Pandering to my love of a novelty print
Is there a place for a novelty print jumper in my wardrobe? Hell yes!
I purchased this panda sweatshirt fabric from Crafty Mamas Fabrics in August last year (now sold out) because… pandas and orange. Enough said. The bonus was that it’s a lovely quality fabric.
When our Autumn weather finally arrived last week, this jumper was the first thing I sewed. The fabric was designed by Andrea Lauren and this design, and many others, are available in her shop on Spoonflower.
The pattern needs no introduction… Grainline’s Linden Sweatshirt is loved far and wide. This is my third version and it’s unlikely to be my last. Although, I am keen to try the Sloane Sweatshirt from Named as I’m curious about those French darts.
I have a love/hate relationship with hem bands. Actually, it’s more hate than love. For this version, I ignored the hem band, added and inch to the front and back pattern pieces and secured the hem with a twin needle. I’m really pleased with the result.
Just like on my Liberty fleece version, I used the main fabric for the neckband and cuffs. As my panda fabric had less stretch than the suggested ribbing, I added a little length to those pieces. Sorry, I was just going on gut feel and didn’t document my changes… my bad.
My final tweak… I removed one and a half inches from the sleeve length. I wasn’t blessed with long limbs!
Pattern: Grainline’s Linden Sweatshirt (pdf & paper)
Size: 4
Fabric: Sweatshirt fabric purchased from Crafty Mamas Fabrics (sold out) and designed by Andrea Lauren
Alterations: Shortened the sleeves by a total of 1.5″ (4 cm). Added length to the neckband and cuffs to account for the lack of stretch in my the fleece. Left off the hem band and added length to the body of the sweatshirt and hemmed with a twin needle.
Accessories: Scarf from Scarlet Jones and boots from Florsheim
Your panda print top will be a conversation starter and something cheery to wear on grey days. I like your alternative to adding a hem band.
Thanks Anna. I look forward to making a couple more of these. Easy to sew and easy to wear.
Great panda fabric, looks so cosy – Autumn has not made it’s way up to the subtropics yet, but might have to start thinking about ditching any more summer projects soon!
Autumn has definitely arrived in Melbourne and it’s all about sewing for the cooler months in my house. I would loved to have squeezed a few more summer projects in, but they will have to patiently wait for next year.
It’s fabulous, Anna! It looks amazing on you, very fun make! 🙂
Easy to sew and easy to wear are big ticks in my books. The fun fabric is just a bonus!
Love your top – it is one of those garments that just make you smile! Beautifully finished too!
Yes, it is one of those tops that just makes you smile. I don’t think I could feel gloomy when wearing it!
Cute! Gotta love novelty and brights. I’m loving those jeans, but then that’s probably not surprising since… denim. xxx
I got that denim thing going too. These black babes were a Esprit purchase last year.
I love it. I also love a novelty print but thought maybe I should grow out of them. You’ve changed my mind.
Age is just a number in my books Juju.
Isn’t the Linden a great pattern! what a fun fabric you used 🙂
It is a great pattern Sasha. There will be more Linden’s in my life!
Wow, I have never wanted to steal something more! I love this. Louise x
Thanks Louise. I can see your comment was written with a tinkle in your eye and I love that!
That is so cute!
Sigh. If only this cutie looked as good on me as it does on you! Two thumbs up lady!
I love all of your Lindens, and orange with pandas – I wouldn’t have believed it was a winning combination until now = fabulous!! Inspired by these, I might just have to try a ‘jumper’ this autumn 😉
i love this color and design is very beautiful……
Thanks