Jumper/Sweater

  • Pattern Review of the Calypso Colour Block Top & Hoodie

    Pattern: Calypso Colour Block Top & Hoodie
    Designer: Sinclair Patterns
    Fabrics: Floral Cheetahs, Deep Teal & Rust French Terry from Sew Unique Fabrics
    Measurements: Chest: 44″; Waist 39″; Hips 48″
    Size made: US 22
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: It’s no secret I love colour blocking and this one is now a firm fave. Perfect to show off coordinating colours
    Cons: The front pockets required a bit of concentration but came out beautiful

    Links:

    Calypso Colour Block Top
    Sew Unique Fabrics

    The Wrap Up:

    I can not love this sew enough. The colour matching with the deep teal, rust and funky floral cheetah print as just so 🎉. Using a projector also meant I was able to get some pretty awesome pattern placement on all my pieces. Another tick for projector sewing! If you’re curious, my blog about it is here: Projector Sewing Blog

    Sinclair patterns have some really beautiful patterns and this was no exception. I do sometimes find the construction of their patterns a little strange, but it always comes out so nicely, so I just have to trust the process sometimes! haha. The front pocket on this one is one example, I was a little skeptical how it would come together, but the way it blends into the front so seamlessly is gorgeous. I’m already planning more. There is never enough time to sew all the beautiful things!

    I am also a huge fan of the cowl neck look. I love that its so warm and snuggly without the bulk of a hood. Hoods also are deceptively fabric hungry whereas cowl necks take much less fabric but still have a great look and are warm, especially with these Melbourne winter days!

    This is a perfect pattern if you have limited accent fabric as its great to splice in with solids. I definitely encourage you to give it a go.

    Gallery:

  • Pattern Review of the Colour Block My Way Hoodie

    Pattern: Your Way Hoodie
    Designer: Ellie & Mac
    Fabrics: Wattle Hill Fabrics
    Measurements: Chest:21.5″; Waist 20.5″; Hips 21″
    Size made: 2T
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: This is a great jumper for heading into Winter. Colour blocking is always a win for me.
    Cons: The neckline was a little small in testing, but it was fixed for the final file.

    Links:

    Your Way Hoodie
    Wattle Hill Fabrics

    The Wrap Up:

    Before I had a boy, I used to think that I wouldn’t be able to dress him up cute and fun like a girl, but I’m pleased to say, I was wrong.

    True, it is a different kind of cute and fun, but, especially because I make Ted’s clothes, I have control over the fabrics. I have stocked up the last two years on super cute designs to deck out his wardrobe. The forest friends I used in this test is a personal fave of mine. I bought the same print in Soft Shell last year and I was wrapped when I saw that Wattle Hill Fabrics had it in a French Terry. I was very excited to pull this one out for the finals of this test along with their jogging sweater fleece in these really earthy colours to compliment it.

    Pretty fabrics aside, this jumper was a super easy make and came together quite quickly. The fun ‘secret’ pocket at the front is a nice touch and perfect for any kid that likes to stash things away. Be it snacks, trucks, dirt… the options are endless! Haha, just don’t forget to check the pocket before you wash it!

    I’m also a fan of the dropped shoulders look and hood coming into the colder weather. Very happy with this make indeed!

    Gallery:

  • Pattern Hack – How to use a Tee pattern as a Jumper/Sweater

    Pattern: Women’s Domino Dolman
    Designer: Peek A Pattern Shop
    Fabrics: Ribbed Knit from Sew Unique Fabrics
    Skill: Beginner

    Links:

    Womens Domino Dolman
    Sew Unique Fabrics

    The Wrap Up:

    Have you ever seen a Tee pattern and thought, gee I love the colour blocking or shape on that, I wish they made it as a jumper pattern. Well, there is no reason you can’t use it as a Jumper pattern!

    When I had this gorgeous rib knit to sew up from Sew Unique Fabrics, I knew that the Domino Dolman would be perfect for what I wanted with the colour blocking and dolman style sleeves, so I simply sized up! It can be hard to know how much to size up, but a big clue is by looking at the amount of ‘ease’ in a pattern.

    Ease is the term used to let you know how tight or loose the final garment will be. For example, if the size chart says a size Large is for bust size 38″ – 40″, and then in the final garment size chart it says the bust size is 41″, then there is a built in ease of 1-3″, meaning the the garment will fit your bust of 40″ PLUS have an extra 1″ around the bust area.

    So once you know the ease, you can work out how much to size up by. I wanted a fairly oversized jumper so I went up 2 sizes, but to be honest, I probably could have gotten away with just 1 size up as this pattern has a generous amount of ease. I’m still really happy with the result though!

    Hopefully that helps give you a little confidence to think outside the box and not think if a pattern says it is a Tee, it only has to be a Tee. Patterns are whatever you want them to be 🙂

    Gallery: