As a member of the Blank Slate Patterns Sewing Team, I get to see and test out patterns before you do. (Yeah, it’s a pretty amazing gig…) This last release with this Sora Sweater (aff link) certainly did not disappoint. It’s a beautiful pullover and cardigan pattern for knits with a great relaxed and casual design available from XXS to 3X sizing.
For my first sew (and yes, there are other versions floating in my head,) I decided to make the pullover view with the shawl neck. It took me a minute to wrap my head around the construction, but I made it through pretty well for my first run. I like to live on the edge (ha!) and not muslin with companies I’ve sewn with before. Luckily for all of you, Melly created a video to get you through this step and you can find it here.
The other great feature of this top is the side gusset. I’ve never sewn one into a top before, but absolutely love it. It adds fabulous shape around the hips without adding volume all-over the garment. The front of the Sora still sits nice and straight. You can find the tutorial in the same video above.
I used a lightweight Eco-knit made from 50% recycled fiber and 50% organic cotton. This dark peppered gray is a nice neutral and will go with so much in my wardrobe….especially my blue and black denim jeans! This fabric was a great find from the Instagram of TrashN2Tees . I don’t know if Jenelle will offer the buy again, but you should check out her website. She is an inspiration for the upcycle and textile re-use world.
I opted for the long sleeves with my make, but you can make a short sleeve version for some layering or to just wear alone. The sleeves are drafted to be a bit longer….which I really appreciate given the style of the Sora. With comfy cozy types of tops, I tend to pull down the sleeves to warm up my hands a bit and are perfect for just that. If you aren’t sure what you like, you can always sew them as the pattern says and take off an inch or two if they are too long before adding the cuff.
To add to the casual factor, I modeled my Sora after some menswear versions with the toggle. I sewed in corded elastic which I looped so it could wrap over the toggle. If you see other versions of the Sora pullover, you’ll notice that the shawl neck overlaps with the left side over the right. But, I already sewed in the elastic and had to have the right side over the left as you see here. So if you want to add an embellishment, remember my mistake and plan for the correct side! TIP: Use a small piece of fusible interfacing behind the toggle or button to keep the knit from pulling open.
The shirt-tail hem is folded up with a nice clean finish. I serged the raw edge and then used my twin-needle with wooly (aka bulky or smooth) nylon in the bobbin. You can see I have grey in my stash but was too lazy to wind another bobbin when I already had the cream color ready to go. (Hey, you can’t stop me when I want to get a shirt finished!) I love using wooly nylon in the bobbin of my domestic machine and also in the upper loopers of my serger for extra stretch and stress forgiveness.
You can find other versions of this pattern using #SoraSweater on social media and you can find it for purchase here (aff link.)
I hope you are enjoying my continual quest for a handmade wardrobe and this top definitely fits into the basics I need and will wear for years to come.
Happy Sewing!
Cristy
*This pattern was provided to me as part of the Blank Slate Patterns Sewing Team, but I was not asked to blog about it. Any affiliate links are noted. As always, all opinions and words are my own.