Ooooooh, my first finished Sew Twists and Ties project!
This is the Jarrah Sweater, one of Megan Nielsen's latest patterns, definitely fitting for the Sew Twists and Ties challenge!
I bought it a) because it's cute and b) because I wanted to support Megan since she started releasing her patterns in a wider size range, in a clever way with the middle sizes overlapping making it easier for us in-betweenies to get all the sizes we need!
Jarrah is a dropped shoulder sweatshirt pattern with all sorts of options for different hem, sleeve and neckline finishes. This is View C, the tied hem with a crew neckline and cuffed sleeves. I just thought the tie was so cute, and it fit perfectly with my Sew Twists and Ties theme!
This is a size 16, which matches my bust measurement. I'm happy with the fit! I think the only thing I would change next time is to skip the cuffs and narrow the lower sleeve slightly. I'm finding them ever so slightly long and wide.
The fabric I chose is some beautiful deep red rib knit from Imagine Gnats. It's a 1x1 rib in a bamboo, cotton and spandex blend. It's delightful! Stretchy, great recovery, super soft and drapey. The ribs are so small that it barely looks ribbed; it's got a lightweight sweater knit feel to it.
To do the hemming and topstitching on the cuffs and neckline, I used my new coverstitch machine for the first time! I even changed the thread color from the factory installed white and turned a corner at the ends of the ties... I struggled a little bit sewing in the round, though. I found finishing off and getting the threads loose from the machine at the end to be difficult. I'm going to study up a bit before I give it another go.
I used Heat n Bond Soft Stretch to help with the hemming around the bottom, at the recommendation of Jess- thanks, Jess! Super helpful for the ties, in particular. Speaking of the ties, I used this tutorial on Megan Nielsen's blog to help with getting a neat, almost mitered finish at the pointy ends of the ties.
I really like my Jarrah! I may cut off the cuffs so they're not so saggy, but otherwise I think it's a cute and fun alternative to tucking in your shirt or wearing a crop top, perfect for pairing with high waist pants or skirts.
Are you planning or working on a project for Sew Twists and Ties? If so, how's it going? I hope you're finding the challenge inspiring!
