I seem to have a problem…I can’t stop preparing for fall, even though it’s still 100 degrees outside, and cooler weather is at least a month or more away. I even made cinnamon pear butter today, in the crock pot, which is delicious but required me cranking down the A/C a few extra degrees to make up for the heat the pot was putting off….if surrounding myself with fall smells and colors could bring on the season, it would be here already!

That’s where my latest fall sweater make comes in….the new Malala by DIBY. The Malala first caught my eye because it was the perfect solution to my scarf-aversion. Despite my best efforts, and more than a few You Tube tutorials, I can’t get the scarf-tie down, and always end up looking like I’m trying to strangle myself with a blanket. The Malala’s high, artfully folded collar offered a solution to my wonky scarf woes, and an opportunity to learn a new sewing technique, so I jumped on board.

I’ll admit, the collar took all 10 of the brain cells I’ve saved from the ravages of toddler parenting (see aforementioned toddler below, layering dirt over her Fudgsicle covered face during our photoshoot, and then running to mommy for a HUG!)  to construct properly, but I hear there’s a video included in the instructions, which I highly recommend you watch, unless your visual spatial skills are just vastly superior to my own (totally possible!).

The end result was worth a bit of huffing and puffing though, and I love the effect!

I chose some big chunky wooden buttons to compliment the deep wine jersey, which is much more t-shirt material than sweater-knit, as I had at least some connection to the reality that I’d be sweating like crazy in these photos, and I just couldn’t resist the color.

If you’re wondering where the fabric originated from, I’m ashamed to say I have no idea- it’s been lingering in my stash for over a year, and I’m happy to get it sewn up!

The shape of the sweater is really nice too- not loose at all, but with just enough swing at the hem to keep it flattering. I had hoped that the collar would be low enough to nurse in, but it’s not- fortunately, the hem has enough swing to make pulling up the top easy.

So tell me, when do you start sewing for the next season? Do you typically like to sew a few months ahead, or are you more of an impulse seamstress ( like me!)? Leave me a comment below!

Bonus Pear/Apple Butter Recipe

And, if you’re also a fan of pear/apple butter, here’s how I make mine:

1. Core 7-10 apples and/or pears (I used a combination today)
2. Put them in the crock pot with 1 cup of water, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2TB of vanilla, and 2TB of cinnamon. Add other spices as desired.
3. Cook on LOW for 8 hours, and enjoy the aroma (turn down AC as necessary)
4. ENJOY!

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Happy Fall sewing friends!