It's Sweater Weather!

I didn't think it was ever going to cool down here but finally we're having a few cool days and with that comes inspiration to sew some winter pieces. And just in time, the Georgia Top now has a "Cowl Neck Expansion Pack" available as a free download in the shop. This gray sweater is one of two cowls I've made so far and I was able to make it in under an hour!

The fabric is a ribbed sweater knit from Mood Fabrics that has great stretch and recovery, so if you're new to sweater knits this is a great first choice. As prep before I sew, I cut everything out and changed my serger thread (my least favorite part of sewing) and did some test stitching on my machine. I used a combo of my sewing machine and serger (which is typical for me) but this top can be made completely on the serger. Since this is a knit, I used a ball point needle. And on a side note, I mark my sewing machine needles with nail polish colors that coordinate with the case so I don't get them mixed up. There is no way I'll ever be able to read the imprint on the needles.

This is a quick project because the construction is broken down to minimize trips to the iron and gives longer stints at the machine. All the bands and cowl are stitched and pressed to start and after that, there's really only the front and back to work with.

We've all had shoulder seams on knit tops grow on us, so to keep that from happening, I added "Seams Great" in the stitching of the shoulder seam. You can also use a lightweight fusible knit interfacing. The classic choice for this is clear elastic (but I typically don't have it) but it irritates my skin.

Here's my quick and pretty sweater ready for cozy winter days. The Georgia Top along with the Coffeehouse Pants PDF patterns are included in the "Work From Home Pattern Bundle" available now in the store for just $15!

Happy Sewing Friends!

​Diane