Burdastyle cocoon sweater

This is Burdastyle's cocoon sweater #107/11/2013

I chose to make it with a mystery fabric from my "private collection". It's a short shaggy fun fur on the right side and a fleece on the wrong side. Being short on yardage I thought I would make the outer binding with some of the leftover embossed pleather I had from another project.

The cover.

This pattern originally had inseam pockets. I opted out of them because they were going to flop around on the inside. Then I happened to come across an alternative pocket idea on Gayle Ortiz blog - Gayle does amazing work that I am always inspired by. I have never made this style of pocket so I will have to make it up as I go.

This was my process. Using my French curve I drafted my pocket shape.

 

I carefully fused some stabilizer around the edges so it would keep its shape. None of these fabrics like heat! Just missed a melting disaster!

 

I then used a 1 1/2 inch binding, stitched,and trimmed seam.

 

I folded my binding over, but didn't turn it under so it wouldn't create extra bulk.

From the right side, using my in the ditch foot, stitched it down. I avoided sewing on top of the pleather.

Using my pocket shape as a guide I cut the pocket and finished the edges on the serger.

After pinning everything in place - I stitched around the shape of the pocket from the back. Now when I flip it over....

Poof! A pocket appears! That was fun and easy and no floppy inseam pocket jobby.I'm just going to mention here, that some of theses new fake leathers do not show pin marks. I'm pinner ,so that makes me happy.

Now it will tie in nicely with the rest of my pleather binding. This shaggy fabric is very forgiving other wise I would have top stitched from the front. I don't know if these pockets have a name. If anyone knows please leave me a comment and fill me in.

 

I did make a few customizations to this pattern. I shortened the length by 2" before cutting it out.

Also, after attaching the binding,the cocoon tail had a funny little sticky out-y fling to it , I took it apart 3!!! Times - it would just not conform to my wishes-so I just wacked it off. As a hairdresser for 30+ yrs - I am fearless with scissors;) besides it was still way long on me as I am only 5'3" . I then added a box pleat at the bottom to give it a nice inward curve. I like it. I also think that sitting on the pleather would have wrinkled it in an unhealthy way. I hand stitched the hem- I'm kinda old fashioned.

Inside view.

Ta da!

It's so warm and cozy!!!

All the women at work want it. I think it could really be dressed up as well. I have some faux grey lambs wool begging to become a cocoon too.

The next one will be another inch or two shorter. My legs are longer in real life!Thanks for stopping by.

 

Posted with Blogsy

McCalls 7020

So easy, this little top! It's basically all rectangles. If you are looking for something fitted then this is not the pattern for you. McCalls 7020

I have read a few reviews on this one and learned it was very loose fitting, so I decided to make it extra small. I am usually an 8-10 size. My plan worked out because I didn't end up overwhelmed in fabric. I used a really light weight fleece from the stash. This could have been a disaster if the fleece was heavy or thick.

 

I decided to jazz it up a bit using some textured faux leather on the sleeve fronts which is very current in RTW these days . I just eye balled the size and shape. Then using a small zig zag stitch all around. Being careful not to let it wave. A Teflon foot helped it glide over the fabric.

I thought I would change up the neckline by using the faux leather as a binding - this was a disaster! It was all wonky and wouldn't play nice at all. Somehow I recovered it by attaching a stand up collar that I rolled over and tacked down. I wasn't happy with it but my sister dropped over as I was trying It on and she said she liked it so just I went with it. I have worn it a few times and have received lots of compliments so I guess it looks better then I originally believed. I will make it again in a light weight sweater knit and I promise to follow the instructions next time!

It's warm and cozy to wear and right now that makes me happy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Posted with Blogsy