Getting ready for cooler temperatures by sewing up some sweaters!
This is the Tallinn Sweater from Hey June... it's an asymmetrical cross-over bodice sweater pattern with drop shoulder sleeves and either a turtleneck or cowl neck.
The Tallinn was incredibly quick to sew... since all of the edges are finished with bands and the sleeves with cuffs, there is no hemming needed!
I went for the turtleneck version because of fabric limitations, although I'm quite drawn to the slouchy cowl neck, too. And I've seen some versions with a t-shirt style neckband from Emily at Enjoyful Makes, which is also pretty cool.
Size-wise, my measurements put me at an XL bust and 2XL hip. The pattern says the hip is "free size," but I didn't want my hips to pull the front bodice pieces apart, so I decided to grade up one size at the hip to a 1XL. I'm happy with my size choice! No pulling, as far as I can tell.
I'm still not convinced that long-sleeved drop shoulder sleeves are my best look, but I don't hate them on this. Next time I might alter the armscye so that the seam hits on the shoulder. The sleeves are also a bit long for me, but no big deal.
For my sweater, I chose this charcoal grey Hacci sweater knit that I have had in my stash for approximately eleventy million years. I think it's from Girl Charlee, but I can't remember. It's quite soft and drapey, and a bit on the thin side. It worked well for this sweater, although its thinness is contributing to the band on the under-flap showing through a bit!
My serger has been acting up and I don't trust it to make secure seams, so I sewed the seams with a zigzag stitch and then finished them with the serger.
I could see making the Tallinn sweater in all the fabrics... thicker sweatshirt or quilted knits, jersey, french terry... so many options! It would be fun to play with stripes on the bands. Since they don't really require stretch, you could turn the stripes the opposite way on the bands. Or maybe that would be too much? We shall see!
