Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Sew Twists and Ties: Jarrah Sweater in Rib Knit

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!