Sewing!!!!! An Open-Knit Sweater Hoodie

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Last week it took a melt down for me to carve some time for selfish sewing. I’ve been really busy with black friday business for I Still Love Calligraphy, prepping for Alt Summit and taking care of kiddos. No complaints though!! We’re flabbergasted at how quickly the calligraphy kits sold out (buying supplies for more kits tomorrow!). Your support has made putting food on the table and a roof over our heads possible. Thank you for keeping us busy!

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In addition to being busy, it’s been cold around our neck of the woods. The chill has been anywhere between -14º and 5ºF. Our furnace chugs nearly 24/7.  Naturally, if I’m going to sew anything, I’m going to sew something cozy and comfortable.

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I found this crochet-like sweater knit several months ago. I can’t remember where, but there were only 3 yards left. I bought all 3. This yardage called my name every day since September, begging to be something warm. It took me until a few weeks ago to figure out how I was going to finish the edges. It’s a really loose knit, so I couldn’t do a blind hem and call it good. It’s also too bulky to use for a cuff. That’s when I found this lightweight oatmeal knit that matched perfectly.

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I used the oatmeal for a lining (this hoodie is technically reversible), for the cuffs and the hood. The hood is technically functional, but it works more like a scarf than anything.

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The briar sweater pattern fit the bill for this piece. I straightened out the hem at the bottom and raised the neckline at the top. I traced a hoodie I had lying around for the hoodie pattern.

This hoodie took some time to complete since I lined it (sewing both inner and outer tops separately, then connecting them with the hems). I also reconstructed the bottom hem. I originally sewed it too loose and long, making the proportions look bottom-heavy. Reworking that hem wasn’t fun, but I knew I wouldn’t wear it if I didn’t make those changes!

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I also sewed the leggings from the block I made back in September (you can get a PDF pattern here, too). They’re made out of a super stretchy brick-patterned ponte knit. They’re really thick, making them more passable as pants than other leggings I’ve made in the past. They’re my new leisure pants. I have enough yardage to make a wiggle dress or some more leggings. Which should it be? Hmmm.

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I just love the striped patterning in the texture!! I’ve seen so many great oatmeal/off-white/angora colored sweaters this season, maybe I can fit in with the cool crowd?

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What are you wearing non-stop this winter to stay warm?

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Outfit details:

 

Looking for similar sweaters? Above is a list of similar sweaters for under $45.

 

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    1. Kristin H says:

      Soooo cute! I really wish I could do an oatmeal color. Love it with grey. I say wiggle dress! That brick/block print is boss.

      • Melissa says:

        Thanks so much!! I bet you could do an angora color. It’s a slightly cooler oatmeal tone. There was an interesting article about off-whites in the WSJ about a month back.

    2. Bethany says:

      WOW, you sewed that? I am so insanely impressed. I would buy that sweater!

    3. Sylvia says:

      Love it all. I especially love those leggings.

    4. Mim says:

      I REALLY love the way this turned out, that sweater knit is absolutely gorgeous. And we have twin leggings! Isn’t the fabric great? Really holds you in, you know? I think I’m gonna make a midi pencil with my leftovers!

      • Melissa says:

        That fabric is amazing! I made a midi skirt for Penelope and me out of it as well. It stretches so nicely and holds such a great shape. I wish I could find more of this fabric in different prints!

    5. I love your sweater!! I wish I had the patience to sew my own clothing, but I don’t have a designated space to sew, which makes it a pain to just get everything out. AKA: I’m laaaazy.

    6. Emily says:

      Beautiful! All of your hard work paid off! I want one! :)

    7. Autumn says:

      So pretty Melissa! I love the texture in the sweater knit and the fit and construction are fabulous!

    8. Katie says:

      This is AWESOME! Love this knit. This oatmeal color is the perfect mix of tan and cream – so flattering! A sweater you made yourself has to be the ultimate cuddle up item! :)

    9. This hoodie is AWESOME!!!

    10. SARA says:

      LOVE THIS! I LOVE THE MATERIAL AND THE HOODIE. LOVE IT ALL AROUND! SO CUTE.

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