Soft as butter
The Linden Sweatshirt was one of those patterns that didn’t appeal from the beginning. Don’t get my wrong, I love a raglan sleeve and a relaxed style, but I wasn’t convinced that this pattern was ‘me’. But then so many awesome versions were created and shared in the online sewing community that I soon realised that the humble sweatshirt didn’t just belong in the realm of exercise gear or comfy house clothes… it too could be stylish. Stylish and comfortable… I was in!
Once I’d got my head around the style stuff… a piece of liberty fleece from my stashing started screaming to be sewn into a Linden. I decided to make a (hopefully) wearable toile from some stash fabric before cutting into the precious fleece.
When shopping my stash I ummed and ahhhed about the main fabric and different ribbing combinations but finally settled on this buttery soft merino double knit (or was that ponit?) remnant from Tessuti. This fabric is gorgeous, but it was one of those cases that I didn’t realise how gorgeous it was until I was working with it. The merino sewed and pressed beautifully and had an amazing amount of drape.
I sewed up a size 8, as per my bust measurements, and the drape of my fabric makes for a very slouchy top. In hindsight, with this fabric I could probably have sized down one or maybe two sizes, but that’s not going to stop my wearing it!
Considering the Liberty fleece I plan to use for this pattern next has basically no stretch, I’m going to stick with the size 8. It will be interesting to compare the two finished items. I’m fascinated by how fabric, and in particular it’s drape, can effect sizing. I think it’s one of the reasons that I love a good pattern repeat as you can learn so much.
Before I sign off with some detail photos, a project summary and a photo out-take, a word of warning on sleeve length. I found the sleeves on this pattern to be on the long side. I removed 1 inch from both the lengthen/shorten lines on the sleeve pattern and then removed 3/8 inch from the end when attached the cuffs (that’s a total of 2 3/8 inches or 6 cm). I do consider myself to have shortish arms… but not that short! So if you are planning on making the Linden Sweatshirt I would recommend that you check your arm length against the pattern piece before cutting out your fabric.
Pattern: Grainline’s Linden Sweatshirt (pdf & paper)
Size: 8
Fabric: Merino double knit (ponti?) remnant from Tessuti
Alterations: Shortened the sleeves by a total of 2 3/8″ (6cm)
Accessories: Scarf purchased at Scarlet Jones & boots from Florsheim
perfect stitching, looks great with that beautiful scarf ;o)
Thanks. The scarf was one of those investment pieces that just keeps giving. I love it (and my new top!).
This style and colour looks so lovely on you Anna, will be interesting to see the Liberty made up and how they compare as well.
Thanks Dilliander. Now I just have to get over this head cold so I can trust myself to cut the Liberty fleece!
This is gorgeous, the colour and I can actually see the fabulousness of the fabric.
Thanks Erin. As you can probably guess I am very partial to shades of yellow.
That is just gorgeous. You are one of those people who can wear this colour so well. I love the colour too but it looks awful on me. Thanks for the tips on sewing the Linden. It’s on my to-sew list!
Thanks Melissa. I’m lucky that warm and bright colours suit me as they definitely brighten up a dreary Melbourne winter!
Oh lovely, I haven’t seen one in merino before! I’ve read elsewhere that the sleeves are quite long, although, for casual wear, I’m a bit of a fan of the over-long sleeve. But I think you’ve perfected the ‘dressy’ Linden!
Jane you say the nicest things.
That colour is gorgeous on you! I need to make this pattern asap. It is gorgeous.
It’s a great pattern Kat. I can definitely see you rocking a Linden… if you weather even gets cold enough!
Lovely! So bright, and that merino looks absolutely luscious, even just through a screen!
It’s the clothes of sneaky pjs Jo! I wish I had more of it in many colourways.
Hot damn, your stitching is RAD!!!! I am having trouble moving past that for the moment…. Okay, I’m back. I like the slouchy fit of this and how you’ve paired it with skinnies, fierce boots and a scarf. Yet again totes Anna!
Oh man. You ALWAYS find the right words to make my heart swell & my cheeks blush!
Love this top on you and it must be so warm in merino. Perfect for the Melbourne Winter.
It’s very warm & I can see it will be on high rotation this winter… and the next… and the one following that… 😉
Ooh, it’s gorgeous! I think the size you’ve used is just perfect with this fabric, it really *looks* soft and flowing and delectable :).
Thanks Gabrielle. I just finished my second Linden tonight & it’s amazing how different they look because of the fabrics used.
The colour is lovely it really suits you, and it looks so snuggly, but has a sophisticated edge to it!
One of my favourites 🙂
One of your favs Janette. That’s a big call…. 😀. Seriously though, this has been one of those makes that has taken me by surprise. I love it too!
This is gorgeous! I love that yellow!
Thanks Sonja. Strangely enough the postman delivered some yarn which is a very similar colour this week. How do these things happen?
Green boots! Yeah, yeah, yellow top, blah blah (I’m just joking sweets, it’s lovely). Green boots! Do not destroy me by telling me they’re black that appears green in photos.
Nothing wrong with your eyes my friend. The boots are green! I have black boots too but green are more fun. Speaking of boots I do feel the need for some red boots in my life…
Snap! I’ve had red suede knee high boots for years. Just can never figure out if they’re a bit too “Wonder Woman” or truly funky – will IG one day and get your opinion xx
Thanks for the tip Anna – I’ve been eyeing this pattern off. The mustardy yellow of the merino is delicious!
I’m a total Linden Sweatshirt convert. Buy it, make it, love it as much as I do!
Love this Anna. The colour and the simple shape is just perfect. Oh, and as someone with gorilla-esque arms I’m happy to hear that the Linden may fit me unaltered.
Thanks Shelley.
[…] last Linden was in a drapey medium weight knit which gave it a lovely slouchy feel. The Liberty fleece is […]