Why The Lamma Sweatshirt & Hoodie Is Not The Average Sweatshirt

When I had the opportunity to get this fabulous fabric from Minerva I knew that the Itch-To-Stitch Lamma pattern was what I wanted to make. Now, let me tell you, and show you, why the Lamma Sweatshirt & Hoodie is not the average sweatshirt. You might just want to make one (or two) for yourself.

*This post is not sponsored but may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you shop through those links and there’s no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

The Pattern

This pattern is described as being perfect when you want comfort and style. I can totally agree with that. There are princess seams, pockets and numerous opportunities for color-blocking which can make it a really fun and unique project. Sizing ranges from 00-40 so that means 22 sizes as well as full bust options. For those who may have fabric scraps left over from previous projects, this can be a way to use some of those knit scraps you didn’t know what to do with.

While the pattern is rated as “Intermediate”, I believe that any confident beginner is capable of making this. In fact, I always believe you have to challenge yourself in order to improve your skill level, whether it’s sewing, knitting, or playing an instrument.

For those wondering about Itch-To-Stitch Patterns, they are well drafted PDF patterns and the instructions are easy to follow with great illustrations. In fact, here’s another one of my favorite patterns by them.

The Fabric

As a Minerva brand ambassador, I was gifted this fabric. It’s a Minerva exclusive with a print designed by Terrance Williams. The name is Tropic Terrazzo cotton fleece back sweatshirt stretch knit. When I tell you this is a substantial sweatshirt fleece, believe me! It is also POD (print on demand) which makes it more sustainable for both Minerva and the customers.

Easy to cut and easy to sew is what I love about this as well. While I did use the serger for most of the construction, you could make this easily with a zigzag stitch and a regular sewing machine.

More To Love About This

More on why the Lamma sweatshirt & hoodie is not the average sweatshirt is because this one just seems more intentional. There is a time a place for a plain, boxy top, but this isn’t that. When you make this, especially with the color blocking, think about what it can be paired with and how you would wear it. I’m thinking of making another for spring out of a lighter knit fabric and short sleeves. That gives the pattern more versatility and more year-round capability.

If you really want a more elevated and stylish look, you can do a monochrome version made from a textured knit, like a sweater knit.

Conclusion

This is the perfect out of the ordinary top that can be made to suit your lifestyle. The Itch-To-Stitch Lamma Sweatshirt & Hoodie is that top to wear when you want to be comfortable and stylish. I definitely recommend this pattern!

Itch-to-Stitch Sequoia Pants and Shorts

This is a pattern I have been looking forward to making since it came out. I like the style (with lots of pockets) and I figured it challenge me in some ways to make. Plus, I like trying a variety of different pants patterns in particular since pants take more effort to fit comfortably.

I made a shorts version of this pattern (the PDF pattern includes shorts and pants). In all honesty, I was pleasantly surprised at the fit and comfort of the shorts. I have only used these patterns for tops before, so I was unsure of what to expect. I made very few adjustments to get the fit I wanted.

The first pair that I made was what I considered to be a wearable muslin.

The only thing that was different (at least for me) was the waist band construction. Thankfully, there’s additional help on a blog post with lots of photos that make it very clear and explain the written instructions. These patterns are pretty straight-forward with regard to instructions, so I that is something that I really appreciate. But, they are generally simple enough to understand for the beginner as well.

The second pair is made from stretch cotton twill that I had in my stash. I used snaps for the fly closure, but I did not add snaps to the back pockets as the pattern suggests. Once the edge-stitching was done on the top of the pocket flaps, I didn’t really find it necessary. But you could also use Velcro instead. The only change I made to this was to cut the waist band ribbing and elastic about an inch shorter. I wanted a bit tighter fit around the waist, and this worked out perfectly.

I definitely want to make the pants version in the Fall for cooler weather!

If you’re interested in getting this pattern, here’s a link you can use to buy your own PDF pattern!

*There are affiliate links in this post

A Terrific Basic: T-Shirt Edition

As a member of the 2018 Ready To Wear fast, there are things I know that I will need or want to replace that make my heart beat a little bit faster. It’s never something like making a coat (I did that during my first RTW fast here ) but it’s those things I wear everyday that I want a pattern I can just cut and sew. Those are the basics for me that will get the most use. So, lately I’ve been focusing on T-shirts and one of my favorite patterns is the Itch to Stitch Idyllwild T shirt and dress. There are so many variations with this pattern that it can be used over and over again.

Idyllwild Tshirt