Toaster Sweater with Measure Fabric

Hello hello!

I’m in the thick of fall sewing this month with lots of fun things going on. First up is my third Toaster Sweater, pattern by Sew House Seven from Indiesew. You can see my other versions here and here.

The story behind this Toaster Sweater is, well not very interesting actually but goes like this. I picked this really pretty Matelasse Honeycomb Pattern from Measure Fabric thinking it was a knit. My plan was to make a cozy sweatshirt with it. When it came in the mail I noticed it had zero stretch. Not a knit. I kind of started to panic, I ONLY order fabric if I have a pretty immediate plan for it. This fabric is heavier, structured, and 100% cotton. I mulled it over for a week or so and could not wrap my mind around this fabric not being a knit, and what to make with it. So many of you offered some really great ideas, but after a weeks worth of mulling I decided a Toaster Sweater would be the safest bet. No bands, wide neckline, the only problem I saw was the sleeves being too tight/stiff.

3-4 weeks later I finnnallly get around to sewing it up. To my credit I had other deadlines to meet so I wasn’t technically putting it off. Does anyone else put things off they aren’t entirely sure about? So anyways, literally two days ago I sat down to sew it up. (The whole thing came together in a day, super fast sew). I basted the sleeves first to check the fit and they were perfect.

Yesterday I put it on with some skinny jeans, and the matelasse became softer and less stiff with wear. I was quite comfortable in it too! It’s saying a lot if I kept it on all day, I’m usually in my lounge wear/pjs by 4 pm. (I wish I could wear lounge wear/athleisure wear during the day but I just can’t, what is wrong with me?). Anyways.

As I was walking out the door yesterday morning with my kids on our way to preschool and ballet, I had the genius idea to grab my camera. In my brain I pictured backing my car up to an old wall, opening the back hatch and propping my 5 year old there to snap some photos for me. It totally worked and she did a pretty awesome job.

I love the look of this structured top! Its warm, comfortable, and lavender! I don’t have anything lavender in my wardrobe, and I’m loving this feminine color. Sadly, this color is currently sold out, but the light green color is still available. I added 1″ in length to this version, with no other alterations.

I think this fabric would work great for an overcoat type pattern, maybe like the Berlin Jacket by Tessuti or even a structured Inari Tee Dress? It’s a really unique, and equally gorgeous fabric. Just keep in mind it is a bit stiff (think structured) and heavy.

I’m wearing my FAVORITE madewell jeans in a size 25, the fit is so so good.

Thanks for reading along, and stay tuned for many more things in the near future! Happy sewing!