As I continue along in my pregnancy my desire to sew for myself really fluctuates. I went through a period where I wanted to sew but not for myself. You'd think this would instantly equal baby sewing but we have so many hand-me-downs that it just feels like a drop in the bucket.
Seamwork magazine recently came out with their menswear addition and I was quite taken by the idea of making some clothes for my partner. I thought the Paxson was definitely his style so showed him the pattern photos and asked him what he thought.
"Love that mustard colour" was his response.
"But what about the sweater itself?"
"What do you mean, it's mustard, it's awesome."
So this is obviously not a mustard sweater. I did set out and visited 2 fabric stores in the search for some appropriate mustard fabric. Admittedly they were across the street from each other, but it was a search. I settled on a nice mid-weight wool sweater knit in olive. Any colour regularly worn in the 70's is on my partner's to wear list so I figured I was safe. Plus, now he matches our couch.
Seamwork magazine recently came out with their menswear addition and I was quite taken by the idea of making some clothes for my partner. I thought the Paxson was definitely his style so showed him the pattern photos and asked him what he thought.
"Love that mustard colour" was his response.
"But what about the sweater itself?"
"What do you mean, it's mustard, it's awesome."
So this is obviously not a mustard sweater. I did set out and visited 2 fabric stores in the search for some appropriate mustard fabric. Admittedly they were across the street from each other, but it was a search. I settled on a nice mid-weight wool sweater knit in olive. Any colour regularly worn in the 70's is on my partner's to wear list so I figured I was safe. Plus, now he matches our couch.
Seamwork magazine has been running for a few months. It's a monthly online sewing magazine that you can read for free. They seemed to have recently changed their subscription model so that you can pay $6/month and that gives you credit to purchase any 2 patterns from their catalogue. I hadn't subscribed yet, but the flexibility of the new subscription model and the low price convinced me to give it a try. I can see a few other patterns that I'll likely use credits on when my waistline returns. It also doesn't feel so bad as I do enjoy the monthly articles.
As far as the pattern goes, it's a PDF that was relatively straight-forward to put together. The style is supposed to be unisex but the sizes run large and the chest, waist and hip measurements are all the same so this isn't a pattern that I would use for women, unless you are someone who looks amazing in men's clothing.
I cut a size M based on my partners chest measurement and made a quick muslin in some fleece. It was too snug and the neckline was very high, especially for his taste. This version is a L with the neckline lowered. I should have made the neckband a bit wider and longer than I did as it was overstretched during construction leading to an ravelled mess that looks botched and wavy on the back of the neckline. I think it will settle a bit with a wash and a block (which I didn't do here) but still.
Otherwise my partner is very happy with the fit of this sweater as is. He likes the length, but looking at the photos I wonder if the sleeves are a bit short (he is 6'2"). Perhaps this is more functional though and they don't get in the way. I will have to ask.
We are both very happy with this sweater. It was a very basic pattern but sometimes that's exactly what you want. My partner stated he would also be happy with a red one if I get back to the fabric store while they still have this fabric in stock. I also had to tell him to put it in the wash after 5 days of consecutive wear. A win for sure!