Sweatshirt

I know, it's an odd title for a blog post.  However, it is what I made for hubby for Christmas.

Hubby has this old, ratty sweatshirt that he loves.  It's hideous looking though.  It used to be black but had gotten some bleach spots on it, so I washed it with the whites to really bleach it.  That made it turn orange.  Ugh!  It also has holes in several places.  Holes that I couldn't "fix".  I know because I tried.

The problem is the company that made it, hasn't made that style for years.  Hubby had scoured the internet looking for another one with no luck.

Well, hubby got me a very thoughtful gift for Christmas:  a Christmas addict's pack from HAED.  I knew before Christmas because their packaging is very distinctive:  a shiny, red, bubble-pack mailer.  I didn't open it until Christmas Eve so I didn't know precisely what was in it but I knew what it was.  I was so touched, I tried to figure out what I could do for him that would be as thoughtful.  Cue the sweatshirt.

I quilt, which means I sew, but I rarely sew clothing.  On the occasions when I do make clothes, I have a nice, orderly paper pattern that tells me what to do and when to do it.  I have never made anything using an existing piece as my template.  Now the nerves kicked in big time!

I knew I needed sweatshirt fleece and ribbing.  When I got to the cutting counter at Joann's (I forgot the ribbing!), I had no idea how many yards I needed.  I made a guess and crossed my fingers.  Apparently, I'm a good guesser because I had enough with a little to spare.

I won't bore you with the gory details on making the patterns I needed (it wasn't pretty).  I did follow this excellent tutorial.  Due to my paranoia over getting this gift right, it took me a full day to bring myself to make the first cut into the fleece.  It took awhile to make it.  I think it was 3 days.  I'm not sure because I was in such a state!

I finally finished it and in time for Christmas Eve!  When hubby opened it, I asked him if it looked familiar.  He said, "Yes." and promptly checked the collar for the tag!  I knew I had accomplished what I'd attempted when he did that!  He's worn it pretty much every time he's left the house since Christmas.  I doubt I'll ever give him a present as meaningful again...though I will try.

Here's the finished sweatshirt:

Sorry the picture isn't the best quality.  The sweatshirt has a double color and a kangaroo pocket.  If I get a chance to get a better photo, I will post it.

Happy Stitching!

Stacy