As soon as the temperatures start to drop all I want to wear is something warm and snuggly. I also love comfortable layers that can be dressed down or paired with a cute skirt to dress them up. My wardrobe was just begging for a few tops that checked all these boxes, so I got to work!
I had my heart set on some new versatile and comfy sweaters and these three are a success! The first is the Grainline Linden sewed up in a really nice quality ponte. Its sold out but there are some great choices still on the site, especially a couple of really beautiful Ralph Lauren pieces. This sweater has been really versatile and I've worn it layered over a button down and paired with jeans. The Grainline Linden is a super straightforward pattern and I have used it many times creating basics that I wear on repeat. I sewed the Linden up entirely on my serger. If you don't have a serger you can make this on a regular machine with a zig zag stitch and a stretch ballpoint needle.
The second sweater is McCall's 7688 and its made up in a poly/lycra sweater knit. I'm sorry to report that this is sold out as well but I would not hesitate to make this sweater in this gorgeous paisley sweater knit on the Fabric Mart site. I tucked it into the skirt in one photo and left it out in the second so that you could get an idea of the versatility of the design and fabric. The fabric isn't so thick that it bunches up terribly when tucked into a garment. I sewed this top up entirely on my serger. The sweater fabric had a tendency to unravel like you expect a sweater would so it needed all the reinforcement of a serged stitch. For the ruffles I serge-finished the edges of the ruffles and left the stitching visible.
The Third and final sweater is Simplicity 8988 sewn up in a super soft cotton interlock knit. This interlock is sold out but this imperial red interlock would look perfect. I deviated from the Simplicity instructions a bit enclosing all seams except the shoulder seams. Its hard to see in these pictures but the exposed seams on the shoulders mimic an epaulet. I made this top on my regular sewing machine with a zig zag stitch- so for all of you out there who think you must have a serger, not so for this fabric.
I love all of my sweaters and have worn each multiple times already. On the whole knit sweaters are a quick project and have a great pay off in versatility. If you've never made one I encourage you to give it a go.
On a final note, I entered graduate school this summer and will be taking a break from blogging for a while. Between school, internship, children, life and volunteer work I can't squeeze as much time in for sewing as I'd like so for now this is "good-bye" and "thank-you." Who knows what life will bring after I complete my degree but maybe you'll see me around these parts in a year and a half. I love sewing for Fabric Mart and have found them to be a fantastic business to work with so you can be reassured that I will continue making Fabric Mart purchases and squeezing in sewing projects during each and every school break.
Peace and Joy to you and a happy sewing project too!
Elizabeth
On Instagram: @isewyousew
What great sweaters, Elizabeth! I really like the Simplicity 8988 done up in that cotton knit. Good luck to you in graduate school! You are one very busy lady! I'll miss seeing your posts.
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