Hi everyone, Happy New Year!! We made it to 2023 you guys! I remember being a kid and thinking that by the time we got to this time period, we would be living like the Jetsons lol. I guess we kind of are, with all of the technological advancements. We are just missing the flying cars and homes in outer space, for now. This is my first blog post of 2023, but I actually sewed this outfit in December of 2022. I call it my “cozy stripes.”
Fabric Used
This soft and cozy Southwest Stripes Luxe Fleece Fabric was purchased in Jo-Ann. As usual, I went into Jo-Ann to pick up a few notions, and I happened upon this gorgeous fleece. This 100% polyester fabric is 59″ in length. It has a soft feel, but has a little weight to it. It is perfect for jackets, blankets, and sweaters. It is not extremely heavy, but this fabric does have some weight to it.
3 Tips For Sewing With Fleece
It is best to use a ballpoint needle. Due to the roundness on the tip of the needle, it will slide between the tiny loops that make up the fleece fabric much easier.
Do not use a short stitch. When sewing with fleece you will want to use a longer stitch. I usually sew with a stitch length of 2.5, but with this fabric, I used a stitch length of 3.5. Why? Well, sewing this type of fabric with a shorter stitch length may cause it to stretch and distort, which will affect the finishing look of the garment.
Make sure the nap is running the same way for all pieces of the fabric, or it will be very obvious when you assemble your finished project. look at the surface of the fabric when laying out our pattern pieces. Fabrics like these have a nap, or a brushed look to the pile that means all the fibers are running in the same direction. Mark the right side of your fleece with a piece of tape noting the direction of the nap before you start cutting
When sewn, the seams of fleece fabric can get bulky. Grade your seam allowance by trimming the outer layers of fabric close to the stitch line. Leave the next layer slightly longer, the next longer still, and so on, with the longest layers of seam allowance left at the center of the seam.
Avoid heat if possible. If necessary, put your iron on a low setting and cover the fabric with a pressing cloth. For the most part, you can just use your finger or a pressing block on top of the fabric to lay seams flat.
Pattern Used/Size Cut
For this project, I sewed the Page Hoodie from Chalk and Notch Patterns, and the Hudson Pants from True Bias Patterns. These two companies decided to collaborate and bring their two patterns together for the PageXHudson set, and I love it, These two patterns make a perfect pairing. The Page Hoodie comes in printed pattern or PDF pattern. This pattern goes up to a size 30 with cup options, I cut a size 12 B cup. The suggested sewing level to sew this is Advanced beginner, but the instructions are so well written, and it is such an easy project to sew, I feel that as long as you can understand sewing terms (look it up on Google) you will be able to sew this cute hoodie.
The Hudson Pants is another great pattern that will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe. I may never buy joggers again lol. This pattern comes in two forms as well, paper pattern or PDF. You can purchase sizes 0-18 or 14-30. I cut a size 12 in this pattern as well. The sewing level suggested for this is also a Advanced beginner, but with certain details such as creating the buttonhole for the cording to go through on the pants, and elastic insertion and stitching, I do believe you need a little bit of advanced beginner knowledge outside of a straight stitch to sew this. However, if you are a beginner and would like to test your skills, the instructions are well written and easy to understand, and you can research how to do buttonholes etc.
Modifications Made
I did not make many modifications to this, except to adding grommets to the Hudson pants instead of a buttonhole for the cording to be pulled through. I was very excited because the Page Hoodie called for grommets, which allowed me to finally use my grommet machine. I just figured I would use it on the Hudson as well, keep the whole look uniform. I do wish that I had cut a the sleeves shorter ( I have short arms), and added a little bit more length to the back of the Hudson pants, because it sits a little lower in the back than I like. It may be because my butt has expanded in the last year or so lot. If you have a pouty booty, make sure to take that into consideration when you sew the pants. Other than those minor things, I did not feel the need to make any other modifications nor adjustments.
Review & Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed sewing this set very much. The great thing about these patterns is that with a little imagination and fabric changes, you can sew these all year round. I know that I plan to. The Page Hoodie and Hudson pants are a great combination to build a great wear anywhere outfit. Depending on your fabric choice, you can create a glam set out of sequin knits or create a cozy set like I did with a beautiful fleece fabric. Whatever your choice, I know you will love it.
After I sewed my last garments of 2022, I became a bit stumped on what to sew next. I decided to open my canva app and create an easy template list to help me build my wardrobe (See video below). Under each category, I will be putting the pattern numbers I decided to sew, and as I complete each project, I will check in that little box to the side. This will also help me to stay on track with what I sewed, instead of me trying to remember what pattern number I used.
I posted about this video in my stories on Instagram, and received lots of positive feedback on the design of my list, as well as people asking if I could create one for them. I decided to upload the template here so that my readers can download and print it for themselves. I hope that this helps to keep you on track with your sewing plans this year. I am currently working on this list for the winter projects I want to complete before spring comes in.
Printable Template
Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog, I truly appreciate it. I hope that this blog was informative and that you learned something that will help you in your next sewing project. Comment below and let me know your thoughts or questions. Also, please make sure to subscribe to my blog.
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