Okay, I realize that it's still summer. In fact, where you are might be sweltering. You might be reading this while planted in front of your AC because the heat outside is just too much. Or hey, you might be on the beach, soaking up all the summer weather you can get before it's gone.
And, sadly (or happily, depending on your view of heat), the summer weather will soon fade back into cool nights and eventually cool days. And all those wonderfully light summer dresses, shorts and tanks will have to be traded in for warmer fare.
But fret not! Seasonal changes mean more chances to sew awesome things!!
This month, we've got the ultimate in cozy, autumnal sewing projects. The humble, yet oh so versatile sweatshirt.
Like many of you, I often fall into a habit of sewing exciting, fashion-forward or challenging projects because I like to test my mettle and learn new skills. But, unfortunately, that can lead to a closet full of statement pieces and nothing handmade for everyday wear.
The sweatshirt is pretty much the opposite of a statement piece. It's simple; it's versatile and it gets just a heck of a lot of use in your wardrobe. During those transitional months, I almost always have a sweatshirt or cardigan in my bag just in case I get cold. And in the winter, the first thing I usually do after getting up is put on a sweatshirt over my pajamas.
And for something you made yourself, who doesn't want to get the most use out of it as possible?
So, with that in mind, let me tell you about our pattern choices!
Lightweight Box: Toaster Sweaters from Sew House Seven
The Toaster Sweater from Sew House Seven is the sweatshirt that inspired this month's theme. Unique, easy to sew and wonderfully flattering, it's the perfect sweatshirt to have in your wardrobe when you just want that extra layer of warmth. With two distinct pattern options, you can make a classic, raglan-sleeve funnel neck sweatshirt or a chic boatneck, hi-lo top. The choice is yours! But no matter which one you make, you will get a quick, easy sewing project that will go with everything.
- Oatmeal Speckled French Terry - French terry is a wunder-fabric, in my opinion. With the look of fleece on the outside, it has a looped back that mimics the absorbency of a traditional terry cloth, a great feature for three-season wear. This terry is a light, oatmeal color with specks of black peppered across its face. With a smooth hand and 25% stretch, it will sew up into a great sweatshirt for both pattern options. Layer it over a dark denim pair of jeans and you have your new weekend shopping outfit for September through April.
- Sage Snuggle Fleece - This fabric is what you get when you combine a traditional sweatshirt fleece with minky, cuddle fleece. One side of this pale sage green fleece has a jersey knit face, while the other is the softest, most touchable snuggle fur. You know, the kind you just want to rub your face on because it's so soft. Create the coziest of sweatshirts with this fabric. You'll never want to take it off!!
- Charcoal St. James Stripe Double Knit - This rayon/poly knit blend is perfect for the Toaster Sweater #2. Lighter weight than the other two options, this double knit is incredibly soft and smooth. Plus, it doesn't pill. I have a dress made out of this fabric from three years ago and it still looks like new! Create your version of a bateau sweater with this option, and feel French every time you wear it. C'est si bon!
Medium Weight Box: Fraser Sweatshirt from Sewaholic Patterns
Before Sewaholic Patterns stopped releasing new designs, they debuted the Vancouver Collection of activewear patterns. This sweatshirt stood out as a great pattern with its unique take on the traditional athletic-wear top. With three design options, and the customizability we've come to expect from Sewaholic, you really can't go wrong with any of these sweatshirt choices.
- Oatmeal Herringbone Fleece - Herringbone fleece has been popping up here and there over the past year, and I think it's wonderful. A little bit dressier than a traditional sweatshirt fleece, this fabric will look great with all three pattern options. I especially recommend playing with the two faces of the fabric the way Lauren Taylor has here. No matter how you style it, this neutral will look great with this pattern.
- Heather Grey Diamond Quilted Fleece/Black Ribbing - Okay, okay, I'm totally stealing inspiration from the Sewaholic photos with this quilted fleece. But that's because it's such a wonderful style choice that it needs to be repeated. This fabric has a quilted sweatshirt face with a black, rayon-lined back that feels great against your skin. We are also including black ribbing for the neckline, hem and cuffs to give you that cool, contrast look.
- Salmon Sweatshirt Fleece/Knit Lace - This is the option for you if you really want to play with the contrast yoke or shoulder panels. In this box, you get a classic sweatshirt fleece for the main body and a cotton lace knit for the overlay to create a one of a kind sweatshirt that will make your friends jealous. With just the right amount of pink, this option looks great on all sorts of skin tones, and will brighten up your day when the weather turns colder.
Heavyweight Box: Southbank Dress from Nina Lee Patterns
The only thing better than a cozy sweatshirt is a sweatshirt dress! From the British designer, Nina Lee, the Southbank Sweater Dress is the all-in-one outfit of my dreams. You can wear it with tights and boots to make yourself feel like Nancy Sinatra. Or layer it over a pair of leggings for your ultimate Sunday lounging outfit. The funnel neck, cuff detailing and in-seam pockets (!) all combine to make this a wonderful addition to your colder weather wardrobe.
And of course, because this is the luxury box, we are giving you luscious fabrics PLUS a special handmade surprise accessory in each box. Because who doesn't like a surprise?!
- Eggplant Boucle Sweater Knit - I have a boucle knit sweater from high school that I absolutely loved when I was 18 and which I still wear now. The curly sweater knit is incredibly warm without too much bulk and the added texture makes the sweater unique and stylish. Here, we have a deep purple boucle, a polyester, acrylic and wool blend, that has the added benefit of being backed with a smooth, knit backing so it's not scratchy against your skin, if you're one of those people that ascribes to Gilda Radnor's philosophy and pick your fashion on what doesn't itch. This sweater will be a one-of-a-kind dress perfect for three season wear.
- Bamboo/Merino Charcoal Sweatshirt Fleece - If you haven't discovered the wonder that is Merino wool, you are in for a treat. Merino is soft, incredibly breathable, wicking and even anti-microbial. Combined with bamboo, this fabric is about as soft and smooth as a wool blend can get. In a heather charcoal color, a dress made with this fabric will be slimming, warm and wearable. An incredible addition to your wardrobe.
- Black Faux Cable Fleece/Black Ribbing - This fabric gives you the look of a cable knit sweater but the durability and opacity of a sweatshirt fabric. Embossed on one side with a smooth knit surface on the other, this fabric will turn into a gorgeous sweatshirt dress. Your new, go-to little black knit dress! It will wow your friends with the complex look, and only you will know how easy it was to sew together.
Okay, everyone! That's it for this month. Head to the product pages to check out what else is included in the boxes and to see more photos of the fabrics. Then get these boxes before they're gone! They're on sale now through August 14.
Happy Sewing,
Mary
