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I’m so EXCITED about my first make of 2021. I made this sweater on January 1st, and what a joy it was to sew in my new space. If you missed my Sewing Studio Makeover post, you should really go check it out HERE, . I literally feel like my creativity has been released again now that I have a clutter-free, organized sewing space. And you know what? That’s what happens when you remove clutter from any area of your life. Physical clutter is really a manifestation of mind clutter.
Now, let’s get into this Cable Knit Toaster Sweater Review. I purchased Simplicity 8529 with the intentions of sewing View A only. But now that I’ve completed the first one, I think I want all the views. This was such an easy sew and I’m really pleased with the outcome.
This pattern is sized for stretch knits only. I love that it’s oversized with drop shoulders. There are two lengths, long and cropped. I’m wearing the long version. The two neckline options are crew neck and high boat neck.
When Melanated Fabrics opened, this Carson Knit in Pumpkin sold out quickly. They restocked and I was able to grab 2 yards to make my toaster sweater. Unfortunately, at the time of this posting, it is no longer available on their website. I don’t know if they will restock, so you can contact them.
When I shared a picture of the sweater to my Instagram, several people thought I had knitted the sweater. I’m so glad knitted sweater fabrics are a thing because I don’t knit. Will you look at the beautiful cable pattern in this fabric?
This was a very easy sew with only four or five pattern pieces, depending on the view you’re sewing. View A uses four pieces: front, back, sleeve, and sleeve band. You can sew this sweater on your regular sewing machine or serger. The instructions are very easy to follow and you probably won’t need them if your sewing skill level is advanced beginner or above.
I used a universal size 12 sewing machine needle and all purpose polyester thread. The shoulders were stabilized with stay tape to prevent stretching.
I have so many pieces in my closet that I can style with this sweater. My first idea was to pair it with my jeans because that’s how I’ll get the most wear from it right now. I’ve accessorized with my thigh-high leather boots, tea time brooch, and hoop earrings. Honey, I was kind of feeling myself when I looked in the mirror. I’m not gonna lie. I told myself, “Girl, you’re CUTE! YES!” Hahaha!!!
When I started sewing the sweater, I got the idea to make a beanie hat with the leftover fabric. Then I thought about my friend Teresa who has a crochet business. So I reached out to her and asked if she could find a matching yarn to make a beanie for me. She found a yarn pretty close and created this cute beanie hat. The cables in the hat match the ones in the sweater. I’m certainly feeling warm and cozy in this ensemble. If you want a beanie hat, you can find her on Instagram.
So, what do you think? Do you like the sweater? Would you sew this pattern? Leave me a comment below because you know I love to engage with my community.
Thanks for stopping by.
Remember: “When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!”
Anita
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(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.)
This Post Has 75 Comments
LOVE this sweater! I Googled the fabric and found it for $5.00 a yard on Etsy in 4 different colors. Thank you for this inspiration. I’ve ordered the fabric and pattern and can’t wait to make this!!
Whaaaatttt??? OMGosh! Wow! What a great deal! WoooHooo! Have fun making your sweater.
I love this fabric, and will order it soon! good looking sweater, looks good!
Thank you so much, sister!
Hello Anita, I love that sweater. The neck line is very unique and pumpkin is my favorite fall color. It would work well here in North Florida. Looking forward to what comes next.
Thank you so much, Anna!
Hey Anita, I am really digging this sweater. It looks very professional as does all your garments. You look good in it girl and the fit is spot on. You encourage me so much and I’m getting better and better. I will definitely look for this pattern. Keep it coming now that you have that beautiful sewing room!!!!!!
Hi Anita
Love this entire look from head to toe. I would definitely make this.
Thank you so much, Yolanda!
Hi Anita, Yes!! I love the sweater and the beanie hat. Looks great on you. The color is beautiful and I love the high neckline.
Thank you Denetra!
Oh, I do love this top! It really does look hand knit. I have two questions – why Toaster? Or is that the pattern name? What do you use for stay tape. I learned to use hem tape for that years ago.
Having the hat to match just makes this too perfect!
Hi Sue! Yes, the pattern describes it as a Toaster Sweater. I used stay tape by Dritz and I’ve used hem tape also. Whatever I have on had at the time.
Happy New Year Anita!
I love this make! I always get great ideas from you. I would have never thought to do something like this from that pattern. I really appreciate that you include specifics like the type of needle and thread. This is very helpful since I am just now learning about material and type of needles and thread works best.
Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Mayrie! I’m so glad you found this to be helpful. Yes, someone asked a while ago if I would include details about what I use to create the garments and I think it’s a great idea.
I have never thought about “ sewing” a sweater – I didn’t even realize that was a thing! I will definitely try this. Yours is beautiful, you are adorable!
Thank you so much Traci! Yes, with all the beautiful sweater knit fabrics on the market you will have fun sewing sweaters.
Hi Anita, Happy New Year to you and your family. I love the pattern and fabric. I will definitely pick up the pattern next time it’s in sale. And yes girl you look fabulous. Take care.
Thank you so much, Xina! Yaaay! You will like this sweater.
Pumpkin/burnt orange one of my favorite colors, I love fall colors. The sweater looks perfect with the jeans it’s very beautiful, and the color suits you wonderfully. I would also like to thank you for telling us the proper height for a chair I notice I don’t have problems with my knees anymore when my legs are parallel to the floor. Thank you so much
Oh Vanessa! I’m so glad to hear the tip about proper posture helped you out. You’re very welcome.
It sure looks cozy on you! I’m going to try it. Ive never sewn with sweater knits, let’s see how I do!
It’s very cozy. Have fun sewing your sweater.
Beautiful and I love the color. Looks great with the denim! I’d love to give that a try!
Thank you Heidi. Yes, give it a try. It’s an easy sew.
Anita, this is awesome. Love it and yes you ARE cute. I too thought you knitted this sweater. You are getting me so excited about getting back in my house so I can start sewing. My house rebuild is coming along….so we hope to be in our home soon. This is my time to declutter and renew my sewing area. Keep the the 2021 new sews and pattern reviews coming.
Thank you so much, Monica! Yes, get that sewing space decluttered so that when you step into your new space your creativity will flow freely.
Beautiful I love the cable stitch
You to much
Hey Vera! Thank you so much!
You look fantastic in that color and your fabulous sweater.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Thank you so much, Rena
What a great make! Initially, I thought you knitted the sweater. It is gorgeous, with the matching beanie, and the color is perfect for wintry weather. I would love one to not only wear with jeans, but also with skirts and dress slacks. This is a great way to kick off 2021!!!
Yes, De, it’s so perfect for skirts too. I matched it to some skirts in my closet and I got very excited.
I have to be honest, when I first saw this I thought you had knitted it, so was soo shocked to know that it was sewn. I have found somewhere in the UK that sells textured cable knits and will probably buy some of this material soon. I will have to look to see if I can find the pattern, but I am exploring making my own blocks at the moment, and it looks an easy enough sew and pattern to make, but if I can’t then I will definately look out for it over here. The colour really suits you and I like the casual look. I wear a lot of jumpers, so being able to sew a jumper type top will be a lot quicker than knitting one – although I could do that if push comes to shove… A great start to the New Year 🙂 God Bless and take care.
Hi Annette! Oh, it’s great that you can draft your own patterns. That’s a huge talent to have. God bless you too.
I love the sweater and matching hat with the pom pom. I live in Florida but this would have been perfect for my past trip to Tennessee.
Thank you Latonya!
That is another beautiful color you wear so well Anita. The sweater is gorgeous. The pattern and the look is a must have. Keep on keeping on. Soooo inspiring!
Thank you Doris! I love the color.
Such a lovely sweater. I didn’t know you could get cabled knit fabric to sew. I too thought you started knitting. The colour too, so beautiful and looking great on you.
Yes, Marita, it’s out there. Thank you so much.
You look stunning! That pattern is beautiful.
Thank you Juju!
Hi Anita, Beautiful sweater. You’ve inspired me to try this pattern. Would a Hacci sweater knit be an appropriate choice fabric?
Hi Linda! Oh yes, a Hacci would work just fine.
Hi Anita! I love this sweater and this entire look! You know I’m a jeans girl and I’m also a boots and sweater girl so this outfit really speaks to me!! I love it and you look absolutely beautiful as usual! Thanks for sharing!!
Hey Dorothy! Yep, I know casual is your jam. Thank you so much.
Hi Anita, this sweater is soooooo cute. I have that pattern and I ordered some rib knit from Melanated Fabric. I agree with using this pattern to make additional sweaters.
Thanks for sharing!
Stay safe ?
Thank you, Rosalind. Have fun making your sweater.
Hi Anita! Love It and the color. I have this pattern. I gotta pull it out now. Thanks for sharing.