boat neck ANEGADA top + giveaway

The latest pattern is out from Halfmoon Atelier and it’s oozing with the sexy casual style characteristic of all of Meghann’s patterns.  It’s called the Boat Neck Anegada and it’s defining features are definitely the wide neckline with overlapping shoulder portions. It gives it a very feminine, laid back look that basically screams, “Oh look at me, looking all cozy and super sexy cute.”  I guess I would call it non-chalant. There is a little bit of Flashdance in this top, in a very good way. Know what I mean?  I mean who says that being comfortable can’t look adorable!?  BTW, I’m running a giveaway on Instagram for fabric, thread, the pattern and even a sewing needle! So skip on over there if you want to just get to the point but if you are ok with rambling definitely stick around for a bit. 🙂 I am a woman who loves casual wear but the needle tends to move from ‘casual wear’ to ‘sloppy wear’ when cold weather hits.  I live in my breezy lounge pants in the summer but as soon as there is a chill in the air I scramble to cover up in layers of warmth and, it’s sad to say, that often means slouchy sweatpants and humongous, long sweaters.  It’s not pretty and quickly starts to feel decidedly un-sexy.  That is why I chose a lush French Terry for my boat neck Anegada.  I was hoping to create a sweatshirt I could feel warm and cute in.  I feel satisfied that I succeeded.

Of course, this is not a surprise.  Meghann Halfmoon of Halfmoon Atelier is a friend of mine and  ever since we got to know each other she has been a bubbling force of positivity and encouragement.  She’s got a sparkling, carefree, sensuous style that is contagious and inclusive.   I’m happy to say she has moved me from sloppy to cuddly cute with this latest pattern.  I can promise you she is  nodding her head while reading this and thinking, “Yes! You can be sexy and feminine while being casual and comfortable.”  Thanks girl.  You are doing womanhood a favor.

My fabric really is dreamy.  It’s the black french terry from Organic Cotton Plus and it’s not just plush and soft it’s exceptionally high quality! French terry fabric is the kind that looks like a sweatshirt on one side but has loops on the inside rather than the soft, fuzzy of a true sweatshirt material.  I’ve ordered from other places and received french terry fabric that is nearly falling apart at the seams and is thin and, well, cheap.  This stuff was, first of all, extra wide so a little goes a long way and second, thickly woven and not fraying at all.  I can honestly say it’s the highest quality french terry I have ever received.  Meghann arranged for me to get fabric from Organic Cotton Plus and they also send me organic thread (on a wooden spool!).  I practically swooned when I opened the package. Seriously, they have my heart forever.

I made the View A of the pattern but added a bit of exposed french terry on the sleeve cuff just to compliment the style of the neckline.

I also left the waistline raw for the same reason.  I love lounging in this sweatshirt and can’t wait to sit by the fire with a book over the upcoming holiday season.  I’m currently reading Ready Player One by Ernest Cline*, by the way.  I am definitely getting into it even though I didn’t think I would love a book about a kid addicted to a video game. I will need a new book soon, though, any recommendations?

But, back to the sweatshirt.  View B of the pattern has a hemmed neckline with sweet pleats.  There are some great versions in the testers post, which you should definitely look at. For looking at other versions, it’s obvious that it is a versatile pattern.  Depending on the fabric some people got much more of a cowl effect than I did with my french terry.  As always, fabric choice makes such a difference.

I found the pattern instructions clear and straightforward with great explanatory material throughout the pattern.  I was worried my fabric would make it bulky at the shoulder seams but it really isn’t. Overall, I’m excited to head into cozy, winter weather with my new collarbone-exposing sweatshirt.

Thanks for sticking with all my chatter, now be sure to head over to Instagram for a chance to win a full Anegada kit….with fabric and the pattern!!

Note: I was given the pattern, fabric and thread for the purposes of this review.  All opinions about these products are entirely my own.

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