The Cozy Sweatshirt Dress

Hello Readers. The leaves are falling off the trees and the days are getting shorter and cooler. There is nothing more cozy on a cool Autumn day than a big sweatshirt right? I have a great one right here.

My sister-in-law gave me this big gray sweatshirt/tunic/dress. (Thanks J.) It was a little bit too big and shapeless and of course the sleeves were too long. It wasn't very flattering on me. It looked a little like a baggy nightshirt. Some part of the dress needs to fit so it doesn't look so big.

I put it on my dress form and pinned a more flattering fit. It is easier to plan and pin a new shape on the dress form. (The dress form doesn't get upset when I stick it with pins.) It was going to be loose and comfortable but not quite as baggy when I was finished. At least I hoped so, it didn't have any stretch so it couldn't be too fitted.

I did some stitching where I had my pins and created new side seams that were more figure flattering. I wanted it to be smaller in the arms and chest. I made a A-line shape. I thought it would be a simple classic dress.

You can see the arms are shorter and tighter. The shoulders and chest are a little smaller too. I was sad to lose the pockets in my re-sizing work but they weren't really very large or useful anyway. Why don't women get large functional pockets in their clothes? Real pockets would be very helpful in my real life. I have stuff, I need to carry it.... I know, use a purse. I do, but pockets would be nice too.

I dressed it up here with a belt and some dressy boots but I can also imagine this with some leggings and a cozy scarf on a cold day. Now with 3/4 arms and more fitted shoulders, and chest fit, it looks much better. I didn't resize the bottom of the dress, I thought it was great the way it was.

(I think this will be perfect for lounging, watching Netflix, and snacking too. With no belt, this would be a great Thanksgiving dress.)

Thanks for reading, now go make something fun for yourself.