Nothing very exciting on the blog here today, I’m afraid. I spent my Valentine’s Day with whatever cold bug is currently being passed around (and, ugh, I’ve never been so tired in all my life MAKE IT STOP), and I don’t really feel like doing much of anything now, which is a huge bummer because we have been blessed with a pretty awesome snow day this morning (for real, my street is a literal sheet of ice and my gate is frozen shut. Couldn’t leave even if I wanted to). Still, have a small project that I finished before I came down with the Evil.
Yep, I made a sweatshirt (and ponte Ooh La Leggings, although the post isn’t focused on those. But I did make them, so there’s that!)! How boring! But, you know, when you make everything you wear (and have been doing so for more than a couple of years), you will end up sewing boring staple pieces. For the current me, that means cozy long-sleeved tops that I can wear with pants. This is a big gap in my wardrobe, as past me never wore pants quite as much as current me (probably something to do with the office job that I quit; I had a space heater under my desk! I MISS THAT!), but, it is what it is. And now I need some tops, dammit. The thin jersey ones I have just aren’t cutting it, no matter how many I layer.
I used the Undercover Hood pattern from Papercut Patterns as my base, size XS, just taking in the side seams ever so slightly to make it a little more fitted. I obviously omitted the hood and added a ~self drafted~ neckband (I use the term “self drafted” very loosely, as it’s really just a rectangle… but, whatever.). I also left off the bottom hem band; mainly because I ran out of ribbing, but I think the simple turned under and topstitched hem actually makes this sweatshirt look a little less casual, so that’s a win. I can’t decide if wearing it with a collared shirt (that’s another B5526 underneath, fyi) looks classy, or if that’s just the 80s child in me trying desperately to emerge. Thoughts?
The main fabric is some lovely brushed sweatshirting fabric from Only Organic, a company based out of France (let me tell you, I felt REALLY cool picking up that box at the post office when it arrive. No, seriously!). I was offered a meter of fabric to try out, and I immediately zeroed in on this stuff because it seemed like the perfect blank canvas to customize for my needs.
You’ll notice that I did no customizing whatsoever. This is a plain, cream-colored sweatshirt we have here. I will admit that I considered adding something to the front – a stenciled phrase, some gold pyramid studs, something – to give it a little more ~pizazz, but I ultimately realized that I’m not really one for wearing graphic tshirts (or sweatshirts), and it seemed kind of stupid to fancy up something just for blogging purposes. So, boring sweatshirt. Sorry, not sorry. At least I know it’s something I’ll actually wear now.
Anyway, half-asses apologies aside – this is a great marriage of pattern and fabric! I’ve made the Undercover Hood before a few times – but usually with a drapier fabric, and never as a straight up sweatshirt. I like the way this one fits; it’s comfortable and fitted but it’s not skin tight. The fabric is LUXURIOUSLY soft and fleecy – I’m actually wearing it as I type this, and it’s doing a damn fine job of keeping me warm in my cold ass, snowed-in house, so there’s that. I do question whether or not it’s a good idea to wear a white sweatshirt, knowing how clumsy I am – but, eh, I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. At least I know it’s dyeable 🙂
You can see the fleecy goodness of the fabric better here. For ribbing, I used some cream ribbing that I had in my stash – it’s not a perfect match, but it’s close enough, and I love the subtle color changes.
If you’ve managed to stick it to the end of the post, I have a fabric discount code for ya! Use the code “lladybird” for 10% off your order at Only Organic. Like I mentioned, this company is based out of France, so all my organic-lovin’ pals on the other side of the pond – rejoice! Woot woot!
Now, answer me this – I know sweatshirts have recently had their moment in the spotlight for being ~cool~ and ~luxe~, but does a plain white sweatshirt even pretend to portray that or do I look I belong in a Kmart circa 1995? Also, who wants to take bets on how soon I spill coffee down the front of this thing? I’ve worn it three times since completion and at this point, I feel like I’m flirting with disaster.
