Fleece hoodie ! Why?

Did you remember that I live in the Caribbean?  Even in the winter the temperatures are well into the 80's.  Well then, why on earth do I need a fleece hoodie?  To be fair, I don't really NEED one, but following the problems I had with the fabric on my Cowl Dress, I just started a new course at Craftsy – Sewing with Knits .

It promises to teach us how to successfully sew with knit fabrics and includes free patterns for the hoodie, scoop neck t-shirt, v-neck t-shirt, short skirt, yoga pants, shorts and a dress.

So Sew Easy:  Sew a fleece hoodie

 

The fleece hoodie is the first project in the class as the fleece may not be as demanding as some of the other knit fabrics.  My local sewing shop only stocks one fleece – a rather crappy one in navy blue.  It's certainly not like a sweatshirt fleece – more like something you might make a throw or blanket – I don't know.  It tears easily if you pull on it and stretches out of shape, then doesn't return. They don't have a lot of customers coming in to buy fleece when the temperature is in the 90's.

So Sew Easy:  Sew a fleece hoodie

 

The course really is excellent so far – I can't recommend it highly enough.  The presenter is charming and has a lovely smile and explains everything so slowly and carefully and the course is perfect for new sewists like me.  I've got some new equipment, different needles, a lot of free patterns and downloadable course materials.  I've learned all about types of fabrics, the use of clear elastic, stay tapes, iron on tapes, hemming, twin needles, stretch needles, a walking foot and so much more.

So Sew Easy:  Sew a fleece hoodie

The fleece hoodie pattern uses a lot of fabric – I had no idea really how much you need for things like sleeves and the hood is huge!  But luckily it was only cheap-ish so this learning project only cost $12.  Things were going very well – I had the hood on, the sleeves in, tested for fit (it was OK), and the only thing left to do was the bottom hem.So Sew Easy:  Sew a fleece hoodie

I'd been practicing my stitches on left over scraps to see what worked best and one that I hadn't tried during construction was the triple stretch stitch  So I decided to use this for the hem as I don't have a twin needle as yet.  Ah, and this is where it went wrong.  The triple stretch stitch was obviously a bit too much for my crappy fleece and it stretched out the fabric something terrible.  Originally the bodice had hung straight down, but now the bottom hem is so stretched it looks like a circle skirt !  Yikes, what a mess.So Sew Easy:  Sew a fleece hoodie

 

Still, it's not like this project was going to get a lot of wear anyway.  We do occasionally have some ‘cold' weather here in the Cayman Islands when a jumper is necessary so I can wear this around the house to keep warm, but I don't think this one will be on public display.  I'm excited to continue with the course and look forward to making some t-shirts next.

I really think if you had some nice fabric, then this project would be a winner – it's easy to make and the resulting fleece is the sort of thing that you might wear everyday – casual, comfy, easy to wear – like your favorite RTW casuals but with the satisfaction that you made it yourself.

So Sew Easy:  Sew a fleece hoodie

 

If you are interested in the Sewing with Knits course, you can find out more here –>

Online Sewing Class
Authored by: So Sew Easy

 

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JesusIsKingMerch Shop
JesusIsKingMerch Shop

Nice and interesting post,I appreciate your hard work,keep uploading more, Thank you for sharing valuable information.

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member

Cool Site you got, best wishes to you!

xoxlaurelei
xoxlaurelei

Deby, I think you’re just the greatest. 🙂 And I was admiring the way your hoodie flares at the bottom. LOL to learn that was where everything went wrong. To quote Bob Ross, we don’t make mistakes, just happy accidents.

grtescp

I love the shape of this hoody, and as I live in fleece in this cold part of the world I am very tempted to make a similar top!

Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama
Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama

Great job turned out great. Thanks for linking up to Artsy Corner 🙂

Natalie
Natalie

I have a family of Hoodie-fans, love it!
Thanks for sharing on Tutorial Thursdays.
x
Natalie
http://www.marigoldsloft.blogspot.com

I Gotta Try That

Thanks so much for linking up all your great stuff. I especially like this fleece hoodie!!! Have a great week.
Hugs,
Marcie

Kathy Moody

I love your hoodie! It turned out great. I could use one of those today where I live. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent. I love seeing your latest and greatest projects. Have a wonderful week.

Hugs
Kathy

Lanaya
Lanaya

I love fleece hoodies … they are good for so many occasions!

Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. 🙂

¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
http://www.raising-reagan.com

Leslie
Leslie

It looks cute! I am not brave enough to try sewing clothes.

Thank you for linking up to Raising Imperfection!
Make sure to check back on Friday to see if you were featured.
Leslie
http://www.violetimperfection.com

Kara

Very cute hoodie!

litcoachDonna
litcoachDonna

Hi Deby,
I am also enrolled in Meg’s course on Craftsy, and love her style of teaching. I also made the hoodie, and found the bottom was too circular. I felt like one of the Jetsons. Luckily my daughter is pregnant and I gave it to her. I also found that the pattern was a little short, as though the pattern was written for petites. I may make it again, but will lengthen the body, and narrow down the hip circumference.
I am enjoying your blog, as I too want to improve my sewing, knitting, and baking techniques and find the Craftsy courses are well worth the money.

Judi
Judi

Hi Deby…I’m Judi from your class…known there as “Pinkie”. I like your hoodie and I didn’t notice that your hem had stretched out. I also have the triple stretch stitch on my machine. This class…the hoodie…was the first time I had used it. Mine didn’t stretch out. I used the walking foot that came with my machine ( a Brother). I don’t know if that made a difference or not.

Crystelle Boutique
Crystelle Boutique

What a fun and comfy-looking hoodie. Looks like with all that wind you can use it! great photo’s!

hugs x
crystelle

GourmetGetaways (@GourmetGetaway)
GourmetGetaways (@GourmetGetaway)

Oh I can’t imagine what it is like to live in the Caribbean!
Great hoodie, and awesome photos 🙂

thethinkingcloset
thethinkingcloset

Your fleece hoodie turned out great! Looks so comfy. I’m still a beginner sewist and not quite at the point of making something like this…but hopefully someday. My next project is going to be a market bag. Found you at Crystal & Co’s linky party.

Warmly,
Lauren

Terrie

Hi Deby, I stop by via linky party and found your inspiring blog. Your bags and all sewing are inspiring. I’ll read through all and come back again soon.
Terrie from Hong Kong

Diana Rambles

Cute!

amy mayen
amy mayen

I list my projects on craftsy but have never take a class. If I were to start with a free coarse, which would you recommend?