When I was at the mall last week, I noticed a couple of garments (one at Tory Burch and one at Anthropologie), that combined a frumpy-yet-sparkly sweater knit with contrast sleeves. I thought, hey, I have just such a sweater knit at home! And some white knit that I can dye for contrast. So I put it all together and here is the result, just in time for a few days of beastly hot weather.
The knit on the sleeves started out white. I tried to dye it black because I had some black dye out, but it came out a blue-grey shade that just did not work with the brown tones of my sweater knit. So I re-dyed it chocolate brown. I came out with a nice heathered effect that goes nicely with the body fabric.
I originally bought the body fabric for a coat, and I still may make a coat out of it. I was drawn to the contrast between the brown fluffiness and the sparkle, which looks very modern to my eye. I bought it at Stonemountain and Daughter in Berkeley CA.
I adapted the pattern from a pattern in Burdastyle 2/2010. This is the fifth time I have used that pattern in the past few weeks.
detail of the fabric
back view
Rolling in Cloth 
9 Comments
I love it. This really inspires me because I’ve been thinking a lot about sweater knits and raglan sweaters.
This is sooooo kewl! They are showing this silhouette a lot for fall with loads of contrast as the body…my favorite being the leather/pleather body with knit sleeves so I can understand why you’ve made this several times! And it will get cold again soon enough so that you can wear your awesome new top! At least that’s what I keep telling myself since I’m amassing a new wardrobe of sewn fall gear!
I really have to get into the dying game! You make it look so easy.
Dye makes my fabric stash much more versatile. My stash is not that big compared to many out there in sewing blogland, but I still usually have the right color because I dye it myself.
Hits just the right edge of the ‘frumpy-chic’ that is on the fashion scene right now….think DIY Prada! (was in the Prada store here in Aspen yesterday and you are on target channeling the look). Love how you worked out the sleeves too!
Love it. I’ve been seeing a lot of that combo too.
Elizabeth
http://www.sewnblog.com
Looks really cool.
I think it makes it an extra special sweatshirt. I just love raglan sleeves.
Clicked on your blog link at WordPress’ suggestion of “You May Like…” and I’m glad I did. I love this shirt and have been preparing to make a “luxe sweatshirt” just like this. Thank you for sharing, although I’m not sure I want to mess with dyeing. You did a great job, though.