I’ve said this before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again – Ive been trying to focus my handmade wardrobe and make more everyday, wearable pieces. And who doesn’t love sweatshirts?! Especially super-cozy color blocked ones. When its chilly out you cant go wrong with a sweatshirt, and its great to have a good selection of cute un-sloppy ones so you can be comfortable but still look like you made an effort. Plus, they are so easy to make! Theres no reason you shouldn’t have a couple sweatshirts in your handmade wardrobe. I unfortunately planned to make this for my 2014 fall/winter wardrobe but am just now getting around to it. Hey – better late than never right!?
The pattern is of course Grainline Studio’s Linden Sweatshirt. The release of this pattern literally broke the sewing internet. I don’t think I’m the only one who is in love here. It is a very simple sweatshirt pattern with a short-sleeve or long-sleeve version, raglan sleeves, and self banded cuffs, waist, and neckline. For my first Linden, I opted for the traditional long sleeve style. But you KNOW I have major plans for experimenting with the short sleeve version as well. Hopefully in the fall.
I made ZERO alterations to this pattern. The fit is pretty perfect. I really like how the sleeves are slim and not baggy. I did get some weird baggy-ness at the front waistband area but I think this is due to fabric – which I will discuss in a bit. I honestly wouldn’t make a single fit adjustment if I made when I make this version again. The length is great. You could slim down the side seams just a touch if you really wanted to but I don’t think its necessary.
For fabric I chose a simple black sweatshirt fleece and an ivory sweater knit with a really interesting texture. Both of these fabrics are from my donated-from-previous-jobs-and-internships stash (lucky me!) I only had a tiny piece of the sweater knit. Not enough to make a whole garment out of but I knew I wanted to use it for something I’d wear a lot because the pattern in the knit is so unique and interesting. I decided to do some color blocking and I love the way it turned out. The sweatshirt fleece is really thick, as is the sweater knit so they work together quite nicely.
This pattern is very easy to sew. I’d highly recommended it to beginner sewers who want to dive into sewing with knits but are feeling a little weary. I used a serger on mine, and it took me a while to get the tension right (it always does) but once I did it all came together really quickly. I finished the shirt in one afternoon. I had a little trouble sewing the sweater knit as my serger didn’t really like all that thickness in there. Also, its a very loose knit so it really wanted to sag in the front -even after washing and drying. I tried to alleviate this by moving the waistband up in the front, but that seemed to create even more problems and now I have this weird bubble sag front and center. I love this shirt so much that I don’t really care so I just ignore it and pretend no one notices (which is probably true).
Stop procrastinating already and make yourself a Linden. Then go back and make 3 or 4 more!
Pattern: Grainline Studios Linden Sweatshirt
Fabric: Black sweatshirt fleece, ivory sweater knit
Notions: JUST THREAD!
Difficulty: Easy – like super easy
Adjustments: NONE
Finishes: Serged seams
Time: One afternoon
Sew it again? Duh, like fifty times more
Happy cozy sewing!
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