Fall Textures!
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Itch to Stitch Patterns– they’re well designed, practical (read: mom friendly and no crazy styles that make me raise my eyebrows!), and the instructions are top notch: three of my biggest criteria when choosing a pattern company to sew from. On top of all that, the designer, Kennis Wong, is a genuinely thoughtful and kind person, so that you’re never afraid to ask a question in her group, or offer an opinion during testing.
When I heard that she had been robbed during her recent vacation, I was stunned- I’ve been the victim of several smaller thefts over the years (most notably when my very crappy car was stolen as a teen and subsequently abandoned because it broke down and the thieves had to walk to the nearest town- which was 10 miles away UPHILL- served the little bastards right!), but nothing on the scale that she experienced.
It was one of those situations when you want to do something to help, but you feel so small, and you’re not sure what could possibly ease the burden- and then I was offered a spot on the Itch to Stitch Love Blog Tour, and I was both thrilled and relieved, knowing this was something I could actually do!
I jumped onto the website, and grabbed a few patterns that I didn’t have but wanted to sew up anyway, and got to work! Fall really sets in here after Halloween, and I’ve been craving some warmer sweaters and jackets, so I chose the Arenal Top and the Hvar Jacket for my post. (And psst…don’t forget to read to the end to enter to win some PRIZES!)
The Arenal Top
The Arenal top is a really great little pattern, with two completely different silhouettes included. I chose the swing-y tunic length version, and dug through my stash to find a couple yards of loose weave cotton sweaterknit and a piece of lace/crochet trim from a Knitpop Auction box I scored last year.
I love the texture and color of the sweater and lace together, but I’ve been too chicken to use it- because it seemed like the sweaterknit might be a little difficult to tame (or as my friend Beth says, “it’s a grower”). The tour was just the push I needed to break through my hesitation, and I set to work.
I used the selvedge of the fabric for the center front and back, adding a seam allowance and cutting my front and back pieces in two so I could overlap them to show off the unique frayed edge.
I also cut the front as one piece without the shoulder insert- and then cut a piece of lace and topstitched it at the shoulder where the insert would have gone.
Finally, I modified the hem by eliminating the mitered corners (I didn’t think my luck would hold out for that trick on sweaterknit!), and applied the lace trim around the bottom after hemming. The neckband was the most challenging part- since the fabric did have a tendency to “grow”, getting the right tension was difficult, and my band ended up a little looser than usual and my neckline wider than I expected.
However, despite these challenges, I really love my new top- it’s unique and just my style.
The Hvar
Since the Arenal came together so well, I also had enough time to make the Hvar Jacket! Seriously, people- two makes in two days- you know these patterns have to be good!
The Hvar is drafted for wovens or very stable knits- but I had fallen in love with this extremely stretchy faux suede scuba knit at JoAnns, and decided to take the chance that it would work.
This fabric feels Uh-Mazing, even better than the real thing, in my opinion. Plus, its washable, so it’s much more likely to survive my #momlife and it’s first encounter with sticky baby fingers.
Aside from the fact that it didn’t want to press at all, the jacket came out really well. I love the back darts for hugging my curves, and the oversized front collar, which makes a bit of a statement.
I added in extra topstitching- both for effect and to help with the no-pressing issue. I also slimmed down the arms by 1″- I think I could have probably gone down a size entirely with this fabric, but by reducing the arm width I was able to achieve the right fit.
I still can’t get over how soft this jacket is (and neither can my family- they keep petting it!), and I’m loving the casual but still put-together look.
Side note: I spent half an hour trying to perfect a messy bun for these photos (I even watched you tube videos), and totally gave up. I don’t know if my hair is too thick/long or if I just suck at hair styling, but I had to go with a messy ponytail instead. I think I need professional training. Everyone has their niche, right? I’m totally open to tips though!
Don’t forget to stop by the rest of the bloggers on the tour- there are some kick-ass prize packs to be won, and I can’t wait to see what everyone has made! Of course, if you want to support Kennis by grabbing some of her awesome patterns– you can do that too!
If you enjoyed this post, I’d love to connect with you on Instagram or Facebook! Looking for more inspiration? Check out all my Itch to Stitch makes HERE!
Other info:
Gold/Cream Necklace- Gray C Glass
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Blog Tour/Prize Info!
Your ITS Love bloggers are
Monday: Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with D
Tuesday: Shalini’s Blog, Auschicksews, Rebel and Malice, Sewing Vortex
Wednesday: Replicate Then Deviate, mahlicadesigns, Sewing with D, The Petite Sewist, kreamino
Thursday: Sewing Curves, Creative Counselor, Sew Mariefleur, Fairies, Bubbles & Co, Sewing by Ti
Friday: Harper+Lu, MeMade, On Wednesdays We Sew, Heather Handmade, Bellevi, and visit by mooglii on IG
The ITS Love Tour sponsors have been so generous in support of Kennis of Itch to Stitch that we’ve been able to put together several prize packages to share with you.
