Sol Hoodie by Jamie Christina

Another finished knit project. It seems I have sewn only knit stuff the last couple of weeks. This is the Sol Hoodie pattern by Jamie Christina. I got it for my birthday last year and finally had a chance to print it out and make it. It is always so warm here in New Mexico and the winter is quite short, that I didn't feel like making something with long sleeves in the summer. But finally! 

This is the third pattern I made from Jamie Christina and so far I love them all. No alterations. They fit right away. My first pattern was the Abbey Coat. I will share the third project soon.

The fabric is an interlock knit from Fabric.com. The ribbon is by Anna Maria Horner.

I love the pink contrast to the red. In the instructions it says to add the ribbon before inserting the zipper. But that would mean part of the ribbon would be gone in the seam allowance. With this pretty (and expensive) ribbon I didn't want that. I added the ribbon after inserting the zipper. I just topstitched it on the hood and the front. But before adding the hood to the neckline.

I lined the hood with black flannel that I snapped up from my sisters stash :) Lining is optional.

 Here is an inside out view. I didn't serge the seam allowances. Since this knit doesn't fray I got a bit lazy finishing the seams.

 

Here is a close up of the finishing of the seam where the hood is attached. I had a little bit trouble with this one since the fabric is quite thick. I ended up using rayon seam binding to finish it. Doesn't look all that pretty. 

Pattern Description:
A zip up hoodie sewing pattern with features such as: cuffs with thumb openings, and fabric bands outlining the zipper and hood.

Pattern Sizing:
XS - XXL
I made a size XS

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy to follow. Lots of pictures and helpful tips for sewing with knit fabrics.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The only thing I didn't like is that according to the directions parts of the ribbon would be in the seam allowance of the zipper. I changed that by sewing the ribbon on after inserting the zipper.

Fabric Used:
Cotton Interlock from Fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
As mentioned above, I topstitched the ribbon in place after inserting the zipper. That way the whole ribbon shows.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I highly recommend this pattern, if wearing a hoodie is your style that is. Very well drafted easy pattern.

Conclusion:
I love my hoodie and I will sew it again. Maybe a version without the zipper, as sweater.

Fitted Tunic/ Mini Dress Alabama Chanin Style

My finished Fitted Tunic/ Mini Dress in Alabama Chanin Style. The pattern is from the book 'Alabama Studio Sewing & Design'. I highly recommend it if you like this style and hand stitching. 

I made the basic version without any embellishment. Just a double layer of pink cotton interlock jersey from my stash. I am doing some serious stash busting here. It is a test version to check the size and fit. This is a size M in tunic length, but I think it works just fine as summer dress.

I am not sure if the wrinkles in the front seam are caused by using too much tension in the seam. Well, it is still wearable.

The same is going on on the lower end of the side seam. Practice, practice, practice!

It was surprisingly fast to assemble this tunic. Not much to say about the pattern. I have read some reviews of the Alabama Chanin pattern where people complain about the low neckline. That doesn't apply to me. I see no problem there. I must have some lucky build. I hardly ever have to change any pattern.

My cretan stitch to attach the binding is getting more even, so yay!

Here another close up of the binding. 

Pattern Description:

Fitted top in different lengths - shirt, tunic, mini dress, long dress.
From the book 'Alabama Chanin Studio Sewing & Design'
 

Pattern Sizing:

S, M, L, XL
I made a size M
 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes
 

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The book give very clear instructions. All the techniques are explained very clear and thoroughly.
 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love all the patterns from the book. Some people complain about the low neckline, I don't.
 

Fabric Used:

Cotton Interlock Jersey
 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No changes
 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

This is a test version without any embellishments. I will sew this again with stenciling etc. I recommend it.

Coco Dress by Tilly and the Buttons

The moment Tilly announced her Coco dress pattern I fell in love with it. What a cute casual dress. I especially love the sixties style funnel neckline. It also offers a shirt version, two different sleeve lengths, and optional pockets.

For my first version I cut out a size 3, but I think next time I will go for a size 2. It runs a little bit, at least with this fabric. It is a cotton interlock from fabric.com.

Here is the back view. I wonder if it will less wrinkle in a smaller size. Or maybe I have to make an alteration on the pattern after all. 

This shows those wrinkles in the lower back area pretty good, too. 

I am in love with the funnel neckline. The perfect casual dress. And since it has only five pattern pieces it is super easy and quick to sew.Very good for beginners with knit fabrics. 

I can't say this enough: knits are not hard to sew with. In a way they are actually easier than some wovens. No finishing of the seams necessary. Very forgiving, especially when setting in a sleeve, because this can be done before sewing the side seams.

 It looks a bit different on my dress form since the form is not yet padded to my exact measurements.

A closeup of the funnel neck. Love!!! I see more Coco dresses in my future.

Pattern Description:
Breton top or knit dress with multiple variations. Simple to sew, Coco is easy fitting, with no zips, buttons or other fiddly bits.
Designed for low-stretch knit fabrics, this classic style features a boat neckline, choice of top or dress lengths, three quarter length or long sleeves, with side splits at the hips on the top version. Make it your own with optional sixties funnel roll neck, rolled cuffs and patch pockets.

Pattern Sizing:
1 (30" bust) to 8 (44" bust)
I made a size 3, but will move down to a size 2 next time

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy instructions. She has a sew-along on her website

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Nothing to dislike about this pattern. It has only 5 pattern pieces, no closures, and is very easy to fit. I love the many choices the pattern offers, and especially the sixty style funnel neck.

Fabric Used:
Cotton Interlock

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any alterations

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will absolutely sew it again, and highly recommend it.

Conclusion: 
Perfect pattern for beginners, very good choice to start sewing knits.