Tabor V-Neck Sweater x Sew House Seven
This post is my honest opinion using fabric and a pattern I received free of charge from Harts Fabric.
WARNING—At the risk of starting this blog post as a negative nancy, there’s an unpopular opinion ahead: I’m not the biggest fan of the Toaster Sweater pattern.
I feel like every winter, Toaster Sweaters—and an undying love for them—fill my instagram feed, and yet I can’t seem to get on board. And its not because there’s anything wrong with the pattern or how it looks on anyone else; its simply not my style.
But even though its not my jam, the Toaster overload did lead me to another Sew House Seven sweater pattern that I do want slathered on bread every day of the week (jam…Toaster…slathered on bread…I swear none of this was planned).
The Tabor V-neck Sweater is where its at, people! Its totally in line with what I like to wear, and its such a versatile pattern. With multiple neckline, sleeve, and hem options, the Tabor can be used for warm weather tees and cozy winter sweaters. If I had known just how much I’d love this sweater I probably wouldn’t have waited so long to finally try the pattern!
I chose to make version #4 with the extra wide v-neck, and the instructions use a slightly different method for attaching the neck band that I really liked. Instead of sewing the neckband to the shirt after the shoulder seams are sewn or even after the whole bodice is assembled, the Tabor v-neck attaches the V portion of the neckband to the front bodice first, then the shoulder seams are sewn, and then the rest of the neckband is attached. There’s also some extra basting that helps everything line up nicely. Its a small change in the steps, but this method really yielded a much cleaner neckband and a nice point at the V.
Version #4 also features side vents, and they’re seriously the design feature I never knew I needed. I love the way the sweater can be tucked in the front but the side vents help the back of the sweater drape free of the front tuck instead of being pulled forward. I really like this aesthetic and I’m not exaggerating when I say I’m about to make every future shirt with this feature. I am hooked!
I made my Tabor from the Topaz Sweater Knit from Harts Fabric, in the stone colorway. Its a nice medium grey with warmer tones, and it goes well with just about any other neutral or bold on bottom. Even though its a sweater knit it was still pretty stable while sewing (sometimes sweater knits or the WORST at the machine), and its opaque enough that I don’t have to wear a layer underneath my sweater. This fabric paired with the Tabor pattern is genuinely a comfy cozy pairing—have I mentioned that I’ve worn it multiple times a week since it came off the machine? The Topaz knits are an awesome choice for sewing sweaters that are comfortable with a good balance of drape and stability, and several other colors available at Harts to boot.
My measurements are smack in the middle of sizes 16 and 18 and I chose to make the 16. I’m really happy with the fit—its slim in the sleeves but still relaxed in the body which works perfectly for me. My most worn clothes are those that are comfortable and relaxed enough for lounging but still make me feel put together, and this sweater fits the bill. The only adjustment I made was shortening the body by 1/2”, but I think I’m happy with the length with or without that 1/2”.
I’m really pleased with how this sweater fit with essentially no changes, and I can see it becoming a staple for me, especially with the variety of styles that can be made from the base pattern. I’ll be making some Tabor tees in the spring, that’s for sure!
