The Chic Sweatshirt // Talvikki Sweater by Named Patterns

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about my wardrobe the last few months. Since the fire in my building happened, I've sorted through and gotten rid of approximately 30% of my clothing, and I've discovered I really like having a smaller wardrobe; it's so much easier to get dressed! G and I are moving in together this spring, so I will likely have to sort through everything again as I decide what I want to bring to our new home. Moving is always a reckoning for me. What is worth packing in a box, putting on a truck, and unpacking somewhere else? What person do I want to bring with me to this new life together?

It's worthy of a longer post, but what it all means is that I have been truly grappling with what I want to wear, what I am missing in my wardrobe, what clothing makes me feel best. I've been working through the wonderful book The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees (of the indispensable style blog Into Mind), and it's made me realize how much my style has changed over the last few years. I find myself drawn like a bee to clean, modern shapes and silhouettes, and a pattern that will get my blood racing is no longer the vintage inspired party dress I gravitated towards when I first started sewing, but more likely an interesting separate with clever style lines or details. Enter the Talvikki sweater by Named.

I really loved the latest Named collection (the consistant style lines and details throughout were so conceptual and beautiful) and the Talvikki sweater was the stand out winner for me. I have been dreaming of a similar funnel neck for months now (so elegant!), and the beautiful darts at the neckline cinched the deal. I also loved the split hem, one of my favourite features of another Named favourite, the Inari dress. I've really come to love this pattern company; they consistently produce cool, modern designs with thoughtful and sophisticated details.

Slouchy and oversized, Talvikki is as comfortable as can be, yet the neckline is so chic and elegant, it makes what is essentially a giant sweatshirt feel like something I would wear just about anywhere. It probably won't surprise you to know that I've been pulling this sweater out more and more as the temperatures have dropped here in Montreal; it's so soft and cozy in this sweatshirt fleece from my stash, and I find myself hunting for other beefy, squishy fabrics for my next version. I also appreciate having a cozy sweater pattern that doesn't require me dedicating 6 months of my life to knitting it. Call it a #sweatercheat.

What do you think of this pattern? As charmed as I am or too slouchy for your taste? What cozy sweaters are you sewing up this winter?

Details: Talvikki sweater by Named in sweatshirt fleece (similar here), Ginger Jeans, Cole Haan Abbot boots, Firmoo sunglasses, Nars Dragon Girl matte lip pencil