One of my favourite things is a sewing project that’s fast & straightforward – a rarity for me for some reason (maybeΒ probably because I’m very prone to making dumb mistakes lol), but this one was a treat in every way – this is why I love sewing! It’s nice to be reminded of that in the midst of long detailed projects, fitting headaches and other assorted woes lol. Sewing CAN be fun – imagine that! lol
I was super blessed to receive this pattern (the Undercover Hood) from the lovely & talented Kat and this being my first experience with Papercut patterns I can say I’m very pleased & will definitely be trying more!
I had been particularly interested in this pattern for some time, because West Coast weather demands the need for layers, year round, as it can change and fluctuate on a dime, and hoodies are among my favourite clothing items – usually zipped, but I have no pullover ones so I thought this would be a nice change. I knew I wanted a fabric that was warm but thin, to make it versatile, so I sought out a fine merino jersey. (Someone needs to start stocking this in Canada, for reals – it’s amazing stuff and NO ONE has it here!!!) it’s costly to have shipped here but 100% worth it – you can’t buy RTW merino clothing here, either, so I view it as a luxury item.
That said, it’s been about two weeks since I finished making this and I’ve been wearing it CONSTANTLY – usually in a very relaxed and bummy fashion which is why it’s taken me so long to get photos LOL. I figured maybe the bad camera phone pic might distract you from the fact that I’m covered in Lola’s white fuzzy fur ^__^
I traced my pattern on a Friday night, cut it out Sat morning, and had it finished by Sunday. Easy peasy, and so pleasant. Because it’s a knit and a relaxed fit I didn’t bother with an FBA but I did add 3″ to the sleeve length (monkey arms lol). Kudos to the pattern designers for including finished garment measurements – I love that; it’s so helpful. And bonus points for making me a size smaller than I usually am; totally psychological but still – a smile is a smile π
I just used my serger for all seams and my regular machine for top stitching only. After attaching the pocket, I decided to run an additional line of edgestitching along the attached seams because even after pressing, the turned under seam didn’t want to lie flat, and I knew it would bug me. I’m MUCH happier having taken that extra step.
I liked it so much I did the same on the hood. Of course, true to form, I couldn’t get through the whole project without a hitch – the last thing to go on was the hood, and it was perfect up til that point. So i sewed that sucker on, then right when I thought I was done, tried it on & realized my hood was not a hood; it kind of resembled a floppy clamshell lol – I had sewn the two halves together backwards!! *facepalm* Well I’m sorry but two rows of top stitching & a serged seam were not coming apart easily so I just cut that baby apart & made a slightly smaller (CORRECT!) hood – no problem for my pea head lol.
The only other puzzling thing is that my fabric appears to have stretch in one direction but not the other so my hem band doesn’t stretch. Maybe I misread the selvedge? Not sure what happened there but it’s no biggie really π
Love this awesome hoodie & I look forward to making more… I will be on the lookout for more merino when I am
IN AUSTRALIA NEXT MONTH!!!
That’s right, Aussie peeps – watch out!!! This Canadian gal is comin’ to Melbourne!!! Me and the man are going back to his hometown for 2 weeks – mainly to visit friends & family but you better believe I’ve already told him I’m going to Tessuti!! lol! So – if anyone wants to meet up for lunch & a bit of shopping, I’ll be there between March 26th & April 7th!! π
February 23rd, 2014 at 2:06 pm
Lovely hoodie! The fabric looks so silky soft, I really like it. And, AUSTRALIA!!!!! That’s too exciting Amanda, I’m so happy for you! You are going to have a blast! It will be coming into winter at that time, but NOTHING like BC winter. π
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:01 pm
Thanks Catja!! π Yeah I’m pretty excited though it doesn’t feel real yet lol π Considering we got a big pile of unexpected snow today, I’m pretty sure Australian weather is gonna feel just fine ^__^
February 23rd, 2014 at 2:28 pm
Great save on the hood! It looks so nice and cozy and such a great color…take an empty suitcase for all your fabric purchases when you travel to OZ!
