For my multimodal project I decided to make a Gatsby inspired vest. I enjoy sewing and so I wanted to sew something that could represent my argument.
Materials: locally sourced and thrifted fabrics! + fancy buttons (and thread)
The outside fabric on the vest reminded me a lot of Gatsby and is very formal so I wanted to use that for the outside. The buttons have little anchors on them which represent Gatsby’s sailor arc in the book.
On the inside, Each side represents a different part of Gatsby. On the right side, we have green fabric forming rays that represent the green light in the book. The green light is a very important thing in the book for Gatsby that represents his longing for Daisy. On the left side, each fabric represents a different thing. The blue eye themed fabric reminded me of nosey people like Gatsby’s guest that spread rumors about him. The green tile fabric above it reminded me of a mansion floor and it represents the luxury and wealth that Gatsby has gained near the end of his life. The one above it reminded me of a cocktail party kind of scheme. It represents Gatsby’s parties that he hosts to attract Daisy’s attention. The fabric above that is music notes because of the musicians he hires for his parties and house. There is also a flower themed fabric above that represents the scene where Daisy and Gatsby meet again.
On the inside of the back of the vest, there is a big heart. The heart represents Gatsby’s main ambition: Love. The fabric itself has wheat on it because of how he had to do things like bootlegging to have the chance at getting his love again.
On the outside the vest is very put together and clean, but on the inside there are a lot of loose edges and hanging threads. This was on purpose for my argument. I wanted to show Gatsby’s feelings of not being able to fit in with rich people with his new money. It shows how he looks very clean cut on the outside, but is still the same person on the inside. Even though he was able to meet so many people at his parties, none of them stayed. His relationships through wealth were shallow and so was the rich persona he put out to people.
Bonus vest lore:
I usually don’t sew lining for any vests I make (because no one really sees them) but I actually was able to learn some new sewing techniques through this one. Basically the tactic is to sew two separate vests and sew them together, but it is not as easy as it looks. Also, to sew on the different fabric rays I kind of went the embroidery/ quilting approach of just sewing some straight stitches over the fabrics to keep it in place and then connecting the panels of the vest after that. Anyways, I had a good time and I hope other people enjoyed it too : )