Hitting the ground running, there’s nothing like a quick project to get the sewing started. This was actually a project I’d intended to do last year, and possibly have ready for Xmas, but it didn’t work out and it wasn’t time critical. As it was already cut out, getting it sewn up was easy.
The main fabric is teal ponte from Croft Mill Fabrics, really lovely and soft with a gorgeous, jewel-like colour. I was wavering between another Toaster Sweater or making a new Fraser Sweatshirt. Once the fabrics were washed and were on the clothes horse drying, I noticed that this teal and another, patterned fabric looked pretty good together. This gave me the idea to go ahead with the Fraser Sweatshirt, using View A.
I cut with the size 8 across the shoulders and upper chest, changing to the 6 from the underarm down the sides to the 4 at the hip. In hindsight I could have lengthened the body by about 3cm, but luckily it’s just long enough. Looking at the photos, I need to make a note to lower the armhole for the next time. The fabrics work really well together, they have just about the same amount of stretch and body. I did not go straight into overlocking the contrast sections of the pattern together! All was first done on the sewing machine whith a long, narrow zigzag. Once I was happy with the points, I threaded up the overlocker and went for it.
The joining seam on the contrast sections is pressed down and topstitched with a 2.5mm twin needle. It was a little tricky trying to find a suitable coloured thread for this, they’re either too green or too blue! Once I was ready to insert the sleeves, I again machine basted the contrast seam section. My overlocker is just too happy to reach that bulky area and move things 1-2cm… Speaking of which, the Janome really doesn’t like the bulk of this ponte when it gets to intersecting seams. I might have to break out the Bernina instead. And I need a new cutting blade. Should have put one on my Christmas list! 🙂
Basting really helped and the contrast yokes line up really well. I love the look from the back when you see the half contrast of the sleevehead, and the neckband. Daughter No2 is very happy with my decision to go ahead with the contrast (despite initial misgivings) and loves her new sweatshirt.
Speaking of new sweatshirts, I didn’t get to take a picture of Daughter No1’s Christmas red Toaster on, but here’s a peek at the special lable inside. I hope it will remind her of the moose decals on the van she and her partner hired for their little USA adventure a couple of years ago.
Having the Fraser pattern out has given me a couple of ideas to use up some of the smaller pieces of ponte and quilted jersey left over after other projects. I might see if I can get a couple of 3/4 or even short sleeved versions done. Leave no scrap unused!
I am in the market for some lovely French Terry, I want to make the zip-up hoodie #119 from the January issue of Burda 2018, joining Hila of Saturday Night Stitch in an all new sparkling Burda Challenge! Who’s in??
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 
What a lovely sweatshirt! The combination of colour/print is perfect. I hope you won’t take this the wrong way as it’s 100% a compliment – it’s like a Star Trek uniform gone chic. I might have to consider this pattern for some scrap-busting myself. By the way, I’ve been very happy with the French terry I got from Lillestoff.de (they ship internationally, or Kitschy-coo.co.uk carries some of it); they call it “sweat” but it’s stretch French terry.
haha, love it! Daughter No2 is pleased with the association too! 🙂
Thank you for reminding me Nina about Lillestoff.de! I forgot all about them and their fabrics are excellent quality and their shipping charges were VERY reasonable considering I’m in Canada. I love your Fraser Sweatshirt, Anne! I was sad when Tasia sold Sewaholic and is no longer designing – I would imagine that once her patterns are sold out (whoever has any left!) that will be the last of them so you were lucky to get this pattern!
All the Sewaholic Patterns I have are great, I’ve only used this one 3 times now, and really should have it out more often!
I love how you’ve paired these fabrics, Anne. Perfectly highlights that sweetheart detail at the front. 🙂
Thanks Janene!
Daughter No.2 is very lucky indeed! That twin needle topstitching is the stuff of dreams! I had given up on twin needles but I am tempted to try again. x
It all depends on the width between the needles and the fabric you’re using. This was a 2.5mm, but I also have a 4mm that’s perfect for thicker jersey like ponte. Because the fabric has more bulk it doesn’t make a ridge in the middle.
Thanks for the tip. x
And thanks for the shout out 🙂