The December box was a lot of fun and included a great pattern as well an as an extra gift thrown in!
The Ficus Cardigan by Sew Like My Mom was the featured pattern and included sweater knit was simply perfect for it.
I love sewing cardigans as gifts because you don’t need to have exact measurements to make one that fits. In fact, cardigans are my most gifts handmade item! So, when I saw this pattern and fabric, I knew it had to become a gift for my friend!
The pattern was an easy sew and I love the peplum design. I felt that the sizing ran slightly big and would probably size down next time. The sweater knit was a light-medium weight, making it easy to sew. Very lightweight knits can be a pain to sew!
The mini project for the December box was a fabric ornament kit with fabric from The Sewciety’s featured designer of the quarter, Alexandra Bordallo, from her Dew and Moss collection.
I’ll be honest, the last project kit from this brand gave me a run for my money with all the hand stitching. So I’ll let you in on a little secret: HOT GLUE. I know the project is missing all the pretty hand stitches, and the glue could stand to be a lot neater, but my stitches were awful and my fingers hurt from trying. So, hot glue to the rescue!
Along with all the regular notions, the box also contained an extra Christmas surprise: pattern weights! I love the size and I put them to use right away.
January Sneak Peak
The January box includes a pattern from one of my favorite designers, Greenstyle Creations. They have the most variety of active wear patterns I’ve come across and include some really cool styles.
The Elevate Crop Top and Coverup is a two for one pattern! The crop top is super cute and on trend, and the overlay has lots of different options. I love the low back, which shows off all those cute strappy sports bras.
The fabric for the overlay is a thin gray knit, which unfortunately, I found difficult to work with on certain parts of the pattern. Thin knits can be tricky to work with so I made a few changes in order to use my serger for most of the construction to make it a tad easier. I used bands instead of binding as I was afraid my sewing machine might eat the fabric and rip it. I had to seam rip one section and it got a hole very easily!
I had the most trouble with the back strap. The instructions said to fold it in thirds and sew it with a stretch stitch or a coverstitch. I tried both: my machine ate the first one and ripped a hole in it and the coverstitch just didn’t look good. For my third try, I just folded right sides together, serged, and turned out. In order to avoid my sewing machine eating the fabric again, I hand stitched the strap onto the back of shirt.
I am happy with how the shirt turned out, despite the challenges I had. I’d like to try it again with a heavier weight fabric to see if it’s any easier. I definitely recommend using a serger for the construction, as my serger didn’t have any problems with the fabric like my sewing machine did. I haven’t had a chance to make the crop top but I am excited to try that next. The overlay is perfect for wearing to and from the gym as well as just out and about!
The January box ships out next week so be sure to grabs yours soon!