** Note: I was given 1 meter of the cotton sweatshirt fleece from Only Organic, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
LLADYBIRD 
I totally love it. I have a pattern similar and it’s not “meant” for sweatshirt making – more thin fleece or jersey. But I don’t see why I couldn’t use sweatshirt fabric. And I always prefer tightly knitted cotton sweatshirt fabric. Thanks for the post. Staples are kind of important. Glad you didn’t embelish. I hate bling on my clothes. I don’t even wear makeup much. I’m more simple understated elegance style, which is exactly what you’ve pulled off. Who gives a rip anyway if it did look 90s? You like it, right? And it looks great.
Staples are definitely important (and, until lately, quite overlooked in my sewing queue). I love embellishments on everyone else, but I personally just feel ridiculous wearing them. And you’re right – I do like it! Cozy,plain sweatshirts FTW! 🙂
Uncanny that you just posted this! I have a really nice cream sweatshirt fabric that I’ve been itching to sew up, but I keep pushing it aside since I felt it needed some sort of embellishment. I cut out a Linden with it just yesterday, but I keep waffling about painting, applique, lace… maybe plain is the way to go. Yours looks great and super useful. Love it!
I waffled on mine for like a month!! I’m so glad I made it plain – I think it’s a lot more versatile (and less trendy – aka, less likely for me to get sick of quickly). I say make it plain for now – you can always add some sort of embellishment later if you feel like it needs a little extra somethin’ somethin’, you know? 🙂
I think it looks great, not Kmart at all. The cream color looks classy and I think you are right about omitting the band at the bottom. I need more basics like this too. I can’t deal with winter right now and wearing a dress in to work just ain’t gonna happen.
Right?! Every morning, I think, “Hm, might be a good day to wear a skirt…” then I see the weather forecast and immediately change my mind haha. Too damn cold right now!
Looks great! Love the fit of raglan sleeves! Great piece for your wardrobe.
Thank you! It’s great to have a nice warm staple 😀
You look fashionable! Love it with the blue printed collar.
Thank you! 🙂
Did you top stitch the leg seams on the ponte leggings or leave them plain? (I have only made them out of supplex for running but ponte everyday leggings seem awesome!)
I always stitch them for my ponte leggings (I leave them plain for workout leggings); just the front curved seams. Love the way it looks! And yes, ponte every day leggings are AWESOME!
totally an awesome staple and not boring or Kmart at all! and personally I think the collared shirt underneath dresses it up a lot! it’s super cute and a great basic!
Thank you so much, Christine!
*sticks nose in air* Anyone who thinks this is boring does not have to be here.
Seriously, I like it. Thumbs up to no ribbing at the bottom. And it doesn’t look like the ’80s because it fits you rather than being six sizes boo big. (That was supposed to be “too” big, but I’ll leave it because booooo to too-big clothes lol.)
Hahaha I like it! Boo on too-big clothes hahaha!
Collar + sweatshirt – good look! I really like it! And it makes sweatshirts look slightly smarter too 🙂
Yea!!! 🙂
This turned out wonderfully!! I think leaving out the bottom ribbing makes it look like a “fancy” sweatshirt. And heck, if you spill coffee on it, it’s an easy enough color to just dye! So gorgeous!
That’s true! Although I hope I don’t spill coffee on it – I’m coming to really love the plain cream color 🙂
This is truly a great basic piece, Lauren. I applaud your wisdom in letting a simpler hem shine as well as leaving off additional bling — you bring enough of the good bling to life all on your own! The fabric is gorgeous and thanks so much for the coupon code. I’m a knitter rather than a sewing-type so I’m wondering if I can make this using a basic sewing machine? A serger isn’t in the picture just now, but may find myself needing to save up for one… And, if (when?) you find the need to dye this piece, it’ll just morph into its next phase of fun-ness. Feel better soon!
