Hi, guys! I hope you don’t mind if I share another wardrobe basic today!
One of the best things about sewing is that you can take an idea and make it your own. You know, when you see something and like it, but wish it was just a little bit different? The idea from this came from a sweater from Isabel Marant’s Pre-Fall 2014 collection (you guys, I super love her stuff and kinda want to wear everything in that whole collection, even if I would look less Svelte Parisienne and more Crazy Old Lady). I loved the colorblocking, particularly in grey and brown. They look really cool together and are a fun alternative to the black and brown combos I’ve been seeing lately in fashion spreads. I briefly thought about knitting my own version of this sweater, but I didn’t really like the chunkiness of the yarn (you KNOW you’d be sweating wearing that thing!). Instead I decided to find sweater knits to sew my own version for my November Mood Sewing Network project!
I’d hoped to find some rustic sweater knits to closely mimic the inspiration image, but when I saw these gorgeous wool jerseys at Mood, I scooped them up. They’re nearly identical to each other in weight and feel, which seemed important for colorblocking, and the colors are really nice. Yay!
I used my go-to raglan pullover pattern, Papercut Patterns’ Undercover Hood (minus the hood!) and tweaked it to add the contrast yoke detail. Wanna know how? I just dropped a straight line 5″ down from center front and then squared over to the side seam. I matched this to the side seam on the back piece and then squared over to center back so the yokes would line up. Add seam allowances and you’re good to go! Easy!
I love sewing with wool jersey… it’s stable and easy to sew, and responds to the iron more than most knits. It’s also really nice to wear. I love the extra bit of warmth you get from wool, and I like that it’s a classic, dressier alternative to regular jersey. And, just between us gals, I’ve been wearing my other two Undercover (non-)Hoods basically all the time and really need to give them a break, so I’m glad to add another one to the mix! [Sidebar: this is the second pattern I’ve made three times this year… what’s happening to me? Am I turning into a Pattern Repeat Offender?]
My finished sweater isn’t an exact replica of the inspiration garment, but it’s really wearable and is just my style! Plus, it’s much more affordable than Isabel’s version, which is out of my price range until she decides to make me her muse and pay me in clothes! (Are you listening, Isabel? Will work for clothes!) 
Now, let’s have a little fun! If you want to, post a link to a garment you’re inspired by and share how you’d like to make it your own! What pattern would you use to make it? What changes would you make? Do tell!
Ginger Makes... 
so cute and looks very comfy! i hadn’t seen the original sweater but it does look very nice. it’d be a super easy knit too. hmmm….
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I bet it would be really quick, too, in yarn that chunky! Make it!
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Brilliant and so nice that you didn’t replicate exactly. It’s got the feel, but is more wearable. I love everything Isabel Marant, she hits the nail on the head every time. I’m considering copying this madewell dress with the hemlock tee as my base, but extended to dress length. https://www.madewell.com/gift_guide/GIFTWELLGUIDE/SELFGIFTINGCENTRAL/PRDOVR~B5457/B5457.jsp?color_name=hthr-cloud&srcCode=MWPINT0154&crlt.pid=camp.dCx0SHKLOTX6
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I really hope you do it! That dress is great!
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Im on a core wardrobe focus, but oh to dream of things just cause I love them. Oh yeah, thats why nothing in my closet goes together. Soon enough.
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I’m making a concerted effort to make things that go together these days… it’s been too long with a closet stuffed full, but nothing to wear!
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Oooh, I love the color blocking you did! I have been wanting to try to replicate this Antro top (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/232568768232853536/) and I figured the Archer pattern would be perfect. I really don’t know how to accomplish the gusset type things on the side (and I haven’t made an Archer yet, despite having the pattern forever!) I thought the zippers/gussets would be a great maternity modification but I’m getting to the point where I’d need it to zip all the way to the underarm for there to be enough room!
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Ohhhh, YEAH, that looks AWESOME! I’m not sure how to draft those gussets, but I bet there’s someone that does! Anyone have any tips?
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i like it a lot! have made two similar sweaters, one some time ago, and one today 🙂 but i used neue mode magazine pattern from 1981, and that pattern already had back and front yoke pattern pieces.. i haven’t made those yokes in contrast color, though.. so, now i’ll have to make another one of those sweaters 🙂
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How awesome! I hope you try a contrast version… I’d love to see your take on it!
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Aw man, this looks so comfy and warm, and really REALLY ‘you’. I love that it has a similar feel to the Isabel Marant sweater, but yet you put your own spin on it through the fabric and the pattern. It’s garments like this that make me love sewing!!
