Thrifty Thursday/Free Vest Pattern

Earlier this winter, my husband bought a new ski jacket. He loved the jacket, but felt it was just a little too light, so he bought a vest to wear underneath the jacket. He fell in with the vest. Not only was he wearing it under his coat, he wore it around the house. He said that it really kept him nice and warm. I've never understood how a vest could keep you warm since your arms are exposed, but I thought, "okay, whatever makes you happy."  Then one evening, I was feeling a little chilly, so I grabbed his vest and was I ever surprised, it really did make a difference! I've worn the vest so much that he was afraid that he had lost his vest.
Earlier this week, Purl Soho posted a free quilted vest pattern on their blog, The Purl Bee. It's a basic vest, but was exactly what I was looking for.

 Here's the pattern once it has been printed out and taped together.

I stopped at Vogue Fabrics, one of our fabric stores here in Chicago, and I just happened to find this quilted silk. Great, less work! I did made a couple of changes to the pattern.

I lengthened the pattern by 2".  I tapered it at the waist to give it a little more shape,

 and I also added the elastic band in the back at the waist.

I wanted to attach these hooks rather than snaps, although, since I only have 2, I may have to end up using snaps if I can't find 3 more.  

A very bad selfie picture. I will post a better picture once the vest is completely finished. At least you can see that had I not added the 2" to the length of the pattern, it would have been a little too short.

 

I still haven't decided what I will do about pockets. I may add them, I may not. If I do, I will also lengthen the pocket as I felt it was a little too shallow.
All in all I'm happy with the pattern, it was exactly what I was looking for and I especially like the shape of the hemline. You can find the free downloadable pattern HERE along with detailed instructions.
Before I go, I would like to say a BIG thank you to You Look Fab, a blog about what to wear and how to wear it. A reader recommended my blog as "a source of inspiration for anyone who sews" and I was given a very nice link. Thanks so much!!!! You can find the post HERE.
BTW, I am determined to be caught up by next week, so I will finally be posting the right thing on the right day!!!! Fingers crossed :)