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:04 pm
Oh you know it!! π I’m definitely gonna take FULL advantage!! ^__^
February 23rd, 2014 at 3:04 pm
Fun! I love an instant gratification project. And you always end up wearing them so much! Well done π come to nz next then we can hang out. We have lovely merino here π
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:06 pm
Thanks Jo! π I’d totally love that!! π I actually got the fabric for this from a NZ online shop!! π
February 23rd, 2014 at 5:27 pm
Oh I wish Melbourne wasn’t do far away!
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:07 pm
Me too!! It’d be so fun to hang out! ^_^
February 23rd, 2014 at 10:00 pm
There are loads of Melbourne girls, if you need some names just email me at sewbusylizzy at gmail dot com
February 24th, 2014 at 9:41 am
Thanks Lizzy! I’ll do that! π
February 23rd, 2014 at 11:19 pm
Everyone loves a hoodie, but in merino?! How wonderful. Luxury casual style. Nice π
February 24th, 2014 at 9:44 am
Thanks Winnie! It’d be awesome with some of those fabulous Jamie jeans you’ve been cookin’ up! ^_^
February 24th, 2014 at 12:55 am
Melbourne!! Yay! I’d be happy to catch up and gather some peeps together. My email is belinda dot leon at gmail dot com!
February 24th, 2014 at 9:45 am
That sounds awesome!! I’ll email you! π
February 24th, 2014 at 1:47 am
Great hoodie, love the colour! Happy fabric shopping! π
February 24th, 2014 at 9:46 am
Thanks Anne! π
February 24th, 2014 at 9:33 am
What a gorgeous colour. And in merino wool! Luxe! I definitely agree with Mrs. Mole about the empty suitcase. Bring it back stuffed with fabric goodness. Wow. Australia. Hope you have loads of fun!
February 24th, 2014 at 9:47 am
Thanks Tia! π I’m gonna have to clear room on the credit card for sure! haha! π
February 24th, 2014 at 11:30 am
You have made me want that pattern!!!!
February 24th, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Get it!! π It’s an awesome staple – I’ll definitely be making more! π
February 24th, 2014 at 12:20 pm
That looks so warm and cosy. And such a great shade of blue too; really suits you.
February 24th, 2014 at 1:04 pm
Thanks Catherine! π Navy is basically a neutral in my wardrobe lol – I love it π
February 24th, 2014 at 2:26 pm
Practical sewing at it’s best, what a staple piece! I must say that I love the face in the second photo π I am jealous of your upcoming trip, we are covered in snow where I live with no signs of spring in sight.
February 24th, 2014 at 7:03 pm
Haha thanks Annabelle!! I had a good laugh at that pic so had to share it π It’s snowing like crazy here too! So weird!! π
February 24th, 2014 at 4:31 pm
Oh I love your hoodie; what a terrific pattern! And Melbourne; you lucky duck. I would so love to join you but it’s a bit of a trek for me! Just to enable you π you can get merino wool in lots of different colours at the Fabric Store on Brunswick St.
February 24th, 2014 at 7:05 pm
You should come anyway… so I can enable you back! haha!! Yes, my guy actually scoped out the Fabric Store for me (he’s an enabler too lol) – they look to have tons of amazing stuff! My wallet is sobbing already lol
February 25th, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Cute and practical, so what’s not to like? And that is awesome news that you are finally making it to Oz – so much fun! You and your man must be over the moon planning. I want to hear all about it when you get back.
February 25th, 2014 at 7:45 pm
Oh for sure! Maz is doing pretty much all the planning so I just gotta go along for the ride! π Will take lots of pics & share for sure! π
April 2nd, 2014 at 1:04 am
I love this hoodie and I’ve been checking this pattern out too …. can’t think why I haven’t bought it yet either. And I completely understand why you have been wearing it constantly since you finished it – merino is, after all, the best darned fabric in the world. For me anyway.
I hope you are having a fantastic fantastic time in Aus.
April 6th, 2014 at 3:34 pm
Thanks!! π You should give it a go – it’s a marvellous pattern! π Merino is pretty awesome, too π