It has become a bit of a tradition around here to pajamas in December. In fact, the last four years, we've featured some sort of bedtime ready pattern. However, not everyone is a pajama person. Some people, like me, are loungewear people: sleep in whatever t-shirt is handy, then throw a sweatshirt on in the morning to stay warm. That's why this year, we're doing cozy knit tops for the end of the year!
These tops (and more as you'll see) are perfect for cold weather months. You can throw them on in the morning or when you get home from work to stay cozy in your house even when it's approaching freezing outside. Or you can pop them over jeans when you're forced to venture outside. They are both stylish enough for the world and snuggly enough for your home. The perfect combination if you ask us!
For fabrics, we tried to stick to knits that are warm and feel amazing against your skin. That led us to bamboo, cotton, and the odd polyester, all with lots of texture and heft. It also led us to darker colors, a combination of blacks, deep greens, and dreamy grays. These fabrics are versatile and timeless, all the better for you to make a cozy top you'll love to wear for many, many years!
So, without further ado, let's dig in!
Sew Essential Box: Talvikki Sweater from Named Clothing
Named Clothing always has a bit of an architectural element to their designs, and perhaps it it never so evident than in this seemingly simple sweatshirt. The funnel neck of this top is created with a series of darts, which not only shape the bodice, but also add fashion lines.
The look is playful and structural, a Scandinavian hallmark. The rest of the sweater is purely classic. A split hem, hi-lo cut, and a slight drop shoulder round out the design for a top that will pair just as well with jeans as it will with pajama pants. We are smitten!
- Black Trainers Fleece - A classic sweatshirt fleece, this fabric has become our go-to for loungewear. The brushed back of the fabric is soft and snuggly, and because the fabric on the thinner side, it will be a great transitional piece to wear as the days get cooler. The cotton gives it a nice sturdiness, while a bit of spandex ensures that your makes are flexible and wearable. In a classic black, it's the epitome of a versatile snuggly fabric!
- Cable Embossed Quilted Jersey - With raised, knit cables on one side and a smooth back on the other, this fabric will add depth and complexity to this funnel neck pattern. Medium weight, with a soft, yet slightly structured drape, this knit gives the illusion of a cable sweater with all the coziness of a jersey. A combo we can get behind!
- Peacock Green Ribbed Stripe - This fabric is a delightful double knit. The outside is a ribbed textured, mimicking stripes, which the inside is a lovely fleece. A rayon polyester blend, it has strength and smoothness, making it a wonderfuly cozy knit. In a deep, lush green, it is just the right amount of color, if you ask us. A wonderful, sweater-ready knit!
SHOP THE SEW ESSENTIAL BOX >>
Sew Select Box: Coco Dress/Top from Tilly and the Buttons
Planning this month's theme, I was positive that we had used the Coco Dress and Top in a box before, but we were shocked to find out it had never happened. We had to correct that because the pattern is such a simple and easy to wear pattern. A choice between top or dress, funnel neck or jewel collar, make the dress easy to customize to your desires.
Plus, it is such a quick sew! Exactly what you need during the busy holiday time. A knit top pattern you'll want to make over and over again, Coco is one you'll want to have in your repertoire!
- Heather Gray Bamboo Cotton French Terry - We'll admit upfront, this may be our favorite knit of all time. The bamboo makes it incredibly soft and light, while the cotton adds durability and a bit of heft. In a classic heather gray, this option is both sweatshirt and t-shirt, and will work well for both the funnel neck and crew neck versions. A fabulous choice!
- Leony Midnight Cotton Fleece - We actually have never featured a leopard print in the shop, largely because it's a fashion that you either love or hate. But it's hard not to fall for this more abstract take on the pattern with a blue background and green and black spots. It hints at leopard without explicitly being one. Printed on a lovely cotton fleece, this fabric is lighter than most sweatshirting and will become an amazing top or dress!
- Black Bamboo Cotton Fleece - This fleece is about as cozy as it comes. The cousin of our favorite bamboo cotton french terry aove, this fabric trades the looped back for a fluffy, brushed face that is dreamily soft. On the heavier side of medium weight, this fabric will shine for the funnel neck version of this pattern Plus, the black color will go with absolutely everything. All the better to help you enjoy in your new make!
SHOP THE SEW SELECT BOX >>
Sew Indulgent Box: Cosmos Sweatshirt & Elemental Skirt from Sew House Seven
What's better than a slouchy sweatshirt from Sew House Seven? A slouchy sweatshirt that also comes with a matching knit skirt, of course! This box does double duty by pairing two delightful patterns into one package so you can create a bunch of different looks.
The key is finding fabrics that will work for both tops and skirts, and we think we've found some splendid knits. They will be cozy, comfy, and ready for whatever combination you can throw at them!
- Jolly Green Doubleface Rib Knit - What's better a rib knit? A rib that also has a jersey side! This unique fabric, in a stunning emeraldy green, is a hybrid fabric and is all the better for it. With a smooth side and a ribbed side, you can play with which side you use for this set. Perhaps a rib skirt and a smooth sweatshirt? Or some combination or both? Stretchy, soft, and oh so snuggly, you'll wonder where this fabric has been all your life!
- Black Solveig Sweater Cable Knit - The gray version of this fabric was so popular, it sold out everywhere, even our suppliers. So we knew we had to use the black version while it was still available. This sweater knit has cables ready made for you so you can create a hand knit sweater and skirt set with just your sewing machine. The black color is ultra versatile, and the soft hand of the fabric, a rayon-polyester blend, will keep you snuggly and warm.
- Calm Gray Brushed Cotton Fleece - From Mind the Maker, this brushed fleece is made from organic cotton and is the perfect loungewear weight The brushed back of the fleece is soft and snuggly, and because the fabric on the thinner side, it is a wonderful transitional piece to wear as the days slowly get cooler (and then warmer again!). The steely gray is dreamy and serene, a step above your traditional heathered sweat. We love it!
SHOP THE SEW INDULGENT BOX >>
Whew! I can't believe this is our last box for the year! I can't wait to dig into new patterns and themes for 2025. Meanwhile, if you're still looking for pajama-like boxes, we're reviving our rustic robes sets from last year. These robes, paired with cottons and linens, are made for drying off after a nice bath or warming up after you wake up. Snuggly and simple, these robes are just what you need for the cold morning of winter.
Until next time. . .
Happy sewing!
-Mary
0 comments