I was playing around with some new ways to style my recently shortened hair, and ended up with a Betty Draper do. Which, when pair with a Baby Penteratops Headband from the shop, I liked it VERY much. So today’s project is a the Betty “rebel” Draper Sweater Vest.

It began as a thrifted XL Sweater….Which I chopped up before I thought to take a picture of it, but pieced it back for you to get the basic idea

Then using my preferred shoulder seam line as a guide I cut a wide bell from the shoulders to just above the bottom band making a gradual swoop at the bottom edge. next I cut the sleeves away at the shoulder seams and removed the cuffs…..Then turned them counterclockwise so the wrists were at the shoulders and the longest edge ran along the body. I just kind of eye balled to make the curve continue thru them.

Next I cut open the long edge of the sleeve (where it will attach to the body) and straight stitched the two front seams and two back seams right sides together. But was left with these square shoulders, so using a straight edge I created a new angle and got rid of the excess, but if you would want puffy shoulders you could gather this fabric instead.

There was a small space left open at the top that I just stitched over to close. So now you basically have a poncho. and could do many different things with from here, but I choose to add armholes up high. and just reopened a portion of the center seam I just stitched.

and although I like it open like this, I would prefer it a bit for fitted. So I found the place on both sides that would mark an empire waist line. Opened up a small bit of the front most seam and wove a studded belt through, buckling it under the sweater in the back….much better.

I really like the vintage style to it, and will probably make a few in black to work in, but I REALLY like this blue color. Which I think is a direct result of having a neutral hair color. I have been feeling so inspired to try so many different styles lately, especially with the new cut. But there was a detail in my costume that I’ve kind of fallen for, and that is the idea of getting my septum pierced. It’s never really been something I’ve thought to do. I always felt like if I got any facial piercings it would be a Marilyn. So anyway, I am trying it out. I found a ring smaller than the one I wore for my costume to wear around. It’s bigger than I would probably really wear, but figured it would help me decide. Do you have your septum pierced? Do yo like it?