This is already my favourite make of this season....it's so comfortable and I've hardly taken it off since it was finished! This fabric is gorgeous and perfectly suited to the Sloane. I knew a while ago I wanted more tops that I could wear in the cold weather, but not necessarily too casual. The Sloane sweatshirt has some shaping through the use of darts, straight set sleeves, along with neck, cuff and hip bands. The pairing of this pattern and fabric has left me with a secretly comfortable top that looks fabulous. You can see how much I love it in these photos!
Fabric
I bought this from Minerva Crafts. There was a 20% discount code for Atelier Brunette fabrics in an issue of Sew Now. I always take note of the discounts in each issue...this was one I had been waiting for. I've had my eye on these sparkly Atelier Brunette fabrics since they were released last winter, but at £20.99 a metre, had held off until I could get hold of them a little cheaper. The style I chose has small gold flecks (4mm or so) on a navy background. There are lots of colourways available in it also comes in dots as well as flecks.
I have never made a sweatshirt before, and knew what kind of fabric I wanted, but not what it was called. Luckily this is exactly it. The back of the fabric has a soft, brushed texture - perfect for a cosy sweatshirt. Though the pattern uses cuff ribbing, I chose to use the same fabric for the whole top to help with a more formal than casual look. Though it's quite thick, it cuts and sews easily - I stitched this entirely on my normal sewing machine with basic stitches and a ballpoint needle.
Pattern and Instructions
I seriously considered a Grainline Linden. I still haven't made one and see that they are really popular (in general but especially this year).....also in this fabric too! However, I'm wasn't overly keen on the raglan sleeves. I think they are perfect for casual sweatshirts, but a regular sleeve might look a little more formal and help me get away with wearing this on more occasions. I love my longline Seamwork Astoria, which has the sleeve fit I was after, but this is a little too tight fitting for this look. Other contenders were the the Sewaholic Fraser sweatshirt, but this is quite a pricey pattern, if you can find it. Eventually it was the Named Sloane that ticked all the boxes, and at 7 Euros, was downloaded ready for making. (much as I love printed patterns, I've been trying to curb my spend, and after splurging on fabric, went for the cheaper pdf version).
When you download the pattern you get an instruction booklet and a series of pattern pages, containing two sizes each. The instruction booklet includes finished measurements as well as their standard pattern sizing information - I cut a size 10 based on these. It also matches my UK high street size and fits perfectly. The instructions include basic cutting and sewing information for any pattern.
The sewing instructions themselves are very clear with helpful diagrams. The techniques themselves are fairly straightforward. This is the first time I have used a straight stretch stitch (directed for the darts and topstitching the neckband), and was glad to have come across it. I much prefer using this stitch instead of a zigzag for securing the neckband as it looks more professional. The neckband lies nice and flat too which isn't always the case with these kinds of tops.
Thoughts
I really do love this - both how it looks and how it feels. This could be a very speedy sew and completed in an afternoon if you needed it. Apart from using the same fabric for the bands, I didn't make or need any alterations at all - a welcome change!!!I was a little unsure how the darts would turn out in the sweatshirting, but they are fine, and add shaping to the top which helps if you are a little shorter like me....definitely more flattering than without. The length is also spot on for where I like tops to fall to as well.
I would definitely recommend both the fabric and the pattern. I have a little fabric left over - enough for a short sleeved top maybe? Certainly enough for a contrast panel if needed....I know the newer Named sweatshirt uses an interesting geometric panel which I could use this remnant for.
What is your favourite sweatshirt pattern?
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