Sunday 5 March 2017

All that glitters... Toaster Sweater 1

I am not usually one for buying sewing patterns as soon as they're released, well not anymore! In fact it's been a long time since I've bought a sewing pattern full stop.  But when Sew House Seven released the Toaster Sweater #1 & #2 patterns I just couldn't resist!  I really fancied the style of #1 and to be honest didn't notice at first I could have just bought that one so I bought both.  I wasn't sure what fabric to buy for it, that is until I walked past the Man Outside Sainsbury's and spotted this gorgeous gold ribbed knit fabric. I didn't buy it the first time I saw it but kept thinking about it so went back a week later and bought a metre.






1 metre - plenty for a sweater, or so I thought.  My only experiences of making jumpers are my two raglan sweaters which are both very close fitting and fitted easily into 1 metre.  I didn't think to check the pattern before buying the fabric or before cutting into the fabric - big mistake!  I cut out the front and back piece then realised I was running out of fabric and would struggle to get 2 arms, the roll neck, cuffs and waistband.  In the end I got one full sleeve, then had to piece two bits together for the other sleeve. Hopefully it's not too noticeable.  I reduced the cuff width by 1" and had to piece both cuffs though managed to hide the joins on the inside of the cuffs as they are folded over.  Amazingly just squeezed the neck piece and hem band in without losing any width.


doing some patchwork to fit my pattern pieces out 1 metre.

1 cuff, 5 scraps of fabric.
This sewed up really quickly. I used the 5/8" seam allowances given in the instructions and ..shhh... don't tell anyone, I didn't finish the seams at all! The fabric doesn't fray and it's really thick so I just left it.  I have worn this sooo much, I absolutely love it!! I've already got plans for a second one, though once again I only bought a metre of fabric argh!!


Details - Pattern: Toaster Sweater #1 by Sew House Seven
Size: Sewed a size S. The only alterations I made were reductions as specified above, due to fabric restrictions.
Fabric & notions: Gold ribbed knit, £5 for 1 metre from the Man Outside Sainsbury's (Walthamstow, London). Cream thread from stash.
Were the instructions clear?:  Yes very clear, definitely a good pattern for a beginner.
Any changes I'd make next time: No, except I might interface the neck piece on the next one I have planned as my fabric isn't as stiff as this gold rib was so it might flop down too much otherwise.
Total cost: £5!

All that was left - tiny scraps.




14 comments:

  1. I always end up cutting it fine with fabric because I never seem to buy enough! Well done with the patchwork, it looks great

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    1. Yes I should really learn from my mistakes and buy more fabric, but then I don't want to end up with lots of bits left over as that could end up being wasteful. Glad to hear I'm not alone though!

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  2. This is pure loveliness!!!

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    1. Thanks Hila! The gold doesn't photograph all that well, it really is gorgeous fabric!

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  3. The sweater looks great. But what I love about it the most is the piecing. This kind of ingenuity takes up a garment to a very special status, to my mind. Love that!

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    1. Thank you, that's such a great positive way to think about the piecing! I am really pleased, it's like working out a puzzle when you can get it all to fit.

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  4. Such a great make! Well done on the creative patching!

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    1. Thanks Caroline! It was fun to make, especially the patching.

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  5. Great save with the fabric! And I never finish my raw edges on jersey! Ever.

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    1. Haha thank Helen! Glad to hear I'm not alone! I've stopped finishing the edges on most of my jersey makes but usually still do on toddler makes, just as I know they'll get rougher use!

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  6. All your patchwork experience came in useful there. You saw a solution where others may have just cried! Looks amazing a fiver very well spent.

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    1. Haha yes I guess so! And yes definitely £5 well spent!!

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  7. This looks great! The fabric is really awesome :-)

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