After cracking out my coat, here are some simpler sews ready for winter – lots of knits, built-in neckwarmers, and some bonus cosy pants. First up, this is a Papercut Rise, in a lovely grey marl rib that I’ve had in my stash for a while – I think it was from Woolcrest. I made this pattern up twice ages ago and both succumbed to washing fails, so I’m glad to have a new one (and to have learnt to never tumble-dry my handmades!)
This is a Sew House Seven Toaster 1 sweater. There are loads of lovely versions of this pattern in blogland but I think it was Heather’s gorgeous classic cream version that made me buy it. For a more shrunken fit I cut a size small, took a couple of inches off the body and sleeves, and brought in the neckline for a slightly closer fitting turtleneck. The neck sort of collapses because this fabric is pretty fine and drapey, but I still like how it looks. I used the reverse of the fabric – a soft knit with a slightly brushed back, also from Woolcrest I think – for most of the body, and the ‘right’ side for the cuffs and hem for a bit of subtle contrast. This pattern is so fast and has zero hemming, hurrah!
And for a bit of variety, this is Toaster with no turtle! Made from a lovely lilac marled sweatshirting from MyFabrics, with matching ribbing for the hem and cuff bands. I’m very into both cropped sweatshirts and pastel colours at the moment – rather new for me but I think these tones are actually pretty good on my colouring – so this sweater is ticking a lot of boxes.
Do you like my Pusheen mermaid socks :D
These trousers are the Style Arc Joni. I made these for a very specific use case: when you get home from work and immediately have to shrug off your awful constricting day clothes – lovely and well-fitting and handmade as they may be – and wriggle back into super comfy but definitely indoor-appropriate-only sweats or pyjamas. This pattern attracted me because they’re a bit elevated from basic track pants by the twisted lower leg seams, faux topstitched fly and little front tucks, but still pyjama-comfortable.
This pattern is easy as pie, only made a little more tricky by the drapey and stretchy quality of the fabric I used – a luxurious modal terry again from MyFabrics, again with matching ribbing for the waistband and cuffs. I’m a convert to investing in proper ribbing, it really makes it easier to get nice snug cuffs and neckbands and I think makes projects look more RTW.
I made them exactly as patterned with no fitting alterations; I could stand to take an inch or so off the leg but I don’t mind the slight slouch around the deep cuff that the extra length brings. I think I could even get away with wearing these to work on a casual/hungover sort of day. Come at me, winter!
P.S This post’s title refers to one of my favourite anecdotes…
Four perfect makes for winter! I agree, the cropped lilac jumper really suits you! I also love the grey turtle neck.
Thank you! Nice to try new colours sometimes.
Those are some really awesome makes; I especially like the pants. I am wondering about the toaster with no turtleneck. Did you have to make any special modifications the the pattern before cutting or just apply a neckband and omit a piece at the neck?
Hi Jess – yes, that was pretty much all it took, though as I mentioned I did tighten up the neckline a little anyway – basically extending the raglan lines by about 1/2″ across the front, back and sleeve top first.
Even though those pants are just for wearing at home, the finishes are lovely. everything looks really cozy :-)
Thanks! I’m pretty sure they will see the light of day to be honest, perhaps just for a grocery store run.
What great additions to your wardrobe. I really like the lavender Toaster sweater.
Thanks!
Now that’s a brilliant idea to make the toaster sweater 1 without the turtle!
Yes, worked a treat! I like the curved raglan lines on the Toaster, so happy I can stretch it further and get some different looks from it.