Hello again! It definitely feels like fall here in Portland now that my tomatoes are pretty much done. I had been waiting to release my latest pattern until it felt like cozy sweater weather. And while it's still a little too warm for wool sweaters, I'm at least in the mood to start planning my fall/winter sewing projects in preparation for colder weather that's soon to come. For that reason, I'm so happy to be adding the Toaster Sweaters pattern to my collection. I wanted to make a pattern that was simple, comfy and cozy and could either go dressy or casual. These sweater patterns are it. I was originally thinking of them in nice quality wool knits however, now that I'm working from home, I will be wearing my casual sweatshirt and cotton jersey versions as well.
Photo by Katharine T. Jacobs.
There are two versions and I mean versions not variations as they are quite different. Toaster #1 is a sweatshirt that is not the typical loose and baggy sweatshirt but is a bit of a slim fit however, not tight. The cuffs and bottom band are exaggeratedly wide and it features a hi-neck. I wasn't quite sure what to call the neck as it's the height of a mock T-neck however, it's looser and doesn't fold over like a turtleneck. It requires thicker, stiffer knits so the neck stays upright. It also requires a knit with at least 20% stretch around the body. I love it in the pale pink boiled wool slub or boucle knit that I sewed the sample above in. It has a bit of a vintage feel to it in that color. I'm sorry to say that this fabric is no longer available.
Photo by Katharine T. Jacobs.
Toaster #2 is top with another neck treatment that I don't quite know how to describe. It's sort of a cross between a boatneck and a funnel neck. It's high but not too high and is wide and cuts straight across the neck. The neck also has a fold-over self-facing. It is fitted in the shoulders however, loose at the underarm where it swings slightly out away from the body. It is somewhat short and has a hi-low hem with side vents. The bottom hem and vents are wide and finished with mitered corners on the inside. The bottom sleeves are somewhat slim at the bottom so the sleeves can be pushed up. This top was also designed for a knit with at least 20% stretch around the body. This version is a bit more versatile in that more variety in fabrics may be used. Something stiff gives it a more boxy feel and something drapey and light adds some drape to the front neck and swing to the bottom hem. It can be a more transitional piece in the spring if sewn in lighter knit - maybe a striped jersey which I did sew up for myself. The fabric has to be somewhat stable and not too drapey as the neck will collapse otherwise. Fabrics such as light-weight rayon knits are too flimsy - I tried one and it was a disaster. My favorite is the wool jersey I chose for the cover photo. It has just the right balance of structure and drape to make a lovely fluid top.
The paper pattern contains both versions - Toaster #1 and Toaster #2. On October 2nd, both versions are available as pdf files on my website however, you can purchase them now on the UpCraft Club website. The pdf files may be purchased individually or together (for a more economical price). Speaking of price... get 20% off the Toaster Sweaters now through October 4th using the code TOAST20 at checkout.
Another bonus is the sew-along that is coming soon. I've been promising sew-alongs and now I'm delivering. Well... I'm having help delivering. Kelly (the Vegan Tailor) is a pro at conducting sew-alongs. She has a website and Facebook page where she posts sew-alongs continuously. Kelly is also a tailor who custom makes clothing for others and is very knowledgeable and experienced at sewing. I'm super excited to have her helping me out. I originally started a Tea House sew-along and then was side tracked. Kelly took over for me and has the Tea House sew-along all ready to release once the Toaster Sweaters sew-along is finished. The Toaster sew-along should start in a week or two - I will be sure to keep you posted.
Meanwhile, here are some design inspiration images as well as fabrics that I think would work great for the Toaster Sweaters with links included.
Note that I have not actually seen most of these fabrics. I found them online. This batch works for both versions however, these fabrics are heavier.
From top left: 1.red/gray boiled wool knit, 2.black hemp knit, 3.yellow plaid boiled wool knit, 4.turquoise/brown boiled wool knit, 5.Birch Organic sweatshirt fleece, 6.Liberty of London Tiny Poppydot A - Linford brushed fleece (I have since learned that the liberty fleece may not have enough stretch), 7.cranberry organic French terry, 8.natural organic cotton fleece, 9.Italian midnight navy/gray houndstooth wool knit, 10.hemp & organic cotton yarn dyed jersey Tahoe, 11.hemp organic cotton yarn dyed jersey Port, 12.French terry dot heather vanilla/gray, 13. Wool blend reversible Governor's fleece, 14.Variegated French terry greys.
This group of fabrics is a bit lighter than the top options and so these suggestions are just for Toaster #2. Again, I found these on the internet and haven't seen them in person.
From top left: 1.amazon green stretch wool knit, 2.cameo pink angora wool solid knit, 3.pink/gray boiled wool knit (this one works for version #1 too), 4.red/blue striped organic cotton jersey, 5.papaya wool jersey, 6.dark brown/natural white wide stripe cotton French terry, 7.red/black pin stripe cotton jersey, 8.designer double-knit stripe grey, 9.upcycled cotton medium stripe grey/cream, 10.Derek Lam striped French terry, 11.French terry ponte stripe charcoal/white, 12.rayon ponte knit stripe black/charcoal
Below are two of my Toaster #2 sweaters.
I love this one so much that I just had to show you even though I can't wear it. This is my boiled wool plaid Toaster #2. The shoulders are too narrow and I cut the garment with the plaid in mind rather than the stretch. The stretch is going the length of the garment and so the sleeves are too tight. It would be great for someone with narrow shoulders and skinny arms. Unfortunately, the fabric is no longer available.
This is my spring version of Toaster #2 in a sturdy cotton stripe.
I would love to see how you make up your Toaster so please tag #toastersweater1 or #toastersweater2 and @sewhouse7 when you share your makes on Instagram.
Stayed tuned for the Sew-along!
Thanks for reading!
Peggy