In the past I wasn’t a big sweatshirt wearer, but the past 18 months of mostly working from home has altered my mindset.

This Style Arc Fenix sweatshirt was mostly made as a stashbuster! The striped sweatshirt fleece (smooth outside, fuzzy inside) has been in my stash for a long time. It possibly came from Crafty Mamas Fabrics. There wasn’t a great deal of it, so I paired it with red ponte scraps that seemed to have adequate stretch. I keep all my ponte and bengaline scraps in a tub – they come in handy. There’s a similar tub specifically for linen.

I sewed straight size 12, but probably shortened the sleeves an inch (or two) when cutting out.  Bonus of using a solid for the side panels was that I didn’t need to stripe match along those seamlines!

There’s quite a bit of pleasing topstitching in this garment. I really do like topstitching, both for the aesthetics of the additional detail, and for the stability and structure that it can provide. Construction was shared between the sewing machine and the overlocker. There are pockets set into the side front seams, also highlighted with topstitching.  I didn’t use a twin needle for topstitching as I thought there were too many layers of fabric to get through.

This pattern would be really lovely sewn in french terry and rib – there are a few online stores selling matching terry/rib combinations at the moment (I know that many of my blog readers are in lockdown at the moment, so online is our shopping option). My Fenix was intended to be a wearable muslin, but it’s turned out better than expected and I’ve worn it quite a few times this winter already!

From the pattern website: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Crew neck sweatshirt. Side panels with inseam pockets. Side rib panels can be made in main fabric. Extended shoulder line. Deep armhole. Rib hem band, side panels, cuffs and neckband. Slight hi-low hemline. Slouchy long sleeve. FABRIC SUGGESTION Fleece, rugby knit and a knit rib for the trims

I’m doing an online Style School at the moment, as I feel the need to reassess my clothes as my body, colouring, and lifestyle is altering. I’m still not sure how many sweatshirts will make my way into my wardrobe; they are definitely something that I don’t tend to wear outside of the home. But while we’re still in lockdown – bring them on!