Hello! I’m excited to share with you about making my first Toaster #2 Sweater. It’s been such a popular pattern that I’m quite late to the game (but it’s never too late to jump in). In hindsite, maybe sewing a popular pattern after it’s been out for awhile is a great time to jump in because there are lots of inspiring makes out there to reference (for inspiration in picking your size or fabric).

I was intrigued with the idea of sewing a “fancy” version of the Toaster #2. Fabrics including 20% stretch is an important detail to note for the Toasters. I picked a Lurex topped, Sweatshirt fabric that includes 20% stretch (from Minerva). The fabric base is 77% Polyamide, 23% Metallic.

One important note that I learned through making this Toaster, the design intent of the pattern is an elevated Top, not an oversized sweatshirt. I misunderstood this intent before sewing this project and was excited to learn this detail through the Making process. In the finished photos, I’m not wearing a garment underneath the Toaster. The design intent wouldn’t be to layer thick clothing underneath but you could wear a fitted base layer or fitted cami underneath.

Size - I selected a Medium for the Bust and Sleeves and graded to a Large for the Waist/Hips. My body dimensions, for reference, are 36” Bust, 30” Waist, 40” Hips. With the vent detail at the bottom, looking back I would’ve picked a straight medium for this project. I’m considering going back and taking in the fabric at the waist/hips to match a straight medium (but I wanted to share this project as is to share my thoughts there).

I love that this pattern includes only 3 pattern pieces!! I will say I spent some extra time adjusting the funnel neck. I gently pressed the fold of the funnel neck down prior to sewing (with a press cloth and on a low setting, without steam so as not to damage the lurex). That said, it was difficult to find the fold line when sewing the funnel neck in place at the shoulder seams so I spent some time trying on the FRONT/BACK pieces and adjusting the fold of the neck (after sewing them together at the shoulders). Next time I would use a Steam a Seam product to help with the construction process.

I sewed a ⅜” seam allowance instead of the pattern’s recommended ⅝” seam allowance for a tiny bit more ease.

I wore the Toaster #2 in the photos with a pair of commercial pants (a shiny poly or rayon woven pant from White House/Black Market in the Legacy line) but I love that I can wear it with jeans too. I really wanted a garment that I could dress up or down for more versatility. I’m really happy with the finished top, a fancy and cozy top!! If you’re like me and have been waiting to sew up either of the Toaster Sweaters, I recommend you jump in too!