If it’s Monday, it must be Must Make Monday (say that three times fast). Speaking of the number three, we have THREE inspiring projects for you today, and you’re going to want to make them all! If you’re looking for a handmade outfit that is both comfortable and chic, then this is the post for you. Just look at this:
Isn’t this amazing?! I heart this so much I don’t even know where to begin. The cute short-sleeve cardigan, the funky hem line on that skirt, the fun and versatile tank…all amazing. And with these fabrics and yarn, it’s all so comfy. I mean, I love to wear a cute outfit as much as the next person, but I love being comfortable in my clothes even more. Call me crazy, but I am not a fan of wearing clothes that make me angry by the end of the day. What’s the point? One of the reasons we make our own clothes is to escape the tyranny of an ill-fitting, mass-produced wardrobe! There’s even a hashtag for this; women everywhere love making and wearing #secretpajamas
You know you want to make this outfit, so let’s get down to it. First, that sweater:
The pattern is called Mama Vertebrae by Kelly van Niekerk, and you’ll want this one in your library. This top-down seamless knit is written for 8 sizes in 4 different yarn weights, and there are baby and child versions available. You’ll wear this cardy year-round because it’s perfect for layering when you find yourself feeling chilly, either outside or in the A/C! We stitched this one up in our very favorite worsted weight yarn, Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Worsted. If you haven’t used this staple yarn yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. This locally-dyed yarn is squishy without being overly soft, has beautiful stitch definition with minimal pilling, and because it’s 100% Superwash Merino, it’s machine washable. And the colors. OMG, the colors:
These photos really don’t do the yarn justice. It’s like trying to take a picture of a sunset; the photos never look as good as they do in person. You really need to get yourself to the shop to see it and feel it for yourself.
Now on to the tank. Yes, it’s a tank top; see the shoulder peeking out?
It’s called the Adventure Tank by Fancy Tiger Crafts:
Once this pattern is in your library, you’ll come back to it again and again. It’s written for light- to medium-weight knit fabrics, it gives you the option for either a scoop or crewneck, and you can finish the back in either a closed-back or racerback style. You can click here to see the many different ways people have stitched up this pattern. This one was made using an Italian rayon knit, and it’s beautiful. Have you been eyeing one of the premium knit fabrics at Stitch? A project with simple clean lines that doesn’t use a ton of fabric is the way to go. Treat yo’self! They carry an extensive selection of knits in a variety of weights and colors:
And you’ll stay right in that corner of the shop to find a knit for that stellar skirt. Just when I thought every variation of skirt has been done, Megan Nielsen comes out with her Axel Skirt pattern. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this one!
Notice there are three different options for the hemline? It’s really three skirt patterns in one! Our green-haired girl is modeling the “handkerchief hem,” and it’s a stunner. It adds such a dramatic flair! We made ours out of a modal jersey knit, which gives it a lovely drape and makes for maximum swoosh while you walk. Maximum swoosh is important. Here’s a closer look:
Of course if you’d rather make one of the other versions of this skirt, you could always use a heavier bottom-weight knit, like a ponte or terry. Click here to see how people in Internetland made this skirt. Endless possibilities!
We hope this inspires you to get stitching! If you make any of these projects and post them to social media, please use the hashtags #mustmakemonday #fibrespace #sewwithstitch. And speaking of hashtags, did you know that the creepy mannequins of fibre space are so famous, they have their own hashtag? You can check it out here: #fibrespacecreepymannequins
Happy Stitching!