Wednesday 9 July 2014

Pattern Testing: The White Russian Sweatshirt from Capital Chic and a Giveaway!

So I think we established in my post last week that I love the new Martini Dress pattern from Capital Chic Patterns right?! Well I was lucky enough to test a second pattern from Sally's brand new collection and out of the two I just can't pick a favourite! After the line drawing for Martini caught my eye the White Russian Sweatshirt was the next pattern that grabbed my attention. Here in the UK it can be chilly for large parts of the year and I often find myself struggling to put together a stylish, flattering yet warm outfit day after day in the winter. But here was Sally looking chic as ever in a sweatshirt! I just had to give it a try.

Diary of a Chainstitcher: The White Russian Sweatshirt from Capital Chic Sewing Patterns

It was such a quick an enjoyable make, those raglan sleeves make it super speedy! For me it was one of those when you just feel content sitting at your machine and seeing it all come together. I was having such a great time that I was already dreaming up multiple different versions whilst still sewing!

Diary of a Chainstitcher: The White Russian Sweatshirt from Capital Chic Sewing Patterns

I cut a size 2 and think it's turned out just slightly larger than intended as I'm still working on my overlocker confidence and tend to use too small of a seam allowance in fear of trimming off too much! I still feel less swamped in this than I have done in any other sweatshirt I've tried on in the past and really like the more relaxed fit when worn with skinny jeans and a statement necklace. I'll definitely be going slimmer next time though as I absolutely love how Sally has paired her versions with skirts for the promo shots. I'd never have even considered wearing a sweatshirt out for a night on the town but can really see myself doing so with this slimmer more feminine style.

Diary of a Chainstitcher: The White Russian Sweatshirt from Capital Chic Sewing Patterns

I do think next time I'll take an inch or two off both the length of the body and the sleeves as I think this would help create a more flattering fit on my short body! If you need a reference point length wise I'm about 5ft 3" and am quite short waisted.

I made this up using a sweater knit from Classic Textiles on Goldhawk Road. As it was a pattern test I wanted to make up a plain version to begin with so was looking for a fabric with a bit of interest to it. This knit has a slight marl to it which shows up best in the close ups below. I used exactly the 1.5m recommended by the pattern, with just scraps to spare and I think it was £6 or £7 a metre. Classic Textiles have a great range of sweat shirting in different colours and textures all around that price range so I really recommend a visit if you're looking for a good selection to choose from.

Diary of a Chainstitcher: The White Russian Sweatshirt from Capital Chic Sewing Patterns

I'm still not hugely confident working with knits and am very slowly getting used to how different knits can produce a totally different result with the same pattern. This was a nice stable knit to work with and I'm pretty happy with the results overall. I think the neckband could sit a little flatter so I'd stretch it out a little more as I attach it if using a similar fabric again. But I am really pleased with my cuffs!

Diary of a Chainstitcher: The White Russian Sweatshirt from Capital Chic Sewing Patterns

If you are a beginner I will suggest that it would be useful to have previous experience of handling and sewing with knits as (given that all the Capital Chic patterns are aimed at intermediate to advanced sewists) there are no extra tips when it comes to stitch types and needles e.t.c. I sewed the whole garment up on my overlocker and didn't even add any topstitching as I liked the clean look.

Diary of a Chainstitcher: The White Russian Sweatshirt from Capital Chic Sewing Patterns

Can you spot my mistake? Yep, should have checked that cutting layout before I ploughed on in with the scissors! I must have been having a funny five minutes as I neglected to notice that the band for the hem needed to be cut out twice on the fold and I ended up without a long enough scrap left to do this. I had to cut it in two and add a seam at the centre back but I don't think it's that noticeable and at least I can't see it when it's on!

One of the things I like about this pattern is that I think it's a perfect straightforward make for beginners with a little experience but as it is such a fantastic blank canvas for embellishment and personalisation a more advanced seamstress could give themselves a good challenge in what they choose to do. I am dying to add some heavy beadwork to the neckline of this version and am also really tempted to try a version in a very loosely woven knit to wear layered and oversized. My absolute favourite element of the pattern is the inclusion of instructions as to how to quilt your sweatshirt, including templates for lion and fox designs! I've never tried any form of quilting so will definitely be trying this out at some point. I also love the black geometric embossed knit Sally used for one of her samples which looks as if it is pre-quilted.

Sally in her faux-quilted White Russian sample

If looking at my blank canvas of a sweatshirt has got you inspired to make your own and get creative with the personalisation then I have good news for you! Sally has very generously agreed to give away a copy of the White Russian Sweatshirt PDF pattern to one of my readers. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning let me know in the comments below. The giveaway is of course open internationally and will close at midnight GMT on Saturday 12th July. I'll randomly select a winner on Sunday and the pattern will be delivered to your inbox so make sure you either include your email address in the comments or that it is easily accessible from your profile. Good luck everyone, I'm off to look at decorated sweatshirts on Pinterest!

