Linden meets Liberty fleece
After eight months of maturing in the stash, I’m so pleased that this gorgeous Liberty fleece is now in a wearable format.
I’m sure my chosen pattern, Grainline Studio’s Linden Sweatshirt, needs little introduction.
I know, I know, you want to find out more about the fleece. I think ‘heavenly’ is the best description! The quality is amazing, but you’d expect that from Liberty, and it’s so cosy and warm. I purchased the fabric last September from Tessuti who amazingly got their hands on a few ex-designers rolls which sold out in a blink of an eye.
How awesome is the floral print? I’m enjoying wearing this spring-time print while others around me are dressed black or other dark colours. Melbourians are known for their love of black, whereas I like to do my own thing!
Liberty fleece is 100% cotton and has minimal stretch. The Linden Sweatshirt is drafted for fabric with a minimum of 20% stretch. Living on the edge people! With this in mind, and knowing that I was going to use the fleece for the neckband, cuffs and hem band, I knew I’d need to lengthen those pattern pieces.
These days I trace and cut my patterns on the flat… see you can teach an old dog new tricks! For the size 8, I added 4cm to the neckband, 3cm to the cuffs and 2cm to the hem band pattern pieces. If you cut any pieces on the fold you’ll need to halve those amounts. Please note, there was no science to my lengthening… it was just a gut feel kind of a thing… but it worked for me and I am very relieved!
To ensure that the neckline sat flat, the neckband was stretched to within an inch of it’s life. To avoid the whole neckline stretching out during this process I applied fusible stay tape to the neckline section of the front, back and sleeve pieces. To tell you the truth, I’m a little addicted to fusible stay tape. Do you share my addiction?
My biggest challenge with this sew was the ensure that I didn’t attached the neckline, cuffs and hem band upside down. Success!
My last Linden was in a drapey medium weight knit which gave it a lovely slouchy feel. The Liberty fleece is definitely more structured but it still moulds to your body. Here is the compare-off between two size 8s. What other things do you notice… apart from my differing facial expressions?
Pattern: Grainline’s Linden Sweatshirt (pdf & paper)
Size: 8
Fabric: Liberty fleece from Tessuti (long sold out!)
Alterations: Shortened the sleeves by a total of 2″ (5cm). Added length to the neckband, cuffs and bottom band to account for the lack of stretch in my the fleece.
Accessories: Gifted flowers… thank-you Sharon!
I LOVE THIS!!! This is my favorite Linden I’ve seen pop up! Ah-mazing…
Wow Rachel. That’s quite the compliment. Thank-you. 🙂
I adore that second shot of you. Just beautiful. And I adore this Linden. I’m not much of a sweatshirt girl as they normally swamp my smallish frame and make me look frumpish… like I’m wearing a “sweat shirt”. I think I need one of these though! It really is lovely – are these shot at your house??
Thanks Jillian, and yes, my garage door is featuring in these photos!
That fabulous fabric looks great on you ! You have quite a talent.
Kind words Kathy. Thanks.
Anna this is divine!!! Your style is fabulous and this is such a happy, glorious Linden – perfect 😉
Thanks Nic. There would be no way to wear this Linden and be grumpy.
Just so you know, I am coming to Melbourne for Frocktails and I WILL steal this from you! You have been warned. To save the anguish, feel free to post me this top now 🙂
Sorry my dear, I’m not giving this one us easily!
Wow, totally beautiful and so you. Love this.
Thanks Louise
You know I Iove this all over! Thanks for letting me try it on (you’re lucky I gave it back ;-), and for the band/cuff tips too.
Always lovely to see you Lisa. Here’s hoping that you can find a way to make your Liberty Linden work.
The fabric reminds me of Monet’s water lilies paintings. Beautifully made.
My thoughts exactly – the colours are very reminiscent of a Monet painting! Perfect for brightening up an autumn/ winter day!
I hadn’t considered this before, but yes, the print is very Monet like. Thanks Anna & Dianne
This fabric is just so pretty and your Linden has been an ideal pattern to show it off. That neckband is absolutely perfect. Beautiful!
Thanks Jean. I’m very proud of my neckline.
I love colours, and whatever the weather there and in the UK, your clothes make me jealous, beautiful construction and print 🙂
Thanks. Here’s hoping the sun can remember to shine in the UK this summer.
Lovely! I have heard that the Liberty fleece requires additional thought since it doesn’t stretch. Your modifications worked a treat!
Thanks Sarah Jo. It was rather nerve racking cutting into the fleece, but once I was on my way it was smooth sailing (phew). I’m off on a sewing weekend soon and my Linden has been packed!
Divine – and yay you for adding colour to Melbourne 🙂
My thoughts exactly Jane 🙂
So pretty! That fabric is to die for! Your photos are so nice too.
Beautiful fabric does require simple garments to let it shine. My dear friend is an excellent photographer. She brings out the best in me!
Let’s be honest. I think we ALL want to run away with that Liberty Linden! It is absolutely gorgeous! I wonder what prints will be available in fleece in the Fall release. You were smart to snap up yours last September!
LOL… I think there would be many a happy person with this Linden in their wardrobe. I must say my stash feels a little incomplete without some Liberty fleece in it. I will be eagerly awaiting the fall release too!
Why wear black when you can wear such gorgeous colors so well? Love your new Liberty Linden!
Thanks Sue… and my thoughts exactly!
Well, isn’t that goregeous!!
Too bad that fabric is sold out, it likely is worth to pay the price of it for the joy of wearing something like this.
Cheers!
M
Thank-you 🙂
Wow – this is the most beautiful fleece sweatshirt ever! Very pretty and feminine.
Very kind words Caroline. Thanks.
Thrilled to see you Liberty Linden! I’m sitting here in my Linden (Liberty Morris Pink Loopback) inspired by another blogger in Canada. I have worn it almost everyday since I made it two weeks ago. I have two other Liberty fleeces in my stash ready to go as my next two Lindens. I added two inches to the neckband too. I top-stitched all the seams (except the side seams).
Great minds and all that. I’m rather jealous that you have two more pieces of liberty fleece in your stash. I’d dearly love to get my hands on some more.
Wow! That fleece is definitely a winner. I love your linden. I would never stop wearing it if I made it. Gorgeous!
Thanks Kat. It’s already on high rotation.
That fabric is gorgeous and such gorgeous fabric needed a simple shape to show it off. You have done a great job of marrying pattern and fabric.
Thanks Andrea. Now I just need to get my hands on some more of this gorgeous fabric.
Anna, this is beautiful! I’m so jealous. I am going to hunt down some of this fabric right now! Great take on the Linden, my favourite I think! xx
Thanks Caroline. The Liberty fleece is well worth the investment.