Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Vogue 9026 - Front sequin sweatshirt in gray

Scraps. We all have them – those pieces that are too big to throw away but not big enough to do much with. I keep thinking I’ll use some of mine to make something for my daughter. She’s tiny and her clothing doesn’t require much yardage. I never do, though, and they just keep piling up. However, these days it’s perfectly acceptable to use several different textiles in one garment. I had a rather sizable piece of sequin fabric left over from this skirt and I decided to make it into a sweatshirt. I ordered one yard of Mood fabric’s Cadet charcoal french terry cotton knit and the matching Cadet charcoal rib knit in the hopes that they would match the silver baby sequin fabric I’d used last month. The colors blended perfectly. I pre-washed it all, including the sequins, so I could launder this top easily.


The pattern is Vogue 9026 - now sadly OOP - only 1 year after its release. I really liked the slanted front seams and the V neckline which I've not seen on other sweatshirt patterns. I cut the small and had zero fit issues. The center front and center back seams were eliminated – not sure why they’re there anyway. I used the french terry for the body and sleeves and the rib knit for the binding at the neckline, cuffs and bottom band.


The bottom band was doubled in length, an idea I copied from Amy’s pink cowl top made last year. I also think this pattern would be cute as a short dress. Hmm..


These fabrics were such a joy to work with. Seriously, I’ve got to get more cotton knits. They behave and don’t slip around or stretch out like ITY knits do. They are also SO comfortable to wear and hide a multitude of lumps and bumps.


I used a longer stitch length and topstitched the rib knit down at every seam.


I used a bit of black tricot from my stash to line the sequin area. They’re sewn to mesh and I thought they might be see-through under the right lighting. I sewed the tricot and sequins to the terrycloth burrito style so I wouldn’t have to do any handstitching. This also contained any rough sequin edges that might irritate my skin.


I finished the sleeves and armholes with an overlocking stitch.


Dressform pictures:


This was a really fun project to sew up and it went together quickly. It also got me thinking about the fashion sweatshirt I made 2 years ago that I rarely wear. The body fabric is thick and quilted, which caused a bump at the hemline and just wasn't flattering. It made me look like a brick. So, while I still had this Vogue pattern out, I used the bottom band pattern piece and some leftover black ribbing (more scrap fabric) to band it. What do you think?


I like it much better this way, and will hopefully get more wear out of it.

I am having a ton of fun making tops lately and have another in the works that I'm almost done with. I still like the complicated designer patterns and using fancy fabrics but am really wanting to add some hand made items to my casual wardrobe.

Note: All fabrics used for the sequin sweatshirt were purchased with my Mood Fabrics monthly allowance, as part of my participation in the Mood Sewing Network.

52 comments:

  1. that is super cute and a great way to use up fabric. I'm with you and I can't toss a big scrap or remnant. good thing color-blocking is a trend with staying power :

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Beth! Sometimes I'll give a bag of scraps I know I won't use to Goodwill just to avoid throwing them away. I'm not sure what they do with them but at least I don't feel super wasteful.

      Delete
  2. LOVE IT! Great use of those leftover fabric pieces.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That's a great pattern! It works really well with all your fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have plans to use it again soon. Can't believe it already went OOP. Thanks Debbie!

      Delete
  4. I love both shirts! The top one looks like you paid a ton of money for it in a shop! Nice work. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Both tops are really cute! I particularly like your method of lining the sequin piece, and I agree that the angled seams make it more interesting. This looks like the exact same pattern as Butterick See and Sew 6233, which I think is still in print.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, well maybe people wanted to spend less so they go for the Butterick. I've see duplicates between the companies before. Thanks LM!

      Delete
  6. Both tops are great. It is a shame that Vogue pattern is OOP. Love the sequins and finishing detail as well.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love how you added sequins to your sweatshirt! What a wonderful idea, that adds such a great look! The second top is also nice.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great use of the sequin remnant.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love your sparkly sweatshirt - a very creative use of scrap! I also really like your fashion sweatshirt and I think it looks beautiful on you - great save!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tomasa! If I enjoyed alterations more I could "save" a number of things in my closet. ;)

      Delete
  10. I love both those sweatshirts. What a good use of scraps. And with the fashion one, I can see myself wearing that all of the time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should make yourself one. It's kind of like secret pajamas. Thanks Jennifer!

      Delete
  11. Amanda, OT, but regarding your Jan 15 post about your silk blouse - may I ask what kind of silk you used for the binding? Your make inspired me to get to a nice silk I have!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a non-stretch silk charmeuse. Don't ever wash silk charmeuse, though, in case you were thinking about it. It's a kind of silk that's never the same after being laundered.

      Delete
  12. Inspired design work. Just love it. And you are right, it is a shame that the pattern is OOP.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your top is gorgeous!!! Awesome job Amanda, as always.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love it! I just finished one just like yours, only Iused the sequins in a band on the chest. IT has had a double take, as my daughter asked for one for herself!
    Your finishings are, as always, impeccable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds really nice! See, I need to do the same as you and make one for my daughter. Thanks Merche!

      Delete
  15. Amazing job on matching those colours of grey, they look like they were made to go together. Love how your sweatshirt turned out and I'm sorry to hear that pattern is OOP, it's so easy to overlook the ones that just have an illustration which is a shame because clearly there are some gems hidden there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Allison! Sometimes I wish I would stay away from those patterns with only illustrations - they have bit me in the butt in the past. Currently I wait so long to use a pattern that I can usually find a review for it online and adjust accordingly.

      Delete
  16. Great top Amanda! I love a sequined top for casual wear...and your sewing is impeccable as always!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful! Nice work with the lining on the sequin piece, looks like you prevented scratching completely! this is so pretty on you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Coco! Scratchy bits drive me nuts lol.

      Delete
  18. Amanda, that top is awesome - and your skill at making a V-neck ... well, I bow to you. Any hints or tutorials? My V-necks just never match up and look as awesome as yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thanks Angela! Hmm, I think there might be some tutorials out there on the interwebs already, although I've never searched for one. It's basically just sewing an angled inset. You've got to baste your stitching line, clip to the corner, then sew the binding on carefully. If I make this up again I'll take some pictures of the process. Thanks for your comment!

      Delete
  19. Beautiful! I discovered you from closet case files after she shared this post. The sweater is such an awesome idea and it allows you to do the sparkly look workout overwhelming yourself!

    It stinks that it's OOP. A similar option is the Halifax Sweater by Hey June Patterns. It's not quite as shapely, but a similar cut. It could be slimmed and a V neck added. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kyema! You can always find OOP patterns on Etsy for reasonable prices if you really want this one.

      Delete
  20. I love your shirt just beautiful, I wish I could obtain the pattern. Good job.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sharon! Thanks for your comment. Check Ebay and Etsy for OOP patterns. I usually have great luck with those sites.

      Delete
  21. Love those sequins! It's the perfect blend of casual and pizazz. I have some leftover sequins that would be amazing for a project like this...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should definitely go for it! I love finding projects to use up scraps that are too big to throw away. Thanks Katryna!

      Delete
  22. Your V-neck is impeccable! Nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Amanda, my name`s Marcela, I'm from Brasil and i have a blog too (meus projetos de costura). I`m a huge fan of your sewing and i`ve just loved this project. i wish i could sew like you!!

    ReplyDelete