Diary of a Chainstitcher: The White Russian Sweatshirt from Capital Chic Sewing Patterns

64 comments:

  1. Great top, perfect for embellishments. I would love to be considered for the giveaway!

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  2. Ohhh I think i need a quilted lion white russian sweatshirt (doesn't everyone?) w
    ould love to be considered for the giveaway. katdouglas@gmail.com

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  3. I love a good basic pattern. it's a process most hobby-seamstresses go through but for a year or so I realised how fancy dresses don't suit my everyday life and basics get much more worn. I'd love to give this pattern a go, count me in, please.

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  4. Yes please I would like a chance to win. Looks really stylish on you.

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  5. I love this and would love to give it a go myself!

    Teresagroves@gmail.com

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  6. I think this might be my favourite from the collection, and that might be down to how Sally styled it!! I'd love a chance to win the pattern, thanks! Your version is great. Love the fabric and beading on it would be amazing!

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  7. I love the look of this jumper and your fabric is great. I would totally wear this to work in winter with black pants and nice pair of ballet flats. So yes, I'd love to be in for a chance to win a copy of the pattern.

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  8. I LOVE that lion version of Sally's and would love to win the pattern. Yours look great and added beading would be awesome - do it!

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  9. I love your fit! I have a delightful sweater weight Austrian wool that I'm searching for a pattern for and I think you may have just swayed me on a White Russian!

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  10. You look amazing. Very casual and elegant at the same time. I would love to try and make a version myself!

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  11. You look great! The fabric is beautiful! :) This pattern has made me re-think this whole sweatshirt-thingy. I wore them all the time in kindergarten (as did everyone else), and still get serious flashbacks from a floral one my mum made me :D time to give grown-up sweatshirts a try maybe...? Please count me in for a chance to win, you can reach me at purplepleats@gmail.com or purplepleats.blogspot.fi

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  12. Absolutely love the pattern and what you have made :) I need a White Russian and stat!

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  13. It's a great basic piece with a flattering fit. Would love to give it a try! tabathatweedie@gmail.com

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  14. I've been trying to make more everyday garments but never even considered a sweatshirt because I thought I would for sure need an overlocker. This looks like a pattern I would be able to make with my regular machine with the right fabric. I'd love to be considered to win the pattern! carolannel.donovan@gmail.com

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  15. That's a really chic sweatshirt! I like the look of some of the Capital Chic patterns. The fabric used in the promo version is a jersey cloque. I have the exact same fabric, which I have made into a Coco with an elasticated back. The fabric is gorgeous and so easy to work with. I got it from Fabric Dreams but I'm not sure they have any left (it was back at Easter time). they do have something similar:http://www.fabric-dreams.co.uk/Unicoloured-Fabric/Jersey-cloque-stitched-plain-black-160cm::267010.html

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  16. It's a really lovely straightforward pattern and I love your plans for a loose sweater knit, I think it would look great. So count me in for the giveaway - a girl always needs a sweatshirt, especially one that is stylish to boot :-)

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  17. I've been trying to make more items for everyday wear but don't have an overlocker so I never thought a sweatshirt was in the cards for me. With this pattern and the right fabric though I think my regular machine could handle it! I'd love to be considered. carolannel.donovan@gmail.com

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  18. Love it, yes please I would a chance to win. Amanda
    black-amanda@hotmail.com

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  19. You've made such a great versatile sweatshirt, and yes, beading would really look fantastic! I've just recently picked up a few yards of sweat shirt knits, and would love to try out the White Russian for myself, too.

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  20. I love that on you! It's so nice to see versatile patterns being published! I'd love to win a copy!

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  21. Oh, I love your version! The quilting is fun and I might want to try that, with a personalised design, on a fancier version, but your basic sweatshirt looks really comfy and you could wear that every day!
    Thanks for the chance to win a copy! My e-mail is on my blog about page.

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  22. I live in jumpers most of the year as I'm always cold so this pattern is just perfect for me! I'm completely in love with the Martini you made too, gorgeous!

    My email is frenchseams@hotmail.com

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  23. I love raglan sweatshirts. (And lion sweatshirts.) What a great giveaway :)

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  24. I agree - who knew a sweatshirt could look so slim and chic? I really like this version on you, especially with slim cut pants or leggings. And I feel your pain regarding putting together decent-looking outfits that still keep you warm. I always struggle with that in winter and often find myself sacrificing fashion for warmth (as it should be, I think). :)

    Count me in for the giveaway, and good luck to everyone!

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  25. Love your version, it looks like a great wardrobe staple! I could definitely use a sweater like this. I often find myself freezing in Dutch weather, because my wardrobe lacks warm and practical options, that still look stylish and cute. Would love to win and give this pattern a go!

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  26. Having retired recently I know I would get plenty of use out of a sweatshirt. This one looks classic and not sloppy at all.

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  27. It looks wonderful on you; I would consider making one, but I do not have an overlocker.

