November Makes, Part 1

• Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio #1

I was super skeptical of this sweatshirt that it wouldn’t look okay on me. I was very pleasantly surprised when I sewed up my first one in just an hour! The hardest part of this was the neckband and figuring out the best way to attach the ribbing to the cuffs using the serger. I am a big fan of 100% serger projects and this was one of them. I did accidentally sew the fabric inside out! But I really like it – it’s more of an outerwear look. Also, because of some wise advice of my friend Emily, I sized down to make it more of a fitted style – definitely recommend if you’re interested in a more fitted look.

• Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio #2

I finished my first Linden Sweatshirt and immediately sought out fabric for the second one. I loved the herringbone fabric I used so much, I decided to see if I could get more in another color (and maybe sew it right side out this time….). Stitch had a 3/4 yard remnant, which was too small to make the whole sweatshirt, so I used a Black French Terry for the sleeves and used ribbing again for the neckband, waistband and cuffs.

• Circle Top by Papercut Patterns

I went on a bit of a Papercut Pattern binge this month. The circle top looked like some of the RTW sweaters I wear on a daily basis, so I figured it was worth a try. It was another super easy sew – I made it one Friday night after work. The only complaint I have about it is it’s kinda hard to wear because it has so much fabric at the neck. It takes some close attention to make it lay right. I was nervous about applying the binding to the top – and even contemplated not adding it, but followed Amanda at Bimble and Pimble advice about how to attach the binding. Great tip and super helpful!

• Laurelhurst Wrap by Straight Stitch Designs

I have been eyeing this pattern for a while! I was having a really terrible Monday this month and decided to sew this after work on night. Another quick jersey sew and such a comfy cardigan! It doesn’t have you hem or attach any binding so once the sweater is constructed, you’re done! I would absolutely make this again but might consider adding a binding similar to the circle top above – although, I’m sure that’ll be a large chore due to the size of the cardigan!

• Julia Cardigan by Mouse House Creations

This is another cardigan pattern I’ve been eyeing for a long time. I tried to make it a couple month ago and made too many mistakes and had to abandon ship mid-way (unpicking jersey may be the worst!). I decided to try again and do a bit of a sew along with my friend Emily at Stitch Sew Shop on a Saturday this month and we were able to complete the double over hem full sleeve length version in 3 hours from cutting –> completion. The pattern does have a wider arm sleeve than I preferred, so I tapered the sleeve on the serger while sewing together the arm pieces.

• Union Street Tee by Hey June Handmade

I am on a quest for the best tee shirt pattern. I decided to try the Hey June Union Street Tee as it offered a couple different necklines and sleeve lengths. I ended up trying the scoop neck version with short sleeves. Another quick sew on the serger! There would be a couple things I would change in the future – I would lower the neckline on the scoop neck. It’s a higher scoop than I was planning on! Also, while the shoulders fit, the sides were pretty baggy. I took them in a couple times on the serger, but I might try to grade between the small and medium size the next time. I also used the full neckband width – I would probably use the thinner neckband width the next time. A really good learning experience and I think the next one will be better!

• Coppelia Faux Wrap

Continuing my Papercut Pattern obsession this month, I’ve always looked at the Coppelia but figured it wasn’t quite my style. I think I never flipped the pattern over to see the Faux Wrap Version. Much more my speed! I decided to give it a try. I picked out a Merino Jersey from Stitch and was warned that it curled a lot. A lot was quite an understatement! I spent most of the time sewing this trying to unroll the edges. I ended up using wonderclips instead of pins because a. that ensures I don’t serge over a pin and b. it helped keep the fabric from curling again! Another quick sew that will definitely be made again. I think next time, I would lengthen it. It’s perfect for wearing with skirts, but with jeans it hits at the top of the waist band and I spent most of the day pulling it down. Also, I would love to hack a skirt onto this to make a faux-wrap dress!

• Ultimate Shift Dress Top

I love dresses but they don’t tend to be the thing I gravitate to when I get ready for work. I usually pair a sleeveless top + a pair of black or navy skinny pants + a cardigan. The Ultimate Shift Dress has been on my to-make list for a while, but when I saw it had a top version, I knew that it could be a staple in my work wardrobe. I decided to make a sleeveless version with a hook and eye closure in a leopard printed rayon. This will be one I make over and over again – I also want to try the dress in sleeveless and long sleeve along with a knit version!

What was your favorite top pattern make from this month? Have you made any of these and had a different experience? Share below in the comments!