Despite me saying just last week that I don't often wear hoodies, I was very interested in this version. The faux princess seaming hiding a built-in inseam kangaroo pocket and thumbholes in the cuffs gives it a nicely feminine touch and therefore fits into my style really well, especially when able to combine a couple of fabrics to add subtle pattern or colour.  So here is my first and likely not my last Hideaway Hoodie....

Although not a unique or original pattern idea, I believe a perfectly fitting turtleneck top is a wardrobe essential, so when Christina of Wardrobe by Me* asked if I'd be interested in helping to test the pattern, I was more than happy to. I class it as an 'essential' as not only is it a great garment for layering under other garments to make them cold weather suitable, it can also be worn as a top in its own right and even a sweater if made in sweater knit! Plus with 5 sleeve options including sleeveless it really can be used for so many different looks! I'm looking forward to making more of these but here is my first, modelled on a very cold and windy beach in the UK in December, I must really love it! 

Following on from the previous Fun Tee blog tour, I was very excited to hear there would be a Christmas Tour following very soon.  I LOVE Christmas, I always have, but I especially love giving and receiving handmade gifts, the time and effort which goes into making them for me is far more special to me than quickly picking something off a shelf to give to me. With that said, I already have several MeMade gifts planned for friends and family so took the opportunity to sew myself a couple of things for this tour, after all, I need to be properly attired for gift giving too! 

I feel the cold {a lot!} and live in the not so sunny UK, so I wear jumpers and cardigans practically all year round! I don't often wear hoodie style sweatshirts as they aren't really my style so was very excited to see the sketch of this pattern release from New Horizons*, which includes 3 different cardigan styles and lengths with multiple neck options, pockets and a hood option!? It's perfect for so many outfits and situations! I'm looking forward to filling my wardrobe with LOTS of Vermont Cardigans this winter but here's my first two...

I absolutely adore this fabric, it is exactly the type of print I would be drawn to in any fabric shop so was super excited to be able to get my hands on the strike off from Second Star! Having underestimated how much fabric I needed for the pattern I had in mind, I changed my mind to raglans! I then couldn't decide whether to use the print as the front or sleeves.... so obviously I had to do both!