Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tiny Cat Appliqued Sweater


Did you know my Dolman Sleeve Top can also be made up in cozy sweater knit? Of course you knew that. I mean, technically it can be made up in any fabric -- you could even make it in quilting cotton if you want; it just wouldn't fit anyone in any kind of remotely flattering way. But I digress. I knew I wanted a more winter-appropriate version of this go-to top pattern, so I made it up in a mystery sweater knit from SAS Fabrics. It's a very normal, eminently practical navy blue, so I decided that it needed a little something to make it special. Solution: put a cat on it!




I cut out a cat silhouette from a piece of scrap black knit, then used Steam-A-Seam fusible webbing to fuse it to the bottom right front. After some very careful stitching around the edges and a generous steaming, I had my own subtle cat sweater! The black cat is so unobtrusive that it doesn't take away from the goes-with-everything-ness of the sweater, but it's there for people who are looking.



If you want to make your own cat-applique sweater, I've made my cat silhouette into a "pattern" that you can download. In case you're wondering, it was actually based on Walnut's silhouette, but slightly chibi-ified/super-deformed.
Walnut doesn't actually sit with his tail up, though. 
My cat is flipped around because I accidentally had the fabric wrong side up when I was tracing the shape it was a design element.

To make the sleeves long enough to keep my wrists warm, I extended the pattern lines out by about ten inches, but also kept them more parallel instead of tapering in. Other than that, making the sweater version was pretty much the same as making it in a regular knit. Since I don't have a serger, I topstitched the shoulder and back seam allowances to keep them from unraveling.

I've bought so many RTW sweaters in the past that hiked up whenever I put my arms above my head, or had too-short sleeves that made it look like I was outgrowing my clothes every time I bent my elbows. With me-made, I can correct for all of those things! 

39 comments:

  1. Cute! I love your little Walnut-esque silhouette! Subtle details are always the most fun to find on clothes. =)

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    1. Yup...subtle cats are also what enable me to walk next to my husband in public ;)

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  2. LOVE this. i've been gearing up to use my go-to T pattern as a winter knit, and the cat applique is an awesome detail.

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    1. Thanks! Winter knits are the perfect background for a tiny cat...I hope you find room for one!

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  3. This would also be an excellent way to cover lab bleach or acid stains! Unfortunately I tend to spill stuff in less well placed locations.

    Mona

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    1. Ooh yes, I know all about the unfortunate lab stains...I've got some odder and larger appliques going in the latter half of the week, so maybe one of those would work?

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  4. Wonderful! I love subtle appliques that express personality without overpowering.
    Isn't it SO EXCITING to not feel like you are growing out of your clothes! I need to make a few heaver knit long sleeve shirts because it it too cold for the lightweight ones I made and my wrists and belly are cold in the store bought ones. LOVE that your shirt doesn't ride up.

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    1. Heh...well, as PaCoI week goes on, the appliques get less subtle and more overpowering :)

      I love feeling like my clothes actually cover me! That's one of the reasons why I'm so excited about making my own clothes. Cold wrists for the first twenty-odd years of my life is long enough!

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  5. Oh, I just made my first applique ever (also with Steam a Seam lite) and I've been searching for more stuff to make!

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    1. Isn't Steam a Seam amazing? I love that stuff. I'd love to see if you do make a cat applique!

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  6. This is so freakin' cute! I love it!

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  7. You never can have too many cats!! Love your top too.

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    1. Agreed...no such thing as too many cats. Although I guess that's how animal hoarders get started...

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  8. so cute! i have to try your pattern once i get some time after the mad present wrapping season is over!

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    1. Just stuff them all into grocery bags and call it a day ;) I hope the pattern works out for you when you do make it!

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    1. Yay, I'm so glad! I'm never sure how these overtly cat themed things will go over!

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  10. I must use a phrase from my grandmother. There isn't a better one. "This is just plumb cute". This is on my list for my eldest DIL's Feb. birthday. Thank you! Regena in TN.

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    1. Aww, you're so kind, Regena! I hope your DIL enjoys it!

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  11. How cute is that!!! I love the 'subtleness' of black on navy.

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    1. Hehehe yes, I was trying to go for unobtrusive, to make up for the fact that the rest of the week gets more flamboyant...

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  12. Super cute! I'm really excited to see the rest of your 'Put A Cat on It' posts. Although I for one enjoyed the LOTR posts too. Geek on!

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    1. Never fear, geeking out will always happen! Thanks for letting me know that you loved those posts!

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  13. I love this! The wee cat is gorgeous. :)

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  14. Too cute, I love your Walnut cat patch!

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  15. I may or may not steal this idea and make myself a cat sweater. You are really inspiring me with this whole cat thing.

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    1. Oh, please do steal the idea! This whole week is meant to be catspiration ;)

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  16. Adorable and loving the way you are doing cat clothing, totally inspirational.

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