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.

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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!

My New Floral Blazer That’s Perfect For Summer

Welcome to my post about my new floral blazer that’s perfect for summer! I made this as my latest Minerva project. I’m a Minerva brand ambassador, so I received this fabric for free. It’s terrific, so that’s what I want to tell you about.

*This post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these link, I will earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you.

The Fabric

This is a Minerva Exclusive Soft Washed 100% Linen POD fabric called Retro Revival. POD means ‘printed on demand” so there is a definite right and wrong side of the fabric.

It is easy to cut and sew. I didn’t notice any fading of the fabric when I washed it before using. That’s important since the material is printed on demand.

I consider this to be a medium weight fabric. In fact, it’s weighty enough that it has been too warm to wear this summer with the heat we’ve been having. But, the blazer will be perfect for late summer when it cools down and for early to mid fall.

Simplicity 8844

This the pattern I used for the project. I made View A, which is the same as the picture the model is wearing. There’s a variety of fabrics that can be used to make this (all woven) and linen is one of them. The pattern is for an unlined blazer, which is exactly what I wanted for this. Summer calls for easy and quick projects that are still stylish and usable.

The pattern does have different pieces for B, C, D, and DD cup sizes, which is great! There shouldn’t be any need to do a full bust adjustment (FBA) for most people.

The last time I made a blazer was quite a long time ago. That one was also unlined.

Conclusion

Overall, I really love the results. The floral blazer is something I’ve been wanting for a long time. I just hadn’t taken the time to make one. This Minerva fabric is really lovely. It actually softens in the wash. In fact, it washes and dries very well. As I stated, the colors don’t seem to fade at all. I used the serger for the inside seams. But, if you wanted the blazer to be just as nice on the inside, you could enclose them in some seam binding. That will add a bit of bulk, but depending on your fabric, it may not matter.

If you’d like to purchase this fabric (or some others) from Minerva.com, you can use the discount code MSS251DT for 10% off your order. *This is an affiliate code.

Making Butterick 6948

Making Butterick 6948 is what I did for one of my latest Minerva Fabrics projects. This is one of those wardrobe patterns where you can make several garments from one pattern. For this project. I only focused on the jacket.

The Fabric

This Minerva Exclusive Organic Cotton Twill is a stunning print. It’s called Parading Palms and the more technical name of the fabric is tencel lyocell twill in medium weight. There’s no stretch in the fabric.

Minerva Exclusive Organic Cotton Twill Parading Palms

This fabric is soft and has great drape. It would be perfect for something like palazzo pants, skirts, or jackets. I’m a Minerva Brand Ambassador so this was gifted to me.

The Pattern

I chose to use Butterick 6948 because I like the trench-style jacket look for this print. Also, because the design of the pattern is relatively simple, it’s perfect for a bold, large print.

I chose to make View A, which is the shorter jacket with sleeves. It’s described as an unlined jacket with matching belt carriers button epaulettes and side seam pockets. I did not add the button epaulettes since I didn’t have the type of buttons I wanted for them. But with this print, they really aren’t missed.

One thing I found interesting about this pattern is that it instructs you to interface the entire front facing. That’s quite a lot. I did it only because with the drape of this material, it probably wouldn’t hold it’s shape without it. But, if I were to make this pattern again from a stiffer fabric (one with less drape), most likely the wholly interfaced front facing would not be necessary.

No alterations were needed to the pattern in regards to the fit.

The Fabric For Making Butterick 6948

This lyocell twill washes and dries great! Something I always do is wash my fabrics before I use them. That way I’m assured that once the garment is made, it’s clean AND I won’t have to worry about it shrinking.

Conclusion

Overall, the pattern is easy to make. I only made this one item from the pattern, but this was certainly not difficult. I do love taking a straightforward designed patten and using it to make something stunning and/or unexpected. That’s an easy way to elevate your wardrobe and a sewing pattern.