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  28. When I saw the release of Capital Chic Patterns, the Martini dress and the White Russian are the patterns that stood out for me! It would be fun to do some quilting designs on clothing :)
    My email is loves.to.dance18@gmail.com

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  29. I would love to give this one a try, I love knits

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  30. oh this pattern would look great with day wear or with some smart trousers or skirt to go out to dinner with the girls! So versatile! I would love a chance to win please! x

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  31. As summer will be over here in Scotland this weekend it would be a perfect addition to my wardrobe :p (jencshaw at gmail dot com)

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  32. You look fab! That slim silhouette is so much more flattering than a normal sweatshirt. I'd love to win a copy :)

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  33. I gravitated towards this pattern also! I really love the quilted options available with the pattern. This seems like a really, really wearable garment, and it does look very effortlessly chic!

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  34. I love your make and the hem joint is not visible. I'd love this pattern! My email is Francescadotamodeoatgmaildotcom :)

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  35. I would love a chance to win a copy as I love your version- very chic!

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  36. This is definitely one of my favorites from the new collection. I love the design options. I have never quilted anything either but I would be up for trying the lion design. (makesnbakes@gmail.com)

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  37. Oooh I'd love to make one! I love great basics like this.

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  38. That looks so comfortable! Very cute :)

    Throw my name in for the giveaway!
    makeandmakemore@gmail.com

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  39. Your idea of adding beading to the neckline sounds great! I love the look of the White Russian so thanks to you and Sally for the chance to win a copy - my email is nightingaleanddolittle@gmail.com.

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  40. Love that sweater's design! Sign me up for the giveaway! guillemetter atgmail.com

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  41. I'd love to enter the giveaway! This is such a nice shape, and the embellishments are amazing.

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  42. I'd like to try making this, too. Count me in, please! Kitchentablesewing@Gmail.com

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  43. I love this Fiona! And you've answered my Instagram question about where you got the fabric, def time for a goldhawk road visit. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  44. Your sweatshirt looks great! Nice lines! And it doesn't look to boyish like a lot of sweatshirts do! sewexhausted@gmail.com

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  45. I think this is a great pattern and I would love to win it. It reminds me of a blank canvas that could come to life as anything.

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  46. Yes please! This is the pattern I am most tempted by from this company, but I just can't justify buying it...yet!

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  47. Cute - I love a good raglan sleeve. I have visions of one with sequinned sleeves, kinda like this http://www.pinterest.com/pin/146367056609461099/ but swapping the body for the sleeves. Would be great with the Hudson pants which I just purchased! Please count me in!!

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  48. I would love to win this! I need something comfortable that can be dressed up like this!

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  49. White Russian is the main pattern from Capital Chic that I feel I NEED to make ultimately (I am in love with how it looks with pencil skirts!), so I suspect I'll end up with it eventually. I need to try quilting that fox face. If I can win it, so much the better, so please count me in! (jeni.is.a.geek@gmail.com)

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  50. I want! Would love to win. I would wear my white russian, and drink a white russian at the same time. :)
    x

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  51. Love it! It looks great! Please enter me to your competition :) x

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  52. Would LOVE to win that pattern- I love the lion!

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  53. I would love to make a version of my own,this is exactly what's been missing in my wardrobe.Now just hoping I win.
    vankerkhove.els@gmail.com

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  54. Your sweatshirt turned out very classy looking & I love the idea of adding beading. I've been thinking about the fancy sweatshirt teens for awhile but the ones I've seen were all too slouchy on me. Should've thought of making my own sooner but if I win I could avoid a lot of pattern alterations. Plus bonus fox or lion face!

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  55. This is such a great design idea! I love sweatshirts, but I always feel like I look like a slob if I wear one in public. I could definitely use a nicer alternative :)

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  56. Love this sweatshirt, your fabric is great! I think I would have to make two, how can I choose between the lion and the fox? My email is kirsten . mines @ gmail . com (without spaces, of course)

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  57. Your sweatshirt looks great. Thank you for your added tips and ideas. The pattern would be a good base for embellishing, that small added seam at the back of your binding is an example! LOL, it sounds like something I would do, in my excitement to get sewing I may miss a detail or two about pattern layout and cutting. Your seam at the back gives me the idea to do split up the back. I like the idea of trying a woven fabric too. The raglan sleeves are just so comfortable to wear. Would love to win the pattern and give it a try!
    Deb

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  58. Lovely pattern and great job as always. I would love to be considered for the pattern giveaway thank you

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  59. That fabric looks so soft and comfy! It is a great fitting sweatshirt! And my favorite pattern of her new collection - THAT FOX! Would love to win it :)

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  60. I would love to win this - may.katie@hotmail.com

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  61. Love this pattern! Look comfy, casual and easy to wear

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  62. I would like to be in with a chance of winning!

    p.tina.williams@gmail.com

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  63. I always struggle to find a good sweatshirt for the winter and this might just be it. Lovely version Fiona! I would love to get my hands on a copy of this pattern.

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