Trying to make myself an insulated vest, but I can't figure out how to do the arm holes in any way other than leaving them to top stitch after I turn everything right-side out.

What am I missing?

Panel insulation or down with baffles?

Panel. Essentiall, the vest is a flat thing with two holes. Making quilts and stuff, I sew inside out (nylon, nylon, insulation) around the whole thing except for a small section, then turn inside out through that section, so I only have to top-stich a tiny bit. I can't think of a way to do this without having to top-stitch all of both arm holes, though, which is going to look terrible. I need to be chic on the trail.

How about some edging, fold under, seam, tucks all sides in?

Chic is good out there. :)

Yeah, that's what I fear I'll have to do. I'd much rather my sewing be hidden in the depths than out in the light.

You could always do some sequins or some other wacky thing to it, might make an interesting trail name find you! :)

What about opening it up at the shoulders, and letting the open part be along one of those parts? You can then seam the shoulders to the inside of the vest, and nothing will show.

Single or double fold (depending on your skill with sewing on a thin edge)bias tape hiding all the edges; nylon bias tape may be available in a chic color. I fully understand that it's all about the looks.

Farr Away, can you explain that a little more?

As for the glitz, I have a few ideas already...

Be sure to post photos with the outcome :)

I will for sure.

I made the first layer too small and I'm out of material, so I'm done for the night. With that, anyway. I'm using my free time to finally get around to making a new top quilt. Something I know how to do :)

I'll order more nylon tomorrow and start fresh next week.

Patrick,
Consider stretch binding tape for the arm holes and the bottom hem?

http://www.questoutfitters.com/stretch_binding.htm

MrsGorp

http://1ststeptosewingsuccess.blogspot.com/2006/04/two-sewing-techniques-on-how-to-sew.html

This describes a couple of ways to do a reversible vest. Or just google sewing vests...