Made It Patterns Hug Hoodie #bhmpatterndesigners

 Hello everyone!

Today's garment has special meaning to me.  Year after year I have wanted to participate in the Black History Month Pattern Designer challenge.  I always seemed to miss it because I was working on other things.  This year, while I had a few other things going on, I decided I was going to finish something if I submitted it on the last day!  Well, that is exactly what I did, lol!  

Here is the Hug Hoodie by Made It Patterns:

I LOVE THIS!

When I saw the line drawing, I knew immediately that I wanted to make this pattern.  Actually, when I saw the version made one of the hosts of the challenge, the Island Sewcialist, it pushed me in the direction to purchase the pattern right away! I adore how the curved hem combines with the hoodie (or neckline) feature.  And the best part is, the overlapped hem is a trick to the eye.  It doesn't even attach all the way up...

I made a size UK 10 lengthened by 2 inches.  I did a little research and looked up other versions of this pattern, and saw that it appeared to be a bit more cropped than I wanted.  I usually always lengthen by 1 inch, since most patterns are drafted for someone 5'6 (this one was), and I am taller.  I threw in another inch for good measure, and it hits me exactly where I want.  However, I would be ok with it if it was a little more cropped too--especially if I wore it with a high-waisted jogger. 

 

The fabric I used is a Solid Ember Rib Knit from Joann Fabrics.  It is a midweight knit that behaved more like a ponte.  I got it on sale, and figured I would use it eventually.  This project was the perfect fit.  For future versions I would definitely play with mixing two different fabrics.  In fact, a neat feature of the instructions is that there is a page of line drawings specifically designed for you to color in the various aspects of the design so you can visualize how the finished garment would look to color block.  I love that!

Also, these instructions are the most fun that I have sewn!! They were very down-to-earth and playful, like you were sewing with your best friend.  I can't wait to sew another garment from this company, and have my eye on the Glide Jacket.  This pattern is a beginner friendly one with in-depth photos and a neckline option if you don't care for a hoodie.

Overall, this one is a KEEPER!!  I am already planning a version for my daughter.  

And thankfully, this hoodie fits!

I was a little nervous, but there was plenty of room to spare. Perhaps it is just low stretch designs I need to be careful of.

I would like to mention one thing I learned with this garment that hit me on a personal level.  I fully believe that representation matters, and love celebrating Black pattern designers as a Black woman myself.  That is a big reason I am grateful to be a part of #bhmpatterndesigners this year. However, I realize I have unintentionally neglected this corner of the market.  I have been so caught up in buying patterns I like in the mainstream, that I haven't seen what else is out there.  Well, now that I am aware, I am going to make more of an effort to sew Black pattern designers as a personal choice.  Sew Natural Dane has a great list of designers to start with, and there are so many great companies that I just wasn't aware of, but am glad to know about now.  I hope that this challenge continues to shine a bright light on these designers/business owners, and impact the sewing world with their voices.  

Stay sew-filled!