First Hoodie

Hi there. I had the flu last weekend and I'm playing catchup.

Sewing Update: Skirt is still waiting for the lining. Traced & fit BWOF top 114 from October '08. I have some pretty turquoise knit that I'm anxious to use for this. It might have to wait, though, as I signed up for a fitting class next Tuesday at The Sewing Workshop! I'm excited about this one. You are supposed to bring in a muslin and then it will be adjusted and marked in class. The goal is to go home with a muslin ready to recut and sew. I'm hoping to learn my key adjustments for pants and, since I like side zips best, I'm thinking of these simple pants (132) also from the October '08 BWOF (what a great issue!). Maybe they're too plain to use on this class. What do you think? On the yarn front, I made another attempt at a hat and it bombed again. This time it was only a mini-bucket but that was enough for me so I'm putting all crochet aside for a few weeks. Baby Gift Front: Also had to postpone making baby items for this particular baby shower event. I'll have to purchase something ready-made for now but I still have 6 weeks until the baby is born. :)

And now for a pattern review. This is from Burdastyle and was free when I downloaded. Now it's available for a small fee. Well worth it still, I think. Fabric: Rayon-Lycra Knit [See other projects in this fabric]
Pattern Description:
Hoodie Variation on the Lydia shirt
Pattern Sizing:
sizes 32-44 available - I cut a 40
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, but I think it goes unnoticed how voluminous the hood is in the picture! : )
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Pros: This is just a great pattern. The directions were easy (except for the hood part - more on that later) and there was nothing really "tricky" to it. I lucked out in that the fit turned out without alterations needed as well. Very easy and quick (i.e., satisfying) for a beginner.
Cons: The hoodie part of the Lydia doesn't really have directions that are helpful to a beginner. I tried to look at ones in the closet but they were obviously meant to be better made. In the end, I just ended up attaching it with a small zig-zag. Since the hood is so big (to be read: gigantic) it ended up that you mostly just see the backside of my fabric when it is not up. Also, it's so large that it actually has a bit of weight. I didn't like either of those things but just can't seem to rip it out successfully. I must have made the zigzag too tight. (?)
Fabric Used:
Rayon-poly knit, I think. $1.99 / yd.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
None but I would recommend making the hood smaller and possibly even lining it before attaching. I think that would make for a nice look but then maybe the weight of the hood would be a problem. Too inexperienced to make that call. : )
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would both sew it again and recommend it (although probably without the hood). It has easy steps and the knit is forgiving.
Conclusion:
Great easy and quick project. The shirt is great. Consider if you really want to add the hood.

That's it for today. Have a fantastic weekend!
Rachel S.