There's still time for a Toaster!!

It could be one of those years where we just bounce from winter right into summer...it has happened before in our sunny state.  But more often than not, we get a few days of warm weather in the early months of the year and we are lulled into dreams of springtime...then BOOM! It's raining again and 40 degrees. Even in spring, many parts of our pretty state feature a cool delta breeze in the evening, so we keep our sweaters handy year round.

That's why we love this Toaster Sweater, From Sew House Seven.  Depending on the knit fabric you choose, it can ward off the chill in air and look smashing and cozy at the same time. I know I will be loving this on those foggy Berkeley mornings throughout our summer! It's all about layers, right?!

The Toaster is another one of our patterns that is perfect for a beginner, especially Version #2.  The "funnel neckline" is easy to execute, as the facing is just an extension of the bodice's neckline.

If you want your Toaster to be "toasty", then we suggest a soft sweater knit - something with a little more bulk than a lightweight jersey.  And if you really want to stay warm, you can always pick a soft fleece.  The side seams on Version #2 feature a high-low hemline (like a vent).

My favorite version of the Toaster is this multi colored "topaz" sweater knit - I can just see wearing it by the fireplace in Tahoe, or cuddled up on the couch with my kitty.

Laurel made her Toaster out of one of our patterned sweater knits.  She increased the length, omitted the side vents and shortened the sleeves. With so many variations of style you can choose and knit choices here at Stonemountain & Daughter, how can you go wrong?

Another twinsy moment, sort of...when we get a new pattern at the store, we both want to make it, but many times our choices of fabric are different. Likewise, many on our store team pick the same patterns and we all look different. That's one of the great things about making your own wardrobe: when you find a pattern or design that you love, you can make it over and over, and with a few minor changes in fabrics and styling, each version looks unique.

Keep on Sewing!
Suzan

March 20th Celebration! 2017 is our Year to make what we Love! Choose, Sew, Wear, Repeat...

SAVE THE DATE!!! Come visit Laurel, Lauren, Liz, and myself for a celebration of 

Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics'
 36th Year Anniversary! 

The four of us will be talking about our favorite indie patterns and how we build our me-made wardrobes.  Learn about new patterns, get advice on pattern selection, and check out all our finished garments at this free trunk show.

See you on March 20, 2017 at Noon!

Special one day sale! 25% off all our patterns all day long!

Suzan is wearing a Sudley Blouse & Laurel is in a Schoolhouse Tunic. Liz & Lauren are both wearing Willow Tanks.

If you've been following my Fabriclady adventures for a while, you probably noticed that we have become obsessed with certain Indie Patterns.  (Hence the trunk show!)

Sometimes the simplest of patterns can have a totally different vibe just by changing the fabric. As women and sewists, we like the ease of a simple and straightforward pattern.  There's a certain freedom and spontaneity that comes with knowing you can whip out a garment in a couple of hours.  So why not make it over and over again?

100 Acts of Sewing patterns are all of the "make it quick, wear it tonight" type.  Dress No. 1 is a real hit with our customers as well - obviously, I can't seem to get enough of this pattern!  I think everyone in our store has made at least one of these simple dresses.

100 Acts of Sewing - Dress No 1 Rocks our World!

We like layering it - just changing the hem length makes a whole new style.

Thinking ahead to Spring, we have chosen three light weight fabrics to make Dress No. 1:

A wonderful 100% yarn-dyed cotton from Anna Maria Horner's Loominous 2 collection.

Layered with another stunning Loominous piece!

And a colorful cotton wax print from our African Import section.

Another pattern that continues to speak to our Springtime longings is Grainline Studio's Alder Shirtdress. We've only made View B, but why give up on a sure thing?  It's like buying shoes in every color when you find one that is a knockout! Same thing here - an Alder for everyone!

The Alder is an intermediate sewing project  with lots of pattern pieces - but if you've sewn a collar before you should be fine.

My Alder out of a soft ikat, hot off the sewing machine!

Laurel's Alder, made of quilting weight cotton print.

My second Alder Dress will be in a soft cotton double 
gauze from Japan. 
You know how I love fabrics with a celestial theme!

The Alder Dress requires 9 buttons up the front, so picking out the perfect button from our huge button wall makes this and every dress unique.

Laurel is just like me...in between sewing for me, she sneaks in something for herself. I think she's making another Alder for herself out of a Nani Iro double gauze that she's been hoarding in her stash. We just love double gauze!!! I wonder what buttons she will pick...

And Heaven knows we have both loved the Pilvi Coat from Lotta Jansdotter's book Everyday Style. We each have two already. It's such an easy make - you kind of want one in every color!

 

  

Laurel's is 100% wool and fully lined and mine is an unlined wool/viscose blend.

Laurel is making her third Pilvi out of our soft winter white wool/viscose blend.  It is unlined, easy to make in a few hours, and wears like a warm sweater.

Do you have a favorite go-to pattern? After you've made a pattern once, you get to know how it fits and you can easily make adjustments on your second go-around.  We learn something new in making each garment and we try to impart those little nuggets to you, our readers.  Thank you so much for making Fabriclady part of your day - we so appreciate your support and feedback.

If you have a question about a technique, fabric, or pattern that you've read here, please do comment on our posts - we try to respond quickly, just so you can really enjoy your sewing experience.

Hope to see you on March 20th at Noon! You can r.s.v.p. here!

Go Indie! 

SuZan