I tried this idea several years ago with a wool fabric but it was too heavy and bulky. The lightweight nylon material works perfectly.
The initial front or back opening shrug did not work so a folded-over with a large neck was tried and was fine. I experimented with scrunching at the wrists and holding with a hair elastic but the swoop sleeves are more comfortable and flow with the design.
It can be worn like this on its own.
This is the vest - a rectangle with the armholes cut on an angle several inches below the neck edge to give an asymetrical drape and a cowl collar.
The two knots were added later ....
Here the vest is over the shrug with the higher cut armhole opening on the right shoulder and the left front crossing under the right front with the corner knot coming out the right armhole as closure and interest. The other knot gives balance - and a bit of ballast! - at the bottom right.
With the front opening left loose the shrug shows and the multi layers offer a nice series of textures.
Here is the vest without the shrug. I have been wearing this across the summer on those windy days Victoria has year round and found it cosy; it also gives protection from the sun on the back of the neck. It can be scrunched into a pocket or purse. Being truly waterproof it provided dry seating on one of the library benches after a rain.
Leaving the edges free on the nylon fabric does satisfy my wish for unfetterment in appearance and drape, results in fraying which changes with time and wear and is nicely dramatic, and the fray wrapped itself around a tiny rose bud at some point, the dried evidence remains.
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