sewing

I used to wear a cardigan over a t-shirt or turtleneck about every day in high school. I don’t know why I stopped–style change, I guess–but 20-something years later, I’ve rediscovered them. This time, of course, I’m making them:

This one is out of a gorgeous German cotton sweater knit from Jumping June Textiles (I got a lucky remnant) and the pattern is the Marlo Sweater from True Bias. Looking at mine vs. the pattern pic, I clearly ignored the suggested button placement, but it’s fine. No issues sewing or fitting, although this knit is drapier than the stable knit the pattern calls for.

Cardigans are great for regulating heat as you move around or the house warms up during the day (how had I forgotten this?). I already have another longer one planned in polar fleece–gotta make up for lost time.

Here’s a gray hoodie and some more fall leaves (this time, from an evening Millcreek jaunt):

This is Jalie 2795 and it was a delight to sew, despite the plain grayness of it. I’m becoming a big fan of Jalie patterns–the drafting and details just make for a really professional look.

This is essentially a collared jacket with a hood attached. That means you can pull your hood up really snug around your chin but also that it’s going to sit around your neck pretty tightly, as you can see above. I like it, but it’s not your standard hood-attached-to-the-neckline fit, where the hood hangs halfway down your back.

The hood itself is drafted in three pieces so it sits really well on your head–there’s no drawstring but it’s not going to blow off.

Fit-wise, I didn’t add any length to the sleeves and they come to my knuckles–and I have really long arms for my height. I made a straight size “V” per my measurements and didn’t have to make any alterations. (If I make it again, I might add an inch to the sleeves and make thumb holes in the cuffs).

I did end up adding a zip pocket on the sleeve. I’m not completely happy with how it turned out, but it works (and I am happy about those welts on the main pockets). Considering this fleece was so beefy that I broke two different needles topstitching the zipper, I think it all turned out OK.

So there you go–I’m surprised how much I liked sewing something so plain, and I’m already wearing this a lot. Am I going to be someone who sews…basics?  What’s next, jeans?

I haven’t made a lot of underwear this year because I was still really stocked up from last year’s frenzy. But I went fabric shopping (mostly) locally and got some knits and saw a new pattern and now I have three pairs of even BIGGER underwear–one with RAINBOW BRITE elastic!

The pattern is the Ohh Lulu Cabin Shorties and I’m really loving them under dresses or wide leg pants (or without pants at all). The legs are finished with a baby hem and the cover stitch does such a good job with it.

The fabric in the back was from Harmony and the apples in the middle were a good find at Nuttall’s. They’re both Kaufman knits, which are high quality. The print in the front (from Jumping June Textiles online) is a European knit and after working on a few projects, I’m realizing Euro knits are the Ferrari of cottons–just butter smooth, impossible to fade, cool but substantial. (Plus they come in amazing prints.)

These were fun and fast and got me excited about print + elastic combos…I think I’ll be making more!

I’ve been sewing lately, just not a lot and not always successfully or with great associations: I stress sewed a robe during my week off when Matt was sick; I made a two-piece set that I was going to wear to a second interview…before I didn’t get the job or the interview; and most recently I took some precious jersey from Doops Designs in Australia and tried to make a jumpsuit. It didn’t work. Then I tried to cut it apart and salvage the pants and make a new top with the remaining fabric and that didn’t work either.

I needed a win, is what I’m saying. So I pulled out some different precious Australian jersey (because I learn nothing) and made a True Bias Nikko Dress and not only did it work, there’s no unhappy baggage around making it!

I’m so pleased with it I’m not even waiting for a modeled shot. This is the final try on before I stitched the hem down and I love it–all my 90s-teen turtleneck dreams have returned but this time I have awesome swole shoulders and arms (and confidence, and maturity, and meds for anxiety).

I went up two sizes from the recommended size based on body measurements and looked at the finished garment measurements instead. It translates well as a column-style dress versus a bodycon one, I think. I also shortened it about 10 inches from the full length. The jersey itself is lovely, thick and opaque even in white, with lots of stretch and a cool hand.

This was so fast and made me so happy, I’m tempted to make another. It feels casual enough that I can see wearing this to Target with Birkenstocks, but I can also put on ankle boots and go to a client meeting.