I promise this will be my last vest for at least the month of November, because you never know when the vest urge will hit!
This is an exciting vest that I have been waiting to blog about. When I went to the Design Outside the Lines retreat in September, Diane Ericson let us all test her upcoming Ventana Vest. It’s now out and available for purchase so I can show you both of our examples!
My BSF and I started right in cutting and sewing. This vest is very clever. The tucks give it shape and there is a clever folded in pocket. Typical of Diane’s patterns you can follow it exactly or make changes to make it your own. This is a photo of the vest made by my BSF Debra.
I left mine all funky and floppy. To add a little splash of color and pattern, I appliquéd a cotton woven with a stencil by Miles Frode combined with one of my own stencils.
Debra tailored her vest by closing the seam next to the pocket and taking in the sides. She also played around with the tucks in the back by elongating some of them. 
Her mother bought a new scarf that matches perfectly. I think Debra talked Honey into giving the scarf to her.
Here is photo of my back. You’ll notice that Debra also cut her collar a bit shorter to stand up at the neck. I love her changes and will incorporate some of then to my next version. You can see why I can’t promise no more vests!
West Zen Studio 
Very nice, fabulous actually! Just read Diane’s newsletter the other day and was seriously thinking she must have made this pattern with me in mind, has many elements I like in a vest.
Both vests turned out great, Wendy! I agree with you about this vest/coat working with all kinds of fabric. I’m working on one in a red wool knit. Loving it! So nice to meet you and Debra in Taos!
Ooooh, a red vest, I need one! Great meeting you too!
HeyWendy, These are great!!! I love the yellow color one with the bound edge…nice! I am making sever this weekend too. Thanks for sharing these . XOXODIane
From one vest-aholic to another, thank you so much for showing these two versions of Diane’s new pattern! Mine is on its way and I can’t wait. Can you tell us what fabrics you used?
Love both of these, they are truly reflections of the individual makers interpretation.
I used a double sided ponte from MarcyTilton.com. Debra used a heavy wool knit from her stash. The pattern seems to handle a diverse range of fabrics. Can’t wait to see your version!
One can never have too many vests, and this one is really groovy! I love the raw edges combined with the stenciled fabrics. Both add just the right amount of “punch” to the garment. Debra’s is really nice, too.
I enjoyed looking through your blog, and have added you to my favorites. Thanks to Diane for linking to here from Facebook!
Great vest, Wendy but the best part in the first photo is your great smile.
Love them both! What a great use of the stencils (yours and his). And the binding on Debra’s is awesome.