sew + tell: camelia’s neighborhood sweatshirts
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Today, Camelia is back with us from the Advisors Circle. She visited earlier this year to talk about her Terrace Dresses, and now she's here again to share her latest creation. As always, she’s got some great insights to offer.
**Name:** Camelia
**Where can we find you on the internet?** Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Flickr
**Pattern Used:** Liesl + Co. Neighborhood Sweatshirt + Hoodie
**Project Details:** I absolutely loved the details in the Neighborhood Sweatshirt pattern, so it quickly moved to the top of my sewing list. Since I don't usually wear or make sporty clothes, I began brainstorming ways to adapt the pattern to fit my personal style. In the end, I’m thrilled with what I created. I’ve made two versions of the Neighborhood Sweatshirt—versions that are quite different from the original pattern but only required minor tweaks.
**About the Lace Sleeves Top:**
**Fabrics Used:** French terry and embroidered tulle for the sleeves
**Did the Fabric Work Well?**
The French terry worked beautifully for this project, but my idea of adding lace sleeves didn’t turn out as planned. Every mistake in sewing is a learning opportunity for me! While cutting the sleeves, I hesitated between using stretchy material or not. Eventually, I decided against it, but once I finished sewing, I realized I couldn’t move my arms because the fabric lacked stretch. The solution? I shortened the sleeves to 6 cm (from the underarm) and added a 3 cm wide band. I absolutely adore the result!
**How Did the Sewing Go?**
This pattern, especially the sweatshirt version, was incredibly easy to sew. For the sleeve seams, I used French seams since the fabric is sheer, and I wanted everything to look neat. The rest of the shirt was sewn on the serger, which made it super quick to put together.
**What Was the Best Part?**
I’m really happy with this top—it’s incredibly comfortable, and I love the small sleeves. This pattern is definitely one I’ll keep coming back to.
**About the Faux Suede Top:**
After finishing the French terry top, I jumped into the next project. For this one, I had a very clear vision in mind. I wanted the bodice in faux suede with contrasting sleeves. To add more interest, I used the front pieces from the hoodie option (without the pockets) and top-stitched all the seams with contrasting thread.
**Fabric Used:** Stretch faux suede and polyester pique stretch
**Did the Fabric Work Well?**
Absolutely! These fabrics matched perfectly. They had a similar drape and enough stretch for the long sleeves.
**How Did the Sewing Go?**
I thoroughly enjoyed sewing this top! I loved working with all those seams in the front panel. To speed things up, I use an older sewing machine specifically for topstitching when I need to use a different thread color. That way, I don’t have to constantly change the thread or needle. I made the top 5 cm shorter, skipped the hem band, and shortened the sleeves by 12 cm while adding a 3 cm band.
**What Was the Best Part?**
This project was so much fun! I love how different it turned out from the original pattern. It’s amazing to get two completely different tops from one pattern! Now, I need to make an Extra-Sharp Pencil Skirt to pair with this top.
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I hope these projects inspire you to try your hand at some creative adaptations of your own favorite patterns. Happy sewing!