Baby Bonda Productions

I signed up for Blue Bird Fabrics #SewMyStyle, a project to sew 12 garments in 12 months to raise awareness about the slow fashion movement and encouraging women to take up sewing. The first garment is the Sew House Seven -Toaster Sweater #2 .

First glance said perhaps a bit boxy for my pear shape, but I was wrong! It’s my new favorite! One of the reasons I wanted to do the #SewMyStyle project was to try new pattern designers and new styles to push my idea of what I can wear.

I started the #SewMyStyle project with an aim to use upcycled or second hand fabrics to sew all the projects.  I found a great deal on the local classifieds to buy enough knits for the first few months of the project.

I checked the finished garment measurements and planned to add 5″ to the length and take 1″ off the sleeves of the medium size. However, while doing layout for cutting, I realized I could only add 3″ to the length and needed to take 2″ off the sleeves in order to as the knit I bought was not quite big enough.

I ran into the first problem sewing the first seam in the neck. My Pfaff Smarter C1100  kept missing stitches and I assumed that Diva was ready for time at the spa, so I pulled out my Janome Sewist 625e.  It kept missing stitches too! Changed to a ballpoint needle which gave better results, but still not great. The pattern suggested the 3 step zigzag stitch (stitch 6) as it is designed for knits (new learning point for me) and allowed me to finish the neck seam. I sewed the remaining seams on the serger.  Two shirts in and I’ve learned how to use 2 of the stitches on my machine. I’m on a roll!

The sewing community suggested trying Schmetz Stretch 90/14 needles, not ballpoint, which made the top stitching go beautifully and proved servicing for Diva wasn’t required.

The 3″ longer lenth and the 2″ shorter sleeves is the right fit for me at 5’2″ (155cm). However the pattern is too narrow in the shoulders for me which makes the neck pull flatter than the funnel shape in the design.

With the lighter knit, it does drape nicely and looks great under a suit jacket. Love the detail and mitered corner on the hem. The split hem flows nicely over my hips with the extra length I added.

Nice drape for a shirt under a suit jacket

Love the mitered corners on the split hem!

Trying to copy the model

Double checking

January #SewMyStyel

I used red knit from my collection for the second attempt at this sweater. Kellenehunter posted a broad shoulder adjustment to her Toaster Sweater #2. I copied using the In-House Patterns video tutorial to add 1″.  It fits much better!

Much happier with the fit and this red knit Toaster Sweater #2 got the honor of being my first memade item worn to work, styled with a long necklace for accent. I received enough compliments to encourage me to continue on my memade wardrobe adventure.

Are you looking for additional inspiration?

Check out the following monthly challenges for more sweaters!

Dressmaking Blogger Networks January Challenge – Keep It Cozy

Petite Passions #Wardrobebuilder Project – January – Jumpers and Sweaters