Shopper's Vest

Saf-T-Pockets has a vest pattern made for travelers and shoppers.  My mother (travel agent/tour escort), has wanted one for years.  This past Christmas, I dug through the stash of fabrics she's been bringing back from Japan for me to work with and constructed this.  There are pieces of kasuri, yukata fabric, and cotton remnants.  The body is made with silk noil and the inner lining is cotton poplin.  I cut the medium, tapering it to large. 


It's shapeless and bulky, especially when the pockets are filled, but it serves the purpose it was made for.  I would like to say it's perfect, but the shoulder seams are extremely long.  I should've shortened it by about 1" in order for it to fit her narrow shoulders.  But she's very happy with the space around the bottom and the many pockets on the inside.
 
Here's a picture of a detail I place on the back. 

And a view of the inner pockets on the left side.  I made the eye glasses pocket horizontal, with it half sewn across the top.  You can see my glasses peeking out.   The right side is similar, except there is a pen pocket and no chest pocket.  She requested separate pockets to fit her travel wallet, passport, eye glasses on one side, credit cards, camera, and other "stuff" on the other.  It also has inseam pockets on both sides.

The pattern also includes a large pocket in the back, and pockets under each arm.  I made the underarm pockets wider, but did not put in the back pocket.  The pockets are simple patch pockets, easy to adjust and sew on.  

I think I'd rather carry a bag than wear a vest as bulky as this... but I'm sure it works for her.  She's been traveling for many years and knows what she wants!