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I agree- sewing feels especially fun when it helps you win the “I like this dress, but does it come in red? 2 inches longer?” battle!
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Your sweater is so cute and so you! Love it!
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Thanks, Carolyn! 😀
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Love it! So cozy and chic
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Thanks, Kat!
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Um.. I love color blocking, I have a whole pinterest board devoted to it and I must say I like your version more than the inspiration! That looks amazingly wearable and nothing beats wool for warmth.
I have so many I want to remake but right now fluffy warmth is on the brain and I think this skirt would be so fun! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/459367230716480368/
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Whoa! That is so cool! The plaid-on-plaid look is really edgy and fun!
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I love these colours. It looks so smart whilst still being relaxed. I want to recreate this entire look: http://www.dailylook.com/c/Words-As-Weapons/1/4436.html?medium=HardPin&source=Pinterest&campaign=type105&cid=1834&hscpid=1478807&showStyleQuiz=true&dsmc=false&aaid=hello_cpc. Tshirt is done using the Scout tee, I have a RTW chambray shirt. Have ordered fabric to make the culottes using Vogue 8836 and will just widen the legs and perhaps do rear welt pockets if I’m feeling brave and perhaps R du C’s Bernadette lengthened a bit for the jacket! I love being able to do this – although I do often get lost along the way and end up with something totally different to my intention!
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Oh wow, what a great look! I’ve been thinking about the Bernadette jacket, too, or maybe the Schnittchen Coco jacket. I’ve never been interested in that shape before, but it seems to be popping up in untraditional ways a lot lately! This is such an unexpected and cool combination of shapes!
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Muhuhahaha – you are turning into ME! Multiple repeats of a simple knit pattern? Hacks so your coworkers won’t realise how often your wardrobe repeats itself? Next you’ll be cat obsessed. I’m warning you! 😉
Needless to say, I like your top a lot! (I am wearing a raglan sweater/sweatshirt right now too.) Make more!
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I know, right? I’d better stop before the cats take over, though… two dogs and a turtle are probably my limit in an apartment! 🙂
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Very cool! I really like the color combo 🙂
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Thanks, Sally! It’s not a combo I’ve really seen before, but it’s kinda perfect because I can wear it with my brown boots or my black ones! 🙂
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That looks super comfy & fits you perfectly! Look at you going all pattern designer. Let’s see…I want to replicate the Ginger Jeans. Whaaaaat? Just kidding. Yes, I’m still working on them. I hit a few machine snags but I’m back in action. Oh how I need to finish them so I can wear them & move on to the next thing! I hope they fit!
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They’re a slow process! It will feel so great when they’re done! Good luck!!!!!
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This looks so cozy! It’s so flippin cold right now, I want a closetful of sweatshirts and sweaters. Me… I’ve been trolling anthropologie for shift dress inspiration. I have a nice piece of rayon that would make a nice floaty one… haha not all that exciting, but I know I’d wear it a lot!
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/category/dresses/clothes-dress-shift.jsp?cm_sp=LEFTNAV-_-SUB_CATEGORY-_-SHIFTS#/
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There are some really fun examples there! I still haven’t found the perfect shift dress pattern! I made the Colette Laurel a few times, but never felt like the fit worked for me, and I muslined a Burda pattern with French darts that was so bad I felt certain I couldn’t work out all the problems, so I gave the pattern away. The Laurel worked for you, right? You’re so good at sorting out fit!
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I think I could get the Laurel to work, but there was always something slightly uncomfortable about the one I made. I didn’t mind wearing it, but I was always happy to ditch it after a few hours. I think I’m going to take one of my woven blouse patterns and mash it with the lower half of the Alder to get what I want… Might even be my next project!
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Oh, that’s a great idea! I hope it works out!
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I love this, it’s so perfectly you!
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Thanks, VK!
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So cute! I love the grey and brown together, not a combo I’ve really seen before. 🙂
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Me neither! It doesn’t seem like it would work, but it looks pretty cool!
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I love it – what a great staple top 😉 x
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Thank you, Debbie!
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Love it!!
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Thanks, Christy!
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Love the colour blocking, I’d pick the same colours too. Great idea to wool jersey for a sweater. I like your version better than the original. It looked itchy! I have a stripey jersey top from Whistles that I want to to a rub off from but am yet to find the right fabric.
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Whistles has such cool stuff! Sometimes it can be a challenge to find good knits, can’t it? I hope you find what you’re looking for!
