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.