sew + tell: camelia’s neighborhood sweatshirts
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Today, Camelia joins us again from the Advisors Circle. Back in the spring, she dropped by to showcase her Terrace Dresses. Now, she’s back with her latest creation—a project inspired by the Liesl + Co. Neighborhood Sweatshirt and Hoodie pattern. She’s excited to share the details with all of us.
### About Camelia
You can find Camelia online through her blog, Instagram, and Pinterest accounts. Her creativity shines through her projects, and she always brings a unique perspective to her sewing endeavors.
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### Pattern Used
The pattern she worked with is the Liesl + Co. Neighborhood Sweatshirt and Hoodie. Camelia was immediately drawn to the intricate details of the sweatshirt version. While she doesn’t typically sew or wear sporty styles, she decided to put her own spin on the design to align it with her personal aesthetic. She ended up creating two distinct versions of the sweatshirt—both quite different from the original pattern but requiring only minor adjustments.
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### First Version: Lace Sleeves Top
For the first version, Camelia combined French terry with embroidered tulle for the sleeves.
#### Fabrics Used
- **French Terry:** Perfect for the main body of the sweatshirt.
- **Embroidered Tulle:** Chosen for the sleeves, adding a delicate touch.
#### Fabric Challenges
Initially, Camelia envisioned the lace sleeves blending seamlessly into the overall design. However, her choice didn’t turn out as expected. Without stretch in the lace material, she found herself unable to move her arms freely after completing the top. Realizing her mistake, she shortened the sleeves to 6 cm from the underarm and added a 3 cm elastic band. This adjustment not only resolved the issue but also enhanced the look of the top. She now loves how the piece turned out!
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### Sewing Process
This pattern proved straightforward, especially when working with the sweatshirt option. For the sleeve seams, she opted for French seams to ensure a clean finish since the fabric was slightly transparent. The rest of the garment was sewn on the serger, making the process efficient and enjoyable.
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### Best Part of the Project
Camelia is thrilled with the final product. It’s incredibly comfortable, and she adores the subtle flair of the little sleeves. This pattern has become a staple in her sewing repertoire.
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### Second Version: Faux Suede Top
Inspired by her first creation, Camelia moved on to the next version. This time, she envisioned a bodice made from stretch faux suede paired with contrasting sleeves. To add visual interest, she incorporated the front panels from the hoodie option (minus the pockets). She also topstitched all the seams with contrasting thread for a bold finish.
#### Fabrics Used
- **Stretch Faux Suede:** Used for the bodice.
- **Polyester Pique Stretch:** Chosen for the sleeves due to its similar drape and stretch properties.
#### Fabric Compatibility
The combination of these fabrics worked beautifully. Both materials had enough stretch to accommodate long sleeves while maintaining the desired drape.
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### Sewing Experience
Sewing this second top was a joy. Camelia particularly enjoyed working on the front panel seams. To streamline her workflow, she used an older sewing machine specifically for topstitching, eliminating the need to frequently change threads and needles. She personalized the design by shortening the top by 5 cm, omitting the hemband, and reducing the sleeve length by 12 cm while adding a 3 cm elastic band.
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### Favorite Aspect of the Project
Camelia found it exciting to create something so different from the original pattern. Transforming one design into two entirely unique tops was rewarding, and she already has plans to pair this top with an Extra-Sharp Pencil Skirt.
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Camelia’s creativity and adaptability shine through in these projects. If you’d like to see more of her work, check out her blog, Instagram, and Pinterest profiles. Stay tuned for her future creations!
(And don’t forget to explore related content below!)
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*Disclaimer: The images used are linked directly to their sources.*