Hoodies, Fall, and Confines of the Body

Hoodies and Fall go hand in hand.  Well, hell, hoodies tend to be a good wardrobe staple anyway you shake it.  So, I set out to make my new favorite one . . . the Sol Hoodie by Jamie Christina.  To make it I used some grey ponte knit that I got from Mood (and yes, I paid for it), some tissue knit lavender/pinkish for the hood lining, a metal zipper (I think plastic ones on hoodies are A) pointless, as they break quicker than pigs eatting slop and B) look cheap (sorry, not sorry).  I had some ribbon trim my Dad bought me on our excursion to Mood in August, and I used that.  Yea, when I got it I told him that I wasn't 100 percent sure what I was going to do with it.  Yea, Dude, I always knew.  I just wasn't going to tell him that I was planning to use 15 dollar a yard trim for a hoodie.  Ha.  

I can't tell you how many times I've worn it since finishing it . . . two dozen maybe? And it's only been done a week.  

After running one night, I converted to flip flops as we goofed around waiting for the exterminator to leave.  What, if Mr. Fairytale is bribed into talking photos for me you know I will be far from serious.  Besides, I have to say . . . making clothes is one thing.  Constantly taking photos of one self . . . it certainly puts you on display, making you ponder your body type and imagery.  I can't say I'm over mine, but the constant display is certainly something to make you grapple while cutting and sewing.  Is this something I want to a capture in a  photo, for a semi-permanent remembrance? 

In short, some items look better on a hanger.  Some are better in theory.  Some are better on anyone's body buy mine.  None-the-less, embracing a self-made wardrobe certainly does make you more aware and more at ease (in a perverse sort of way) of how your body manifests itself.  As you extend the arm width by half an inch, take in the waist, let out the chest, adjust the butt . . . these are your measurements and there is no avoiding them at this point.  Of course, there is always the option (well, reality) that making your own wardrobe allows you to choose fabrics, styles, and designs that elevate the confines of your body in a way that fast, ready-made fashion won't.  Though, hoodies are hard to go wrong with.  Bad days can literally be enveloped in  one.  

Ripple joined us, obviously as we were waiting for the bi-annual bug spray to vacate.   

Look at that face? Seriously.  I have the cutest dog, if not the neediest at times.  Notice the thumb holes.  The sleeves are long and loose enough that you don't have to use them, even though I do more than not.  Thumb holes come in handy.  

You people always want a side and rear view.  I oblige.  

 

Instagram people saw this one.  Isn't she adorable? I was in a shitty mood.  Pooch always makes me feel better.  

She was sitting on my foot.  Me to her: "Can I have my foot? I kinda need that." Her to me: a whimper and an attempt to lick me.  

As for the construction . . . it's fairly easy and straight froward.  I added half and inch to the sleeves, since--well--my arms and I have issues.  Also, I sewed this up in an XL.  Did I need to? Nope.  I could have done the whole thing in a L, even the sleeves.  Does the difference really matter? Nope.  

On the hood I omitted the drawstrings, as I never really use them and it stays just fine.  Though, I did allow the lining to show on the outside a smidge.  I didn't top stitch this area, as I'll either press it post wash or not worry about it.  

In a box of vintage finds I scored, for ten bucks, there was a spool of peach thread.  I kept it . . . it came in handy here.  Point: keep those odd colors as they come in handy from time to time.  

When putting on the ribbon I went stupid and did it A) before I put the pockets on and B) before I put the band on.  So, my stitch ripper and I got friendly, but then I get a little moxy and matched up the design so that you can't really tell.  Though, I will say the ribbon gives some weight to this bad boy.  I actually think the ribbon seam on the binding helps it lay a bit . . . or that is just me justifying jumping ahead steps when I made it.  Ha!

The thumb hole and dog hair.  Ripple is everywhere!

Ain't she pretty? See how the lining outlines the ribbon? I did make sure I matched up the ribbon on the sides and when I attached the hood.  I really do like the details.  

Zig zag finish and below . . . stabilizing the shoulder seams with scrap elastic.  On thing I can state: my hoodie won't become misshapen in a few wearings.   

I lacked twill tape, so I used woven ribbon for the neck.  I was a little tricky to get in, and I don't think I did a stellar job, but . . . the print and design hide the flaws.  I used some pink thread there . . . It would also help to have ribbon, or tape, that is the right width.  Mine was not, probably causing the added trickiness.

I've gotten a ton of compliments on this bad boy, and it traveled to New Hampshire with me and made an appearance on the lake.

I be high fashion gangster here.  Or highly bourgeois, as I did spend a weekend at a cabin in New Hampshire as a flight from NYC for a few days.  

She hangs well.  

 

A New England fall . . . this was on the way home, in Massachusetts.  

And . . . that's a wrap people.  Yea, shots above my head just make me loop top heavier than I am.  Cha cha.