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.

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.

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.

Classically Styled Knit Dress

Most of what I make tends to be fairly classic in style. I like to make things that I like, that I’ll wear, and that suit my needs. In other words, I spend my time making those things that I will really enjoy wearing and whose style can transcend trends. McCall’s 7186 is one of those patterns.

M7186

I used this green ponte knit that I had in my stash which is a great weight for this type of dress. It’s not too thin but is more of a medium-weight knit fabric so it’s easy to sew. That also means that it’s going to hang well on the body.

This is one of the few garments I’ve made that I didn’t make any alterations to (I made View D). In the future, I certainly could make the sway back adjustment (which I’ve never done before – need to learn how to do that). I think that would eliminate some of the excess fabric in the back at the waist. But overall, I’m still very happy with the results. And because it’s knit, it’s very comfortable to wear.

I’m always challenged by certain pattern styles. I’m not challenged by whether I think it would look good or not, but I’m often challenged by whether the neckline is going to be too low or make me uncomfortable in some way. I don’t know if any of you go through this, but I am constantly wondering if I’ll be able to move freely without exposing anything that shouldn’t be exposed – LOL! Well, this particular dress is not a problem for me in regard to movement. It’s very comfortable to wear. I also like the fact that I can put this on and go about my business without thinking about what I’m wearing. There’s no pulling, tugging or readjusting needed. That’s what I’m looking for in my me-made wardrobe.

Making Tops With Angela Wolf

Okay. So not exactly with her, but using her “Delila” pattern. There are 9 versions to make with this ONE pattern! I love that because right off the bat, I feel like I’ve really gotten my money’s worth. This is a versatile and easy pattern to make.

AW1531

I made two of these tops. The top one is made from a cotton blend knit with metal pieces for decoration. the bottom is an ITY knit that has more of a four-way stretch. The extra stretch of the bottom one make it very comfortable. That was the second one that I made and I did it in about 1-1/2 hours.

Both of these tops are the same version (with the cuff added). I really like the length of the top too. I find them easy to wear and move in.

The neck binding is attached in a way I’ve never done before, but it works so well, I’ve started doing other knit tops the same way. The neck binding piece is attached, then folded over the raw seam allowance, then topstitched down. It’s much easier than any other attachment I’ve done and I get better, more professional-looking results.

The only problem I had with sewing the tops happened when making the dark blue (with metal) top.

Apparently, this is what happens when you use a double needle on a fabric with metal pieces and, I suspect, try to sew too fast… No damage to me, the top, or my machine.

Anyway, this is a terrific and versatile pattern that can be used to make something really casual or a bit dressier.