{Reviewed} Simplicity 8529: Sew House 7 Toaster Sweater

Man….  Stripes!  I could seriously wear neutral stripes every stinking day of the week!  And this gorgeous fabric has been sitting in my fabric stash for OVER A YEAR – just BEGGING to be made into something!  Unfortunately, between the stability of the fabric (aka lack of drape), and the varied stripes (hello – impossible to match up with princess seams), I felt lost.  That is, until I discovered Simplicity 8529, the Big 4 version of the Sew House 7 Toaster Sweater!

Pattern Description & Suggested Fabrics:

These Misses’ toaster sweaters by Sew House Seven have a drop shoulder and are slightly oversized. Create a variation that is perfect for you! Pattern features four styles, cropped or long, with either a high neckline or crew neck, and with or without side slits.

Pattern Sizing:

XS-S-M-L-XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Definitely – though I sized down considerably to get it to look like mine does…

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Sure were – this is a very beginner friendly pattern!  I’m always surprised by that with Big 4 patterns.  Though I did do the less complicated view (View B) which doesn’t have side slits – so I can’t speak for those instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I did not like how generously sized the pattern was…  I technically should have sewn a size Small (I’m between a small and a medium in the bust, a solid medium in the waist, and a small in the hips), but I sized according to the finished measurements on the bust instead – making this in an xsmall. I figured it would likely be big given that it was a paper pattern, and I think it was the right call.

Fabric Used:

An off white and black staggered stripe stretch ponte de roma from Cali Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

First, I sized down as mentioned above. Additionally, I also did my standard adjustments (took 2″ out of the top – 1/2″ at the armscye and 1.5″ at the waist).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Absolutely!  I really think the version with the side slits (in a drapier knit) would be lovely.

Conclusion:

If you have a stable fabric that you love, but are having trouble matching it to a pattern – you should give this one a try!  I paired this top with my Jalie Eleonore Pants, and my black vest.  Its the perfect balance of neutral and pop of color – wouldn’t you agree?