Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Sweater Weather!


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

Comments

  1. We will miss you but good luck in completing your grad degree!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ann! I love that Simplicity sweater and wear it often with a pair of black crepe de chine Megan Nielson Flint trousers. Thank you for the well wishes and I will still be following along with all the Fabricista posts. I always love your wardrobe compilations too!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: Oversized Jenna Shirt for Summer Fun

 I may or may not have had several meltdowns during the making of this Closet Core Jenna Shirt… But let’s back up first. During the month of May, I promised to wear handmade garments every single day for the popular sewing challenge “Me Made May.” I really enjoyed thoughtfully putting together my outfits each day. While I was doing this, I was taking notes of the gaps in my wardrobe. Particularly, I don’t have many transitional shirts that could work for on-camera work attire and be comfortable for the weekend. When I saw this delicious cotton lawn on the Fabric Mart website, I knew that I wanted to make a button up shirt that would be both work appropriate and a nice overshirt for summer evenings over my tanks and tees.  I have made a few button up shirts before using a vintage Stretch & Sew pattern but I decided to try my hand at the Closet Core Jenna Shirt (up to a 60” chest) which has had rave reviews on social media and pattern sites for being a great pattern with e...

Made By A Fabricista: Pattern Emporium’s Lyrical Top Featuring Fabric Mart Fabrics

 Sewn in a lightweight  rayon challis , this top combines style, comfort, and fluidity. There’s one thing I love in a summer sew: effortless drape—and the Lyrical Top by Pattern Emporium delivered just that. This pattern is a new release, and when I spotted this dreamy rayon challis from Fabric Mart Fabrics, I knew it was the perfect pairing. Lightweight, breathable, and with just the right amount of movement, the fabric really brought the pattern to life. Today, I’m sharing all the details—from fabric choice and construction to styling and fit—plus a few thoughts on why this top might just become a repeat sew. Pattern Overview: The Lyrical Top by Pattern Emporium The Lyrical Top is a relaxed-fit design with bloused sleeves and a gently flared frill cuff. It comes with three sleeve lengths and two neckline variations. I chose the tie-neck view, but there’s also a collar option for a slightly different vibe. I’ve been looking to add more stylish tops to my wardrobe this year, a...

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing the Chalk & Notch Hayes Dress

Hey lovely friends! With summer knocking at the door, I am absolutely ready for breezy dresses at all times. I love linen all year round, but summer is my particular favorite for this fiber. This bright happy color fills me with delight, and it’s so perfect in the sunshine.  For this project, I got all my supplies in one go! I chose this stunning Sea Green linen , lightweight fusible interfacing , ½” elastic , and of course, matching thread. If you haven’t sat down to create your own little sewing kit with all the bits at hand, it’s quite a nice gift to yourself and makes getting started that much easier. I’m all about ease these days.  I sewed the new Chalk & Notch Hayes Dress with the open back cutout, which is View A. The other two options are a closed-back dress and a two piece set. I was a tester for this charming pattern, and I can confirm the two piece set is also gorgeous and really fun to wear. I have looked forward to sewing this version for weeks!  Please...