Hey Califabrics blogreaders! How are you? How’s the New Year going so far? For me, it’s been coooooooolllldddd! I’m not sure where in the world you are, but I’m in Calgary, which is in the Western-ish part of Canada, and we are having a very snowy and cold winter this year. No outdoor pictures for me! Ha!

So the cold weather means I want to sew all the cozy things! I have been eyeing the Sew House 7 Toaster Sweater 1 for quite sometime now, so when this gorgeous sweater knit arrived from Califabrics, it was a no brainer. (I should also mention that while Califabrics recommends you handwash this fabric, I threw it in the washer and dryer and it survived. It may have shrunk slightly though, so just be aware of that if you decide to live on the edge like me.)

This knit is actually a little bit more lightweight, and less stable than what the pattern calls for, but I had a feeling that it would work out for the look that I wanted. As you can see, the neckband doesn’t sit up, it kind of flops down like a cowl, but I really like it that way. I think it makes the sweater a bit dressier. I can also fold the neck down for a little bit different look, kind of like a funnel neck.

For this pattern, I chose a size large, based both on the size chart and the finished measurements. I didn’t shorten/lengthen the pattern or make any adjustments at all. This sweater is actually meant to be cropped, but because I’m so short, I think it’s actually the perfect length for me. The sleeves are slightly long, but I think that makes it feel even more snuggly, and they can easily be folded up.

I found the instructions that accompanied this pattern to be very good, and it was a quick , instant gratification sew. I constructed it completely on my serger, which wasn’t the easiest, as this pattern calls for 5/8″ seam allowances. But I realize that if you don’t have a serger, the 5/8″ seam allowance is very helpful. I also did the optional topstitching around the seams, but it’s really lost in this fabric.

You can see that my bottom band is a little wavy, but I think that was my own cutting error. I had just the right amount of fabric, and then I think it shrunk slightly. D’oh!  I followed the cutting guide, and had just enough fabric to squeak out that bottom band, so it may have gotten slightly off grain. Anyway, I don’t think it’s super noticeable to the average, non-sewist, and it won’t stop me from wearing it a ton.

What have you been sewing? Are you in Winter sewing mode? Or perhaps you’re full into summer sewing because you live in another hemisphere, which always makes me wonder, are you sewing things to wear right now, or are you way more organized than me, and sewing for the season coming up?

Heather is a self-professed sewing addict, fabric hoarder, and lover of pugs. She also blogs at www.thepugandneedle.com.