Hello, I’m Adelle, I am on a mission to create a handmade wardrobe. I’m very excited to be joining the Simple Sew blogging team and my first make is just perfect for the Christmas season.      

The Pattern:

Looking through the Simple Sew pattern collection, I was looking for a make that will keep me warm and cosy this winter and the Classic Sweatshirt is the perfect pattern. When sewing my own clothes, often I head straight for the glamour and spectacular projects but more and more I’m finding that what I actually wear is practical and comfortable clothes. Sewing simple projects shouldn’t just be for beginners, it’s also a perfect time to go back and just make something that is quick and easy. Especially after a very complicated make like my latest coat!

The Classic Sweatshirt is ideal for lounging around the house during the festive period, or as a warm layer when enjoying a walk after indulging in too many Christmas chocolates! There are 2 length options, one longer to go over your bum and another just sitting comfortably on the hips.

The Fabric:

The lovely people at Minerva Crafts allowed me to choose the fabric for this project from their immense catalogue. I want this make to be super snuggly so I went for a fleece back jersey with a festive glitter star design. Fleece backed jersey doesn’t have a large amount of stretch but is perfect for this boyfriend fit loose pattern.

The Sew:

From my measurements, I cut a size 10 which was a perfect fit. This pattern is a beginner pattern and the instructions take you every step of the way. The illustrations accompanying the pattern really help for absolute beginner dressmakers.

The sweatshirt came together so quickly, and the only changes I made to the pattern were the cuffs and neckline. I had planned to use ribbing as recommended in the pattern but the ribbing was too dark against the fabric so I decided to use the same fabric for these parts. As I mentioned before the jersey doesn’t have a great deal of stretch so I was a little nervous that the pattern pieces would fit, but I had absolutely no problems with this. The instructions for fitting the neckband really help to evenly distribute this piece! A new technique I’ll be using in the future.

This make has lived up to everything I wanted for a festive make. I wore it for the first time walking my new puppy in the woods and it kept me warm and cosy.

Thank you Simple Sew for inviting me to work with you. I can’t wait to try another pattern soon.

Adelle x 

@button_and _pip

@Buttonandpip’s Classic Sweatshirt is ideal for winter, not just the festive season and you can find the sizing and fabric requirements from the back of the Classic Sweatshirt envelope below. If you’re inspired by Adelle’s choice of cosy fleece backed sweatshirt fabric Minerva Crafts have a huge range in stock, including sweatshirting with lurex for extra sparkle and glitter bambis!