—if you enjoy fashioning the thermal wear—you could probably sell your products . . . and make some pocket money for the holidays!

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