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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
What are you wearing non-stop this winter to stay warm?
Outfit details:
Looking for similar sweaters? Above is a list of similar sweaters for under $45.