Oh yeah, you can definitely use a regular machine to sew something like this. The fleece is a very dense weave so it would be fine sewn with a zigzag stitch (although it won’t be as pretty and neat on the inside, obviously). And thank you! I woke up this morning feeling BOSS. Hope it stays all day! 🙂
This is great — I love how you look like you’re wearing real clothes, but it’s really ponte leggings and a sweatshirt. At least from the photos, this looks classy as hell. A+!
Hells yea, secret pajamas! Haha!
We’re on the same wavelength today. We both posted Ooh La Leggings and a sweater! Love the outfit, especially with those boots!
Yes! Although I’m super jealous of your background in the photos – looks so warm. It is fucking FREEZING here right now, wah!
I love reading about the basics just as much as the fancy stuff 🙂 I’d love one of these myself, looks super cosy. And sometimes plain really is best.
I like to think that! If it’s plain, you can dress it up or down – like having two tops in one 🙂
I recently made a sweatshirt exactly like this! I felt bad about being boring – but not for long because it’s so warm and cosy. I also left off the waistband and the cuffs too, but having seen yours, I’m tempted to add the cuffs back on. Very classy in cream, although I can’t believe it’s still clean – anything cream I wear is splattered with tomato sauce or coffee within minutes! x
I’m the same way! Messy in minutes! Can’t believe this has stayed pure white/cream for as many wears as it has… although saying this, I might have just jinxed it hahahaha 😛
Wow – I can’t believe how well the ribbing matches. I was going to ask if you got those together. Looks really nice – I feel like I should make more casual clothes myself since I wear more nowadays (my job is also very business casual). I also like that you omitted the band at the bottom – don’t care for that look on sweatshirts. I also think I might buy that pattern since I made those leggings before and love them.
Yeah! it’s a great base pattern; makes a nice sweatshirt or just a raglan sleeved knit top (if you use a drapier fabric). I love Papercut because the designs are really versatile depending on the fabric you use. Good basics!
I love the simple cream color. Also, the correct term for your style is “understated,” not plain or boring!!! And the great thing about stains on white clothing is you can use bleach.
While I admit to the coolness factor of FRANCE (!! so longing to go !!) organiccottonplus.com has some very nice stuff as well.
Understated! I don’t think I’m classy enough to claim understated, but hey, I’ll take it 🙂
And yes, I LOVE Organic Cotton Plus! Good option for those of us in the US 🙂
I like the sweatshirt without the ribbing on the bottom, looks much nicer. And since you made it fitted, it’s more of a blouse than a sweatshirt, which dresses it up.
For me, white tops are spaghetti sauce magnets!
Same! I shall never eat spaghetti sauce in this top, ever!
Hiya! From the close-up photo it looks like you didn’t top-stitch the neckband but it sits so nice and flat in the pictures. How didja do that? Just curious 🙂
You’re right – there’s no topstitching on the neckband 🙂 As long as the neckband is cut short enough, it will stretch and curve to lay flat on it’s own 🙂 Hope that makes sense!
Look at you looking all nice and pretty wearing an outfit entirely made by you! I love you sweatshirt not boring at all. I love it, I can tell its super cozy even through pics!
Yes! it’s been a total godsend for staying warm during these past few snow days 😀
That looks SO cosy! I definitely think it looks cutely smart with the little collar too. Gorgeous outfit 😀
I like your sweatshirt. Fabric looks comfortable and a nice quality.
1. Minus the bottom ribbing, this reads more “sweater” than “sweatshirt.”
2. Companies should pay US to wear their advertising, not make us pay to wear theirs.
3. White or cream-colored clothing in a snowy environment = Snow Ninja. Which may or may not be of interest to you, I don’t know how you like to play superhero.
4. Collared shirt under plain sweater was what we wore from the late 60s through the late 70s, so no worries about this reading as 1980s.
5. My mother and her sisters-in-law wore their best dresses, hats, and gloves to the grand opening of the first Kmart in my hometown. I was still in grade school, so … 1966? 67?
This is great and Eagles green!! Great suggestion!!