Hello, Sewcialists!
I’m Erica from Handmade Wardrobe. I live in Halifax, on the east coast of Canada, where I am a public librarian. I started sewing about 7 years ago when I became fed up with trying to make ready-to-wear items work for my petite (5’2″) but curvy body. When I’m not working or sewing, I’m reading lots of non-fiction (favourite topics include: art-theft, female spies and code-breakers, and memoirs of quirky people) or roaming through parks with my husband and our dog, Yuri.
One of the garments that propelled me to really get serious about sewing was a Linden Sweatshirt from Grainline Studio that I made 3 years ago. It was the first time I’d worked with knits and I used a dense ponte. It was an item I could throw on for anything and I wore that shirt everywhere: I dressed it up for work; I wore it as pyjamas; I wore it out to parties. I have since made four other versions and I wear them just as much. It’s the item I go back to when I have lost my sew-jo. For me, it’s a refreshing sewing-palate-cleanser. I find that having the occasional quick make helps me to feel productive when I’m in the middle of a more involved sewing project and sometimes it’s just nice to feel like you’ve actually finished something!
For this new Linden, I used a mix of two different sweater knits to create a cozy version of a preppy classic. I’ve been on a mission to bring in more solids to my handmade wardrobe and I was happy to be able to salvage this sweater out of an older project that was not working out. I had to piece the sleeves together, but we’ll just call that customization.
The Linden is a fantastic pattern for a few reasons:
- This sweatshirt will look drastically different depending on your fabric style and substrate (i.e. structured ponte or scuba vs. drapey linen jersey).
- Can’t knit? No problem! Sweater knits work beautifully for the Linden. I am a terrible knitter, but I still want cozy items to pull out when the temperature dips (or the air-conditioning at work is overly aggressive).
- You can adjust the fit easily. I size down in the body; I size up in the band and I don’t need to do an FBA.
- The Linden makes a great gift! Just ask all those participating in the International Linden Swap.
- It can be made in an afternoon and without much fabric. Chances are, you already have enough of something in your stash.
How about you, Sewcialists? Do you have a palate-cleanser pattern?
Thank you for the post. I’m sold now on the Linden. *adds to Christmas sew list*
You’re welcome! It will be a great addition to your list!
I love the Linden too, it’s such a satisfying make that I never have any problems with. Plus it always looks great, like you say dressed up or down.
Rebecca x
It’s definitely in my list of patterns that count as Secret Pyjamas. You look put together, but you feel so comfortable in it!
[…] I'm showing off my latest make and talking about my favourite sewing pattern, the Linden Sweatshirt from Grainline Studios, over on The Sewcialists blog today! You can see my latest sweater-knit version here. […]
It’s beautiful! I’m curious about the neckline. It looks lower than it does on grainline studio’s website. Did you alter it to be lower?
Hi Jeanette! I didn’t alter the pattern, but this version does tend to “grow” during the course of the day. I think this lightweight sweater knit could have benefitted from some clear elastic where each of the raglan seams meet the neckline for some added stability.
Great post Erica. You have motivated me to try the Linden. Thanks.
Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing your version!
[…] Sewcialist blog posts by Brittney who’s TNT is the Freya Dress, Erica who’s a Linden Sweatshirt enthusiast, Andrew who shares his undies, or Sue’s wisdom on how TNT patterns can improve sewing skills […]