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love it … a lot … love the colours … love the drape … a true staple and looks so cozy!
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Thank you, Sasha! 🙂
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I want to copy THIS SWEATER! Love the yoke with the raglan sleeves! Seriously, I may well do it. It’s so cool!
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Do it! There’s nothing easier to sew than a raglan sweater… it’s so fast!
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Cute! I might have to try a copy of that now too! Aren’t wearable basics fun? 🙂
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They really are! I spent a lot of time sewing fancier stuff, but it’s way more fun to have cute things you can wear every day!
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Such a great idea to mimic the IM sweater, so so cute on you! I have been thinking of trying to copy this dress: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/243405554836123858/ I love the raglan sleeve and front pockets- I think it’s doable!
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That is so cute! Would you use a similar windowpane check?
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Looking cute and cozy! Oh boy I have a couple pinterest boards dedicated to work and play outfits I’d like to copy. I think the most doable at this point would be this outfit
using Clovers for the pants I could use faux leather for the waistband. Would love to find some hot pink wool jersey for the top. Oh you’ve got me thinking hard!!
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That is CUTE!!! Make that exact outfit!!!!!!!!!!
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That looks like it will get a lot of wear this winter! I like the color blocking — good way to liven up an otherwise basic sweater. I’m loving the raglan sweater/sweatshirt look this winter. It’s pretty much my go-to these days!
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They’re so easy to wear, and in a more luxe fabric, look really nice!
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This looks awesome! I am always too scared to “re-create” a garment but I’m starting to look around more so you never know…
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I don’t do it too often as I don’t spend much time on Pinterest or fashion sites (sounds stupid, but Pinterest doesn’t hold my attention!) but it’s fun every once in a while!
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Its great being able to create your own interpretation of a garment or style that inspires you. I like your version (I also think the original is pretty cool too) – being able to wear the finished project is such a bonus. I like the idea of less bulk – warmth without feeling like a stuffed teddy bear!
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Heeheehee… stuffed teddy bear! That’s a great way to put it!
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Love it! I think I have about 10 different Undercover Sweaters now, it’s almost getting ridiculous! I made a really similar hack just last week but instead used the bust line of the Clover with the whole top section color blocked and I love it!!
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OOH! I need that exact same thing! Awesome idea!
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Yay hacks!! And I am a total repeat pattern offender, I love taking a pattern and using it heaps once I’ve got it just the way I like it! 😀 Make more!!
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I just might! 🙂
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Love the top! It looks so comfy and fits so well.
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Thanks, Catherine!
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I’ve tried, but failed at color blocking. I think it makes me look wide and square. Oh to be a svelte parisienne! You pull it off though adn I agree… wool jersey is delicious to work with.
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I’ve never really even wanted to try it before… straight lines and blocky shapes are not my friend! I felt like the drapey fabric and the curve of the raglan sleeve line soften the effect and make it easier to wear than most color blocked garments.
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No one minds seeing a sewing basic when it looks this cool. Great colour blocking!
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Thanks, Amy!
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how you consistently pull off muppet charm meets bad ass is light years beyond me. i love your face!
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Pshaw! Lies! All lies!
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Super cute! Love the contrast yoke! It makes it a little less basic and more interesting visually. I just went and stalked the shit out of isabel marant, and got all googly-eyed. Love the aesthethic; totally reminds me of your style!
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Thanks girl! I’m pretty sure she’s singlehandedly responsible for my oversized coat obsession! C’mon, lady- I have a small closet! I can’t sew nothing but coats!!!!!
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Awesome! Love the colour blocking! I wish my basics looked as chic!!!
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Um, you’re one of the chicest (is that a word?) bloggers I follow!
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I would love to make this dress, however I’m still looking for a good pattern to adapt to my purposes: http://sonnetjames.com/shop-1/marni-v-neck-dress-pre-order
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Oh, that is cute! It reminds me a bit of this pattern: http://www.christinehaynes.com/products/marianne-dress-sewing-pattern
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Ooh, I like this game! I actually recently made this: http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/78/7d/3a/787d3ac26265c041d30fa29c379d341b.jpg, by which I mean, I made a copy which looks like a crude child’s drawing of this. Actually it’s not terrible, but this model has easily a foot on me and I ran out of room for some of the details!
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Oh, wow, all that topstitching! I wouldn’t have even thought of the fact that height would really alter the placement of the details. I bet it still looks great!
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I love Isabel Marant style, although sometimes I found her prices a bit ridiculous – great version of her top!
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