Studio Note 002

BANG!

29 March 2026

My second studio note. This week I created the first version of the pop art applique utility vest. I had to share this one.

Hi! This is my second studio note - I know, I know, it’s only been a week since the last one, but I just had to share this one. I have been working on a pop art applique utility vest and it came out really well. This will be the first piece I list for sale. I will be listing it in the next few days, so keep an eye out if you're interested. I have posted some videos from the past week where you can see it coming together on Instagram - @swirski.studio. It was a blast to make, and it will be great for someone to adopt the piece and give it a new life. I did have a little oopsie this week. The original cargo pocket pattern had the gusset built into the front panel itself. This made it very awkward to line, so after wrestling with it for an evening, I adjusted the pocket pattern to have a seperate gusset. This was a very good call — it made lining much easier. All in all, this piece took around 35–40 hours to create. - Swirski Studio

So, what's been going on?

This week I have been entirely focused on the piece. Created the Applique BANG! Vest. This really has to be the highlight of the week. Also I have done really nothing else but creating content and creating the vest this week, so the focus stayed entirely on this one piece. I also ordered a Starlink. The internet in the studio has been unreliable, so this should help improve the workflow.

pile of fabric that was used to create the vest!

Front view of the BANG! when I was testing stencil placement

Close-up of the sashiko stitching when i was sashiko stitching the BANG lettering!

Front view of the BANG! when one armhole needed sewing still

Back view of the BANG! when one armhole needed sewing still

Music

I have been indulging in MF Doom lofi remixes, and i have to say they are a great listening experience!! listen here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9_prlDi8L0&pp=ygUMbWYgZG9vbSBsb2Zp Other than this I have found an awesome Japanese Stationary Store mix - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ8EyNFg9Dk&t=2721s&pp=0gcJCdkKAYcqIYzv

Finished piece: BANG! Vest v1

Boxy, cropped utility vest. Reclaimed blazer base. Patchwork denim cargo pockets. Large back applique. The graphic works. It feels like something that can be repeated, but never exactly the same. This piece will be listed soon, stay tuned!

Pop art applique utility vest back view — The back view of the BANG! Vest - I am so happy with how the applique turned out!!

Pop art applique utility vest front view — The front view of the BANG! Vest - the cargo pocket is so fun and adds such a cool 3d element to the piece!

Pop art applique utility vest open view of lining — The inside of the BANG! Vest - the lining is from the vintage M&S blazer used for the outside and it adds such a nice touch to the piece.

Pop art applique utility vest detail view of the cargo pocket — A close-up of the cargo pocket on the BANG! Vest - the 3d effect is really cool!

Notes

What I Learned

Separating pocket gusset = essential for lining Bagging method works very well Vest armholes need to be sewn through gap in lining after bagging