If you are on Instagram and like to follow the news of the sewing community around the world, then you have certainly seen the Toaster Sweater! As part of the Sew My Style Challenge it was the first pattern of the year and all January I kept seeing it in hundreds of different versions! It was inevitable to try and make my own!
During the winter months (winter here lasts from mid October to May/April, depending on the year) I can get very very cold. I really like to wear dresses and skirts and fancy blouses even when its cold outside, but there are a few days when the thermometer hits -10 degrees and you simply can’t get away with anything else but a warm sweater and a pair of jeans. So I have a few knitted sweaters in my wardrobe (store bought, because sadly I can’t knit) but I really wanted to make something by myself, too! The Toaster sweater seemed ideal!
I picked a warm knitted fabric with enough stretch (pattern calls for at least 20% stretch) that was originally intended to become a dress. I’m so glad I changed my mind and made a sweater instead, because I realised it’s a bit see through for a dress and I wouldn’t bother to line it! Anyway, it has a really nice print with colors I really like! Perfect combo!
I printed, sticked and traced the pattern last night, while watching “Shameless” with my fioncee and Sunday morning I cut it and started sewing. It was a really quick make (the whole process took me almost 2 hours and that included a 20 minute break for late breakfast). The only thing I found a bit confusing was the vent. If you notice at the photos, the Toaster Sweater is a bit longer at the back and has a vent on both sides. I struggled a bit with mitering the corners and had to look online for directions. Fortunately there is a Sewalong at the Sew House Seven website, with step by step photos and I finally got it right. Turns out I was putting wrong sides together, where it said right sides together -silly me!
I went for version 2, because I liked the style of the semi-high neck. Version 1 has a high neck,w hich I don’t normally like wearing! It is slightly cropped but I don’t mind!
Now to the pattern review:
Pattern Sizing: XS to XXL I cut a size Medium, following my measurements. Turned out as expected!
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, apart from the part mentioned above “Mitering the corners”. I found the illustration a bit confusing but managed to figure it out when looked at the explanatory photos at their website.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Easy and quick to make, the style of the neck is quite unusual from the sweaters I usually see and I found it very unique. I also like the hi-low hem.
Fabric Used: Knitted fabric with stretch.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Didn’t make any.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Definitely. I will make a few more in plain fabrics, it’s always nice to be able to sew a beautiful sweater in such a short tiem! I would definitely recommend it to beginners, although it requires some experience with working with stretching fabrics, but other than that it’s very easy!
It turned out so beautiful! I really love the print and the colors – especially on you. I’m trying to view your video however, Youtube is slow today and it’s not coming up. I will try again later – can’t wait! Thanks for posting!