This months' Crafty Bloggers' Club post is from Lena.  You can find more of her makes on Instagram @thatlenaking

I made a new thing and it's cuddly and snuggly and I'm rather pleased with it.

The Cosy Jersey Tunic and Dress pattern is exactly what it says. Like other patterns by My Handmade Wardrobe it is designed to have several versions and options with hacking potential. The dress version is knee length and the tunic is just above mid thigh. The short sleeved version comes with grown on cap sleeves, the long sleeves have a deep cuff. The pattern is designed for knit fabrics and will look and feel different according to what kind of jersey you use. The dress for example would work really well in an interlock or terry for a more classic t-shirt dress or in a more drapey viscose jersey it could look more dressy.

I chose to make the tunic in a snuggly, fleece back sweatshirt fabric in a fun animal print and use a plain mustard one for the cuffs and waistband. I love the deep, bright rust colour of the animal print, the combination of rust and mustard is one of my favourites. Because of the way the pattern is constructed it lends itself easily to colour blocking, a front and back piece, 2 side panels, large patch pockets, cuffs, waistband and even a belt option all mean fun could be had using a couple of different coloured fabrics.

I'm afraid I forgot to get any in progress shots, when I get to work I get pretty taken up with what I'm doing. I cut a medium, my body measurements fell between a small and a medium. Having made it I think I would have got a better fit if I'd made a small for the bust and graded out to a medium for the hips. I do like the oversized look that I've made but I find that I tend to keep pulling it up and adjusting the shoulders when I wear it. The only adjustment I made was to lengthen the sleeves by an inch. I have long arms and I really wanted a generous sleeve that I wouldn't have to keep pulling to cover my wrists. The adjustment made them extra long, I can easily curl my hand up inside for extra warmth, and I'm super happy about that. Talking about extra warmth, I love the tunic length of this as it covers my bottom nicely, perfectly snuggly for a blustery day on the beach.

The tunic came together very easily and quickly. The trickiest bit was getting a sharp ‘v' for the neckline, which I failed to do, ho-hum. The pockets are another favourite aspect of this pattern as they are generous in depth and width - great for storing seaside finds, a snack or 2, phone, keys, sanitiser etc. Also, as they are made from fleece back sweatshirt, perfect hand warmers!

I imagine some people would ask “why have a snuggly, warm sweatshirt but in a v-neck?” I hear you and so do the team at My Handmade Wardrobe and they are launching a cosy collar add-on soon. I like the v-neck, it makes it a bit different from the standard sweatshirt, it also gives you some layering options too. I'm not a pattern drafter but I'm imagining that it would be fairly easy to change the neckline into a crew neck. You could then use some ribbing to finish the neckline or make a new facing pattern piece.

I wore my tunic with some skinny jeans, for a comfortable, easy look. I think it would look good with a short skirt, tights and boots too.

I would totally recommend this pattern to beginners and any one wanting a quick, easy cosy make. A few of these in your wardrobe would be both fun and practical.

Happy sewing!

Lena

 “Crafty Bloggers' Club Contributors are given products and materials to test from Crafty Sew & So. We hope you enjoy their honest and impartial reviews of the products. All opinions are their own.”