I wear some kind of cardigan or hooded sweatshirt almost every day. I have evolved somewhat since high school/college and nowadays the cardigans usually fit, and the hoodies don't always skateboard/band logos on them. I have a couple of favourites that are looking old and very nasty (coffee/formula stains, armpit holes) but that fit me so well, I'm sad to let them go. They are cotton and wonderful to wash and little boys with texture sensitivities don't mind touching them. So I tried to replicate one.
The first go was a disaster. The fit was fine but unlike professional manufacturers, I lacked the tools to add the appropriate ribbing at the hips and the sweet knit bias that makes the neckline look so cute. So it sat in the crap pile and I stewed and tried a few different (awful) solutions until it hit me that a hood might be the right thing-- it would give the too-cute fabric a little edge and keep it unstructured without making it look sloppy and unfinished.
I cut my old cardigan apart after marking the sleeves at regular intervals. The cardigan pieces act as a pattern, and the markings help me set in the sleeves properly.
Sewing it together without a serger wasn't too tricky-- long straight stitches and a needle suitable for knits make everything easier.
After the body was together, I measured the neckline for the base of the hood, then traced the hood profile from a hooded sweatshirt I have. No pockets this time and I couldn't find a separating zipper that was lightweight enough. I may still add that if I find one.
I'm going to try it again with some more repro knit I have. Sewzannes is also a great place for sweet knits at great prices. They are also super helpful. I'm no longer a part of Superbuzzy and it's actually no longer in Portland at all. Which is good, because I was neglecting Bolt (who has a lot of great Japanese prints put out by Kokka) and the Depot. I have a feeling you are going to start seeing a lot more Japanese imports at your local fabric store since the distributors are expanding their customer base and showing at places like the Quilt Market. I'm sure a little friendly campaigning at your local store wouldn't hurt either.
Oh! The prop is from Garden Fever (on Fremont in NE) which is having a 25% off sale on Perennials. I buy a lot of plants there and they always do really well-- much bigger and healthier than anything I get suckered into getting at the box stores.
