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

We Make a Crowd Favorite Our Own! A New Take on the Linden Sweatshirt!

2016 has indeed been the Year of the Indie Pattern. I hope that you have enjoyed our choices and tips given throughout the last year! We are always looking for the next great pattern and fabric to inspire you. Today we will treat you to something special from Grainline Studio!

The Linden Sweatshirt is everywhere! It seems like they're constantly popping up in our Instagram feed, on sewing blogs, and even in the store! This pattern is designed by Grainline Studio, one of our indie pattern lines here at Stonemountain. You will find it made out of sweater fabric, sweatshirt fleece, every type and weight of knit fabric, not to mention a few woven flannel versions. It's deliciously simple to whip up and that must be why it's such a favorite!

Our Linden is not really a sweatshirt at all. Because the pattern is so easy, there are many ways to change the pattern up to make your Linden YOU! And don't we just love breaking the rules!

What fabric would you choose for your Linden?

We chose a very lightweight jersey knit to make our top.  It is accented with a heathered grey jersey knit which we used on neckline and sleeves.  To make our top little more day-to-evening, we added a gathered peplum at the bottom. Peplums have been around since the 1800's and were very popular in the 1940's to 1950's. We think they've stayed in style as they are flattering to most figure types and they can add an element of softness and femininity to a silhouette.

We remember a time when a crop of designers in the 80s were making wardrobe "capsules" consisting of 3 to 5 jersey knit garments that could be layered and tied in every conceivable way to make a dozen different looks. These knit garments were at the start of the serging, or overlocking, revolution for designers and home sewists alike. You could sew an entire garment on your serger without ever touching your sewing machine. These days many of the modern machines have stretch stitches and overlocking capabilities, so it's easy to finish off your handmade garments.

But you have to admit, it's still great to be able to sew a whole garment using a serger. Our Linden top does have a few places where Laurel used her traditional sewing machine, but she mostly stuck to the serger.

The neckband and sleeve cuffs are applied by stretching our grey contrast fabric of the bands to the bodice top and sleeves.  Laurel sewed them first, then serged the finished edge and then top stitched the band in place. We will say that the more knit bands that you apply, the easier it gets.  Practice makes perfect!

Our finished Linden top, with a peplum change-up!

The design details make it so much fun!

Loving my new Linden with my Ginger Jeans 

As this very intense and creative year wraps up, I hope that we have been able to inspire you to create some unique clothing of your own. Let's see what more we can dream into for 2017.

Thanks for sharing the ride!

Suzan

Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics

Sewing Resource Center since 1981