Hi everyone! This is my first post as a guest blogger for MaaiDesign. I'm Renee, I've been sewing for around 4 years and I just love it. I especially like sewing with high-quality fabrics and using indie and Japanese sewing patterns. You can find me on Instagram @stokesrenee.

So, when choosing the fabric for this Named Talvikki Sweater, my big question was - is it going to be stretchy enough to fit over my head??? During my 'research' into the pattern, I had come across some disaster stories of people completing the sweater and not actually being able to put it on because of poor fabric choice, and I've seen others with a zip inserted, and I certainly didn't want to deal with either of those options. The description in MaaiDesign's online store said 'stretches well in both directions', so I crossed my fingers and placed my order. I'm relieved to report that the stretch is exactly right, and I've ended up with a sweater that I love!

The French terry is beautiful quality. It's matte on the right side, looped on the wrong side and because it's not too thick it makes a great oversized sweater.

It shows the dart lines very crisply, so it was important to get them all exactly symmetrical and the right length, which I think I managed to do.

Another thing that's essential is using stretchy interfacing for the neck facing! The pattern (also purchased from MaaiDesign) has excellent and detailed instructions and was easy to follow. 

I really like the split hem detail and the fun over-length sleeves that can be rolled up. I think depending on what I wear it with, it would be suitable for wearing to work, but also lounging around.

I didn't have anything in my wardrobe that was this colour, but I tried it on with a bunch of different pants and it actually matches almost everything - winning!

Thanks Maaike for having me here as a guest blogger!