CocoWawa Patterns Chestnut Sweater

After a summer full of dresses, I've been wanting to add more separates to my wardrobe this autumn. In particular sweatshirts, cardigans and blouses.

A couple of weeks ago Ana from CocoWawa Crafts released her newest design the Chestnut Sweater and Top I bought it right away and I had it printed and stuck together the same evening.

I knew instantly that it would be perfect for some of the gorgeous Atelier Brunette jersey we stock. I made a Tilly and the Buttons Coco sweatshirt earlier on in the year using the blush pink jersey, this time I chose the grey with metallic pink dots. I got the cationic chiffon for the bow from ebay (although it took three purchases to get the right shade of pink).

This was my first time sewing one of Ana's patterns and I liked that the Chestnut pattern has so many options - sweatshirt or top, and the cute bows add something different and fun.

I chose to sew a sweatshirt, view A, which has a one bow and a little scooped out section at the back. It reminds me of one of my favourite RTW jumpers which has sadly seen better days. After studying the body and finished measurements I cut a straight size 4, but I did add 10cm to the length in the body only. This is because the sweater version is designed as cropped and I wanted it to sit on my hips. I managed to squeeze the sweater out of 1.3m of fabric.

The pattern instructions are very thorough and clear for each version and I had no issues with matching up pattern pieces. It was also a quick to make and very satisfying. I made my own ribbons using the chiffon and they ended up being 3cm wide and 60cm long. The ribbons aren't quite as oversized as I'd envisaged, I should have made them at least 5cm wide.

I am so happy with my sweatshirt, I finished it last night and have loved wearing it today running around with the family at Richmond Castle. I am planning on adding a top using this jersey to my wardrobe next and will be shamelessly copying one of Ana's samples with a big navy bow on my shoulder.