SIM Bundle #2 - Jasper Sweater

 Hey, everyone, it September and that means 

                                      Sew Indie Month

 Time to celebrate all those great Indie patterns out there.  In addition, Sew Indie Month has  fun blog posts and informative tutorials.    It's accompanied by a sewalong contest with fantastic prizes.

I am part of the Sewing Indie Month Bundle 2, which  are mostly knits.   This sale gives you time to make quick projects for the contest while supporting small women-owned businesses and raising money for charity. 

 This year the Sewing Indie Month HQ will be Sew Independent, which Mari from Seamster Sewing Patterns took over from Donna, who decided to step back from the site. You can buy the bundle and keep up to date with the latest SIM news on Sew Independent

The pattern I selected  to showcase for this bundle is the Jasper Sweater/Dress.  Have you seen Carolyn's?

I have had my eye on this pattern for the last month after seeing some cute Jasper Sweaters pop up.  I went with Style Maker Fabrics' Indigo French Terry and a stripe knit from Mood Fabrics for the trim.  Let me back up a bit and talk about the French Terry it is fabulous!  I loved working with it and the feel of it is so nice.

My pattern changes were minimal, adding 1/2" to the length of the sweatshirt.  I did had 1" to the sleeves but ended up not needing that at all.   The sleeves are wide, I did taper them about 3/4" at the bottom.  I started about the elbow with a gradual taper at the elbow to the full 3/4" at the bottom of the sleeve.  The cuffs were shortened by 3/4" also.

The welt pockets had me stumped a bit and I went to the computer and referenced Paprika Pattern's tutorial on the welt pockets.  It is a very well-written tutorial with excellent photographs to explain the steps.  You can also find tutorials on matching stripes and making the hood smaller.

The sizing is pretty true.  My bust is 38", so I went with a size 5 and a size 4 for the hips.  I did taper from the waist down to the hips more.  I really think the sizing depends on the stretch of the fabric and  the amount of ease you are comfortable.  You could go from an oversized look to a more fitted look if your fabric has enough stretch.  Remember you have to get the garment on!

My only other change was to shorten the tab by about 1".  I stitched down the button and then pinned the tab a length which was pleasing for me.  

Here is the collar tab

and the welt pockets

Some of the important information

The  SIM Bundle 2 sale will run from Tuesday September 1st through Thursday September 10th.  Women for Women, which helps women dealing with violence, marginalization, and poverty due to war and conflict, will receive 20% of bundle proceeds

Pricing:

Pay what you want for the bundle! The more you pay, the more rewards you'll receive. 

• Pay $25 or more to get the VNA Top, 6101 Fit & Flare Skirt, Bess Top, Nettie Dress & Bodysuit, and Pinot Pants.
• Pay $32 or more to get the Walkley Vest & Dress and Jasper Sweater & Dress.
• Pay $38 or more to get the Nautilus Swimsuit, the NEW Kinga Skirt, and the NEW April 1962 Coat.

The patterns features in SIM Bundle 2

• Pinot Pants by Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick
• Fit and Flare Skirt by Maison Fleur
• Bess Top by Imagine Gnats
• VNA Top by Fehr Trade
• Nettie Bodysuit and Dress by Closet Case Files
• Walkley Vest & Dress by MIY Collection
• Jasper Hoodie by Paprika Patterns
• Nautilus Swimsuit by Seamstress Erin
• the new Kinga Skirt by Kate & Rose (during the sale only available in this bundle)
• the new April 1962 Coat by SomaPatterns  (during the sale only available in this bundle)

The Players in this SIM Bundle 2

• Casa Crafty
• Cation Designs
• Grey's Fabric
• Groovy Baby and Mama
• Handmade by Carolyn
• House of Pinheiro
• How Good is That?
• Lucky Lucille
• Magpie Makery
• Scruffy Badger Time
• Thread Theory
• Three Dresses Project
• Workroom Social

I was given the pattern for participating in this SIM Bundle 2 tour, the opinions are mine and I am so happy with this garment.  Even if I was taking pictures in 90 degrees, but it will be fall before I know it.  This will be a well-loved garment and I am on the look-out for more perfect fabric.