Category: Ginger jeans

Simplicity 8529 Toaster Sweater

I bought this pattern a while back, soon after it was available.
Then I set it aside and forgot about it. As it turns out, I’m so glad I bought it because it’s the perfect, quick project to make if you’ve got some sweater knit or sweatshirt fleece in your fabric stash. I’ve seen many versions of this around the internet lately and although I’m no longer ready-to-wear fasting, I haven’t gone out and bought any clothing. I want to use up as much fabric that I have on hand as I can.

So, for the first one which is View A, I used some black sweatshirt fleece that I had. For the cuffs I used a black ribbed knit since I had a piece that was just big enough for the job.

Simplicity 8529 View A

When using sweatshirt fleece, remember that the nubby side is the wrong side (just like a sweatshirt). In fact, I pulled out a sweatshirt I had just to make sure I cut this out the right way.

The side vents not only add style but comfort to the top. As you can see, it’s got a bit of a hi-lo hem. For sewing the vent hems, I used my sewing machines double overlock stitch. You can certainly do this with a serger if you like, I just wanted to use a stitch on my machine that I have rarely used. It worked out perfectly.

The next one I made was View D. This red and black top was made using a ponte knit and more black ribbed knit.

Simplicity 8529 View D

This one is so comfortable. While I’m wearing this one with jeans (Ginger jeans I made here) and the black top with leggings (posted here), different fabric choices could certainly give these tops a completely different look.

“Different fabric choices can give a basic pattern a completely different look”

As you can also see from the pictures, one week can also give pictures a completely different look! You know you’re in for some shoveling when the snow totals keep going up and up as the storm is happening – LOL! But one thing I also realized in making these tops is that I have no accessories, besides scarves, to wear. I guess I never really had much even when I was working full time (just like shoes). So this year, I think I’ll pay more attention to the purchase of some accessories (necklaces and earrings) that can be used to add more interest to my outfits. I’m not talking about anything expensive, I’m going to Target! Then maybe I’ll see about shoes…

*The black sweatshirt fleece was purchased from fabric dot com and can be found here. There’s not much left so hurry if you want this. But they also have it in a variety of other colors that you can access here. Please be advised that these are affiliate links. 

Third Piece of My Mini Collection

My last pieces for the collection are another pair of Ginger jeans and a Style Arc T-shirt (“Alannah”). I used a jean kit I bought from Closet Case Patterns that has black stretch denim. I figured that since the main theme for this was black and white, black jeans would be a good addition. I also wanted something colorful to add to this. I chose to use the Aloha fabric I bought that I featured in my haul video here. Here are the posts for the first two pieces in the collection (one and two).

This was an interesting process. Sewing with the idea of making a “collection” or coordinating pieces requires more thought than I had imagined. I was sure of what pieces I wanted to create, but staying on track and making sure I had the materials was key. I wasn’t overwhelmed with trying to decide what to make next since the next piece was predetermined. But, I’m so used to my free-flowing style of making whatever, that I did feel more restrained in my options.

I also realized that while I definitely need to be more selective in my choice of what I make, I love color so sticking to a plan of only a couple of colors was difficult. This won’t be the last time I do this (definitely!), but I will do it differently next time (maybe spring/summer dresses, woven tops, coordinates, etc.). The possibilities are endless after all…

I’ve written about this Style Arc T a while ago (here) but it’s one of my favorites. It’s a basic, well-fitting T-shirt that has a great length. It only takes about an hour to put together. It’s a PDF pattern and as far as I know, it’s still available.

The jeans are the Ginger jeans (skinny jeans). As stated above, I made these using a kit which included everything except the pattern. If Closet Case offers these again, I highly recommend purchasing. I did not use the rivets that came with the kit, but you get those and the jeans button(s), top stitch thread, needles, zipper and fabric. If you don’t have jeans top stitching thread, you can use a triple stitch on your machine. I did use the jeans thread this time, but I’ve had less trouble (jamming) with the triple stitch so I’ll probably go back to that. The triple stitch generally has the same look as the thicker jeans thread and is very secure.

As far as planning my next project, I’ll be taking some of the lessons learned from this process into consideration. I know I need and want more woven (non-knit) tops/blouses. There’s a list of items I could really find useful that I don’t have. I’m often looking in my closet and not finding coordinating pieces or things that I really want. So my sewing emphasis this year is in filling those gaps.

Let me know if you have sewn your own collections and how you found that experience.