Thanks for another super idea! Reading through the comments, it's clear that there are pros & cons with this material as with all materials.

I have used zip ties in kite making, as well. Several years ago I made some tails called spinners that required a stiff hoop. I removed the locking end as that would have caused a lump. As I recall, I simply used extra long zip ties & overlapped the ends inside the casing. I don't recall what material the directions called for but the zip ties worked great for this purpose.

Also, Margobears warning is worth repeating. CABLE TIES NEED TO BE KEPT AWAY FROM CHILDREN -- STRANGULATION HAZARD. Perhaps a lock on the sewing room door is the best solution since there are so many things in there that are harmful to curious & exhuberant children. You never know what they are going to think of next!

There is lots of discussion about whether or not to bind. The binding that is suggested is knitted which would be quite flexible. Any stitching around the edge would need to be a stretch stitch or slight zigzag to resist breakage. Also, any trims would probaly need to have some degree of stretch if the fabric is to maintain it's fluidity. Keep in mind that, like the circular skirts of the 50's & early 60's, this vest will be prone to stretching on the bias & losing it's shape but, again, that is part of the charm of this garment.

Also, I think this could make a very pretty wrap for a strapless gown (think proms, brides, holidays) with beading oe sequins along the edge. There is a lot of potential for embellishment and a wide variety of fabrics that could be used for very different but elegant & femine looks --georgette, voile, velvet, velour, satin, charmeuse...

Leonore -- I love your idea of 3/4 length sleeves! How do you think they were attached? Were the armholes still just slits & the sleeves made of folded squares with the fold at the top of the slit & the seam at the bottom? I suppose you could stitch the sleeve seam to make the sleeves perfetc rectangles for fuller sleeves or you could sew a tapered seam so that you ended up with a narrower edge at the cuff. If you can remeber how this was done or if anyone else has any thoughts on this I'd be interested.