Sweatshirt Sparkle and Soft Touch Stretch!

Too early to mention 'festive sparkle'? Well I completely agree! But having said that I have been imagining this outfit for many months. Having sewn with Fabrique's 4 way stretch yellow in the summer (See previous blog 'Floral Cullottes') I knew that this was a fabric I would definitely return to. I chose the Soft Touch 4 way stretch in Camel this time as the perfect underskirt fabric. A beautiful drape and yet so cosy and comfortable next to the skin.

This is my absolute 'go to fabric' for ease, comfort and quality. It sews beautifully, doesn't fray and just makes the wearer feel great. What more can be asked?! I used a Simplicity pattern S8868 for the gathered maxi skirt with under skirt. Although tempted by an elasticated waist (!) this skirt does have a zip and waistband which creates a lovely fit. Once again this fabric was the perfect soft backing for the waistband with the right amount of stretch.

The aim of this outfit was to create a comfortable two piece that could also be worn separately. An outfit that could take me to a sparkly dinner, or a cosy pub evening. And so for me, the top needed to combine the sparkle and glitz, with a cosy, comfy sweatshirt. 

I chose both the camel and navy sweatshirt fleece; with the softest backing you could wish for! The McCalls M6992 pattern incorporated raglan set sleeves with numerous options to customise with the contrasting fabric. As the tulle was very decorative I chose a simple front panel. I attached it to the sweatshirt fabric and then treated it as one piece.

I'm not sure whether I have particularly long arms but often find that sleeves stop just a little too short. Having learnt my lesson, I lengthened the arms before adding a slightly oversized tubular rib cuff. The quality of the sweatshirt fabric meant that stretching, pinning and setting in this rib was not a problem at all.

And there we are...a two piece outfit that I just know I will wear again and again;  jeans and a sweatshirt, a skirt and boots daytime combo, or even a maxi skirt and matching top.