One of my *secret* goals this holiday season was to do some sewing for others. Truth be told, other than the random baby gift and a dress for a friend, I haven’t really sewn anything for anyone but me. Number 1 on the list was my husband – he is the best blogger photographer I could ask for and is so supportive of my sewing! For Christmas, I sewed up the Finlayson Sweater from Thread Theory Designs for him. So it was time to put him in front of the camera instead of behind it!
The Pattern
The Finlayson Sweater is a take on a classic hoodie. It features two views – one with a shawl collar and one with a lined hood that crosses over at the front with a kangaroo pocket. It has a cuff hem and a cuff sleeve hem
I thought the options to have a more “dressy” shawl collar sweater and a hoodie in one pattern was a good buy – and if it fit him it was even better!
One of the nicest features (that I didn’t take advantage of) is the option for an optional neckline facing that can be used to feature a contrast fabric. I chose just to use a self fabric – as to not make things too complicated for me! It was also the perfect place to put my label.
The Sweater
I was really happy with how this turned out – and it fit! Success! While the shawl collar isn’t normally in Nathan’s repertoire, it is really nice because you can feel like you’re wearing a sweatshirt while being a little bit more dressed up. The next one I make will be the hoodie version – because despite my best intentions – he really loves his hoodies (how can you blame him??).
The pattern came together really quickly. I was nervous about the square neckline but mine came out pretty okay easily. The instructions were really clear and there were no finicky bits.
For some reason over Christmas break (for all my Christmas sewing of course…) I had some issues with attaching cuffs on my serger. So they are definitely not very even across. But I don’t think it’s that noticeable so I went with it. Since making things for other people, I’ve had no issues attaching cuffs and hem bands – leave it to when you’re sewing gifts right?
The Fabric
I take absolutely zero credit for this fabric + pattern combination. I saw that Alina from Alina Design Co was making one a few weeks before Christmas and I ordered the same fabric immediately. For some reason, trying to select fabric + pattern combos for men’s patterns were a lot harder than I thought. For women’s patterns I think I know what to expect more, but with men’s I wasn’t sure what to do!
This fabric is a sweatshirt fleece from Style Maker Fabrics. I think it was a perfect pair because it is SO cozy on the inside but looks nice on the outside. I had some extra and made a hoodie for a friends baby – they can be twins!
Do you sew men’s clothes? What are your favorite patterns? I sewed two more things for my husband for Christmas so stay tuned for more!