When this cotton lycra knit arrived from Fabric and Flow Textiles I knew it was destined for a cozy hoodie that I could curl up in as our fall grows cooler. This cotton lycra was just the right weight for wearing inside to be cozy but not too warm and its a great layering piece for walks. The Unwind Sweater by Pattern Emporium was the perfect pattern to pair with this luxurious fabric to create my hooded cozy choice.
This fabric is a new fabric for Fabric and Flow's fall season release. It is the Dark and Stormy Crosshatch Cotton Lycra. It is a double stretch knit that features a crosshatch design over a denim blue/light lavender background. The reverse side of the fabric is white which acts as a nice contrast lining for the hood and it is luxuriously soft. The over all pattern has a linen-like effect that adds subtle pattern and interest. It is a very versatile fabric that could be used for any number of knitwear patterns and makes.
The Unwind sweater is a great basic knitwear pattern that offers comfort and versatility. The Unwind is pure comfort with an easy-going, relaxed fit that will be a go-to-garment.
The sweater sews up easily and quickly, you will be really happy with the ease that it sews together. The pattern offers an easy fit batwing sleeve that seamlessly joins the bodice. There are several options for necklines: crew, relaxed, turtle neck and hoodie.
The sleeves can be cuffed and the length options are long sleeve, 1/2 sleeve or short sleeve.
There are regular and tall lengths all available as a cropped, hip or long length. The hem band adds a nice detail for finishing the bodice. It can be cut as a relaxed or fitted waistband.
I made a size 14 based on my upper bust measurement. I cut this size through the neckline and shoulders then graded it to a size 10 at the hip. I cut a regular "long" length and attached a size 8 waistband so that it would be snug on my hips. I was limited to the regular pattern length for the sleeve because of the width of the fabric, so I added extra length to the cuff.
I added length to the depth of the cuff pattern piece, adding 6" for a total 11" cuff height. This allowed for an extra long cuff that added nice detail to the sleeve. I really like the look of the extra long cuff, I think adds more elegant finish to the sleeve. This is an excellent example of how easy it is to personalize this pattern for the fit and finish that you want.
When Fabric and Flow gifted this fabric to me they asked that I create something fun with the left over fabric as a creative scrap busting project. Having been inspired by a fellow sewist, Mary Werre's who posted of a matching sweater/beanie combo I knew what my second project would be. I used the free beanie pattern shared by Jamie Sanders on her blog Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. It is very simple to make and comes in a variety of sizes for both adults and children. I didn't want it to be too tight and wanted extra room at the top to add a pom pom so I choose made largest size and added 1" to the length of the beanie. To make the Pom Pom I cut a strip of fabric 6" by 20" long and used by rotary cutter and ruler to cut 40 1/4" strips. I stacked these one on top of the other tied them tightly in the middle with one of the strips, rearranged them until they created a pom pom and voila! The fact that this kind of fabric tends to curl when cut only adds to the cuteness of this scrap busting hat.
This is a trans-seasonal sweater that will be the perfect addition to your loungewear/athletic wear wardrobe. Combined with this adorable beanie, or if you are Canadian... Toque your choices abound.
After all..... There is Sew Much To Design.
Happy Sewing,
Lou Sheffer