We all know I'm not the person for a minimalist wardrobe in the pinterest meaning of the word (aka white everything, scaring the crap out of me if I want to eat, drink or do whatever I'm doing that moment in that white, empty space *they* describe as the ultimate goal) Same goes for my wardrobe. I love mixing textures and prints into my outfits and my faux leather dress needed a new sweater to go with it.
I wanted to try Megan Nielsens' Briar top & sweater for ages since I've seen people looking fabulous in them all over the internet and in real life (
hello, Stéphanie!) so I knew I had to try and see if it would work for me too!
Details
Measurements and size
My bust is 38″,so I went for M
My waist is 28″ so a S would do
I picked a M, since I wanted it to fit well across the bust. you can always take it in, but you can't let it out! My last make
with a Megan Nielsen pattern learned me that I need to make at least an M in her sizing.
Pattern and Construction
I used the PDF version of the Briar pattern. Taping it together already happened in July (shocker!) but I remember it coming together quickly and without a lot of head scratching. After measuring the sleeves I added 2.5 cm to the length, I have really long arms and I hate it when my sleeves are too short. I'm so used to roll up my sleeves, that I usually do so, but I love having the option to have them at full length.
Since this was such an easy make, I didn't really looked for the instructions. I simply sewed the shoulder seams together and added some fusible tape so the shoulders wouldn't stretch out over time. This turned out to be a good decision, since the knit is superstretchy and has no idea what "recovery" means.
I finished the neckline with a band. I used the provided pattern piece and it worked out perfectly.
Everything was sewn on the overlock, except for hems which I sewed with a zigzag stitch on my sewing machine. I seriously miss the coverlock I borrowed from Joost, so I plan on investing in one in the very near future. It gives a much more professional finish without all the hassle of twin-needles. I know how to use them and get good results, but a coverlock is about 1000x times easier to use!
Adjustments & final thoughts
During fitting, I noticed that the shoulder seams where 4 cm down my shoulder point. That wasn't the look I was going for (or the look the pattern was going for!) so I shortened the shoulders with about 4 cm. See shots below (also shared on
Instagram in the process) for the difference before and after.
I really like this sweater and have been wearing him already (literally: sewn Sunday evening: worn Monday & Tuesday!)
Next time I might try making a size S with an FBA. I think the proportions are a bit off. Whatever I decide on doing, this sweater needs more length at the front next time. When I pull up my arms, it's a good thing I'm also wearing a dress. If I ever make this as a t-shirt, there will be a lot of lenght added.
So, I expect to be back here soon with a bit more finished makes! I have a pile of projects that need finishing such as a wearable muslin version of Sewaholic's Nicola that only needs buttons and buttonholes, a jersey maxi dress that needs a hem, and a bunch of other projects that are in various stages of 'not yet done'
I've also been working like a true #girlboss on a series of client projects which I can't wait to share with you all!
Onto the next sewing adventure!
I really like this sweater and have been wearing him already (literally: sewn Sunday evening: worn Monday & Tuesday!)
Next time I might try making a size S with an FBA. I think the proportions are a bit off. Whatever I decide on doing, this sweater needs more length at the front next time. When I pull up my arms, it's a good thing I'm also wearing a dress. If I ever make this as a t-shirt, there will be a lot of lenght added.
So, I expect to be back here soon with a bit more finished makes! I have a pile of projects that need finishing such as a wearable muslin version of Sewaholic's Nicola that only needs buttons and buttonholes, a jersey maxi dress that needs a hem, and a bunch of other projects that are in various stages of 'not yet done'
I've also been working like a true #girlboss on a series of client projects which I can't wait to share with you all!
Onto the next sewing adventure!