Hey! I have some recent sewing projects to share with you. I kicked off the year by sewing my favorites. Of course, they are all perfect for activewear, but I also included a few cozy loungewear pieces. So, stay tuned for 2 new patterns, some new fabric I tried, and 3 patterns that I can’t (and won’t) stop making!
A Zip Up Hoodie
The first project I want to show you is the latest pattern from Itch to Stitch. The Nazare Zip-Up Hoodie has become a closet staple for me so quickly. Before starting this one, I noticed I had lots of pullover style sweatshirts and cardigans in my closet but only a few zip ups!
The detail that instantly stood out to me on the Nazare is the seam lines on the bust for shaping and style. They bring some nice interest, are great for colorblocking, and also mean the pattern has the option for a regular bust or a full bust (those with a larger difference between their full and upper busts). The front has nice big pockets, the sleeves have cuffs, and the bottom band has a cuff.
Aren’t the details of the pocket and front seams so great! I also love that the bands are not stretched to fit the opening so there is not this poof of gathering above them or a tight fit. I also love that the bands don’t require ribbing because I don’t have a matching color of ribbing for so many of my french terries and fleece fabrics (more on that later).
Another fun part of the Nazare pattern is how pretty the insides are! The pattern actually calls for twill tape to finish the zipper and hood seams, but I only had white twill tape on hand. So, I pivoted and used some quilting cotton that doesn’t stand out too much against my main fabric. I cut my strip of quilting cotton 1 and 1/8 inches wide out of scraps.
I chose my size based on my full bust measurement and graded out for my hips that were one size larger. After making it, I am unsure the grading for the hips was necessary because it hits right above my full hip and is not a snug fit there.
The hood is not optional and does not have a drawstring. If you feel the need for one, though, I would add a buttonhole where I want the drawstring to come out and then before adding the hood, I would sew a line of stitching around the hood opening to encase it.
I love the way it fits and wished I had enough time in my day to make a dozen. I already started on a grey fleece one and hopefully will finish it soon.
The red fabric I used is a cotton spandex french terry from Made Whimsy. My zipper is from Wawak.
Leggings and a Sports Bra
Next up is a new pair of Cavallo leggings and an Embrace Sports bra. I did an Embrace bra sew along a year ago and since have made so many more of these bras!
During the sew along, I stuck to the pattern as written, and since then, I have had the freedom to sew the bra just the way I want. So, I don’t use binding on the neckline and don’t use the colorblocking piece included in the pattern for the front (because it is one extra seam I don’t need to show through my shirts!). To finish the neckline, I sew it the same exact way the Power Sports bra is sewn. This means that I put clear elastic in the seam and then sew it inside out through the shoulders.
I sew the racerback option the most because it works well for support when working out, but the pattern also includes a u-back option and a layered back option (where you layer the u-back and racerback for the ultimate support!).
And now the pants…
The Cavallo Leggings have no inseam and huge, wonderful pockets. The waist is HIGH (which I LOVE). I chose the lower of the two rise options available in the pattern. These have been the perfect winter running pants for me!
For the stitching, I chose a gold thread. I think it is a nice subtle contrast to this gorgeous print.
Speaking of gorgeous print – this one is from the Alcohol Ink round at The Styled Magnolia. It is offered on multiple bases, and of course, I chose my favorite – Athletic Brushed Poly. It is truly my all-time favorite base for workouts and for everyday life. It feels so good to the touch and to wear. You can find this particular print here or look at all the other ones in this collection here. The round is open through the end of this month!
Two Long-Sleeved Tops
Next up are two tops for layering. Since our winters are all over the place with how cold it really is on a given day, I made a lightweight T shirt and a thicker sweater for layering.
For the T-shirt, I used the FREE Green Tee pattern from Greenstyle (the code to get it for free is found in their Facebook group). How do I not have a dozen of these in my closet!! I always forget what an absolute treasure this pattern is. If you need an easy knit T-shirt pattern, download this one. It also has a V-neck option.
I used bamboo lycra from The Fabric Fairy for fabric. Isn’t it such a pretty shade of pink? Well, sadly, this color is no longer in stock! If you still need a good T-shirt fabric, they have plenty of other colors.
Next, I made a Cambria sweater from Greenstyle. This is a similar knit pattern but has multiple options for the sleeves and hem as well as a mock neck option for the neckline.
I made the bishop style sleeves (the ones with the poof at the bottom).
The fun thing about this sweater is that I have MATCHING rib knit for the french terry. And, it is super luxe! The fabric is from Greenstyle and they have an entire assortment of matching french terries and rib knits. I also got pink and plan to make a zip up out of it. They are all on sale this month too!
A Slouchy Sweater
The last thing I made for 2022 was a slouchy sweater. This fabric is a squishy thick sweater knit from Minerva.
The pattern is the Besharl Jacket from Style Arc. Their patterns are not very beginner friendly. The instructions are very sparse and to the point, but this one proved to be really easy to put together with just a few steps.
I love the oversized look of it and have kept it on the back of a chair to throw over any outfit when I get chilled while working from home.
You can read more about this one on my posts on the Minerva page here and here.
That’s all for now! I have a project pile that is HUGE. I don’t think it ever really goes down because I tend to think of sewing projects quicker than I can actually sew. (The same goes for buying fabric, although I have been better at that lately!)
I hope I have inspired you in today’s post! I would love to stay connected with you. You can find me on Instagram. You can subscribe to my YouTube channel HERE. If you want to take a look into the things that inspire me, you can follow me on Pinterest. You may also follow my blog with Bloglovin.
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Disclosures
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small compensation when you purchase via my link. This does not cost you anything, and I genuinely appreciate your support. Any and all opinions expressed are still my own.
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