First, you may enter our giveaway to win one of three prize packs:
Prize Pack #1 includes:
5 Itch to Stitch patterns
$25GC to Simply By Ti
$50 Raspberry Creek Gift Card
$50 Bella Sunshine gift card
Prize Pack #2 includes:
$50 Knit Pop GC
$25 Designer Stitch GC
$25 Chalk and Notch GC
3 patterns of choice from Coffee And Thread
Prize Pack #3 Includes:
$15 Thread & Grain store credit
$25 Maker Mountain Fabrics GC
3 patterns from Halla Patterns
A Rafflecopter Giveaway
Your second way to win is to share with us your recent Itch to Stitch creations (made between October and November 2017). Add your creations to our Link Up Party before Nov. 20th for a chance to win one of two prize packs.
LinkUp Prize Pack #1 includes:
5 Itch to Stitch patterns
A $40 value PFRE Sly Fox Fabrics.
$25 Maker Mountain Fabrics GC
$50 Love Notions GC
LinkUp Prize Pack #2 includes:
$25 Stylish Fabric GC & sewing box kit
$25 Chalk and Notch GC
5 patterns from Rad Patterns
Pattern of choice from DG Patterns
Giveaway and Linkup prize winners will be announced on or about November 21st.
[…] Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
That sweater tunic looks wonderful on you. Runway for you!
Very creative use of the selvage. That top looks positively awesome! I wish I could feel the gray fabric too. But it looks great on you. Sorry, I have no tip on messy hair style. Actually I am hair style challenged too. I hope to see some suggestions in the comment.
[…] Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
[…] (Nov 13): Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
Both sews are amazing, but that sweater is gorgeous!!! Wow!!! I love the karma the thieves ran into when they stole your car!!
Right?! Unfortunately, the car cost more to fix than it was worth- but I hope they were hot and miserable climbing that hill!
Those look boutique worthy! I’m hoping some day to get confident enough to venture into more ‘exciting’ fabrics like those!
Thank you so much! I think the best thing is just to dive in- you might mess some up, but you’ll figure it out and have something cool to show for it!
I pretty much want to straight up copy you Hvar!! It is beautiful!!
Go for it! There can’t be too many hvar’s in the world!
Love both of these, but especially the sweater!!
I love what you did with that front/back seam of the Arenal top. Very clever design feature. Your Havar looks amazing.
Thank you! I saw someone else using selvedges on their jeans and I thought, hey, it might look cool on a top too!
[…] Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
Don’t sweat the bun, Sarah, your messy pony is perfect. I always admire your makes, and these are no different. They look like high-end boutique finds!
Thanks! I didn’t have any sisters to teach me things like hair and makeup- I think I’ll stick with the ponytail too!
I love these and have both patterns 🙂
I just love your Hvar❤️
Thank you!
Such beautiful makes! Love how you used the selvedge on th Arenal!
Love both of these!! You look great!
Thank you sharon!
I love the sweater! Now I need one with lace at the bottom! What a great Hvar too!
Thank you! Lace trim is one of my favorite details…
I love both of these makes, they are very beautiful!
Thank you Debbie!
Wow I love your interpretation of that sweater!! <3 <3 <3
Thank you! It was fun to incorporate some unique details!
Wow! I love them both but I would totally steal that Hvar!
You’ll have to pry it right off my back- cause I’m wearing it every chance I get! Thank you!
Love your Hvar jacket! A nice combo of modern and classic!
Thank you! I think that pretty much sums up my style!
Gosh they are both amazing, loving the top though, just fabulous!
Thanks! It was one of those things where I had a vision- but I wasn’t sure how it would work out until it was done!
Love both of your projects. You did a great job.
Thank you Kathy!
Both such beautiful makes but that jacket is stunning!!
Thank you Emily!
Love what you have done with the Arenal top- have the pattern already but not made it up yet
This is me with so many patterns! I hope you get a chance to make it soon!
Beautiful creations and I appreciate the details you gave regarding the sweater construction.
Thank you! I think that’s the best part about making your own clothes- taking the time to get the details how you want them 🙂
[…] Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
[…] Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
[…] Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
[…] Monday: Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
[…] Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
[…] Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
I love the lace trim – especially at the shoulder, such a pretty little detail.
[…] Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
[…] Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with […]
I just got added both of these patterns to my collections! They are both so beautiful! I love how you made yours! I can’t wait to try them out!
looking forward to seeing your interpretation of them!
I am so in love with that Hvar… I used some of the navy stretch suede recently and I can see why it made a perfect choice. I stopped looking at ITS a while back because I don’t think I fit the size range, but I’m heading over now to look again!
I love her drafting and attention to detail- totally worth another look!
I would wear your outfit in a Second love both makes so much
thank you!
That jacket looks so soft. I don’t think I would be able to wear anything else.
[…] minimal stretch (no more than 10%).” I’ve even seen a beautiful version in denim, and one in faux suede scuba, though, so maybe drape isn’t even really a must-have? But watch out for super thick fabrics, […]