Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall~ the Constellation Does It All!

It’s hard to believe that with a closet FULL of Love Notions Constellations, that I’ve never written a blog post about them! This pattern has really become a go-to for me. I wear them year round! I find it a great alternative to a “hoodie” or basic sweatshirt. It’s just as comfortable, yet looks so much more “polished”. It sews up so nicely in a variety of fabrics, which truly makes it suitable for all four seasons!

Don’t forget the Love Notions New Year Pattern Sale is still going on! All patterns and courses are 30% off through Friday, 1/12/2024. Remember to use my code 10MARYMAC for an extra 10% off.

Above you can see my Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall versions! Four different fabric bases perfect for four different seasons! As you can see, my favorite version is the collared version with the curved hem.

The Details

• Perfect for Layering!
• Hood or Collar options
• Optional Thumb-hole cuffs
• Two Hem Options: banded or curved
• Half zip Front
• Easy to put on and take off
• Breast Feeding Friendly
• Great Alternative to a Hoodie
• Great for Color Blocking
• Huge Front Pocket ( where you hands can tough each other!)
• Can Make One for the Whole Family!
• *** The pattern tutorial includes AWESOME video links for installing the zipper!!!!

Sizing and Fit

The Constellation is available in sizes XS- 5X. As with all new and updated LN patterns, the Constellation includes the Full Bust front pattern piece.  Be sure to select your size based on your high bust measurement. If in between sizes, choose the smaller size. If your full bust measure more than 4″ than your high bust, use the Full Bust front pattern piece.  Remember, using the full bust pieces add 2″ to the finished measurements of the waist and hips. If you are using a really bulky fabric such as fleece, you may want to size up one size.

My Sizing & Adjustments

With a 40″ high bust measurement (and small shoulders), I started with the XL. Since my full bust is 44″-45″ I went with the full bust front pattern piece. Since my hips are 49″ I grade out to the 2X for the hips. You may notice that my hips are just outside of the 2X, but with the additional ease from using the full bust front piece, this size will be fine.

I have shortened my cuffs for this pattern, as I prefer a cuff that is not as long. I have also shortened the sleeve 1.5″ which is a standard adjustment that I need to make on all patterns. I did NOT shorten the length of the body, even though I am only 5 feet tall. I prefer mine to be a tad longer.

Fabrics and Notions

The Constellation is designed for stable knits. Fabrics such as Ponte, French Terry, sweater knit. sweatshirt knit, fleece, micro fleece are all suitable. Wovens may be used for the hood is desired.

Notions

• 18″ zipper
• thread
• Double fold bias tape- I yard. 2 yards if binding the hem
• Fusible interfacing for the collar.

Fabrics For Different Seasons

What makes the Constellation so versatile is the use of different fabrics. So many different fabrics work so well with this pattern! Even those knits that don’t have quite enough stretch for your some of your favorite patterns, work nicely with the Constellation!

Winter

For Winter, I love using quilted knits. Generally these fabrics don’t have enough for stretch for a lot of patterns. They do however, make the warmest Constellations.  *When I made this version I did add just 1/4″ to each side seam and the arms to account for the lack of stretch. If you wish to make the banded version, you will need to use a different fabric for the band. 

On my “To-Sew” list, I have a stable Fair Isle Sweater Knit pictured below coming soon. Stretch Velour would also sew up nicely as a Constellation. Fleece can also work for this pattern. I made my husband one from the Lux Fleece from Joann Fabrics and he lives in this!

Spring

For Spring, my favorite fabric base is French Terry. I find French Terry provides warm with you need it, but that I also don’t overheat in it. (Make sure it’s mostly cotton). My favorite is the 95% Cotton/5% Lycra French Terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. They stock many seasonal designs and have the fabric available for custom printing as well. They also have a great stock of solid colors to coordinate. Surge Fabrics also has a great selection of solid French Terry.  Here are a few of my French Terry versions from over the past few years. These are all previous releases from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

Summer

Living on the North East Coast, even in the summer you often need a jacket or sweatshirt. I always have a Constellation with me! Spending a lot of time on the water means even cooler temperatures and sun exposure. By far, my most favorite fabric for a Summer Constellation is SPF50 Swim Fabric!  I also wear these in the Spring and Fall, often layered with an Oakley Vest! I always purchase my swim fabric from~ you guessed it~ Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

New to sewing swim fabrics? Check out this blog post!

Fall

For Fall, I also love using French Terry. Sweatshirt fleece is another light weight, yet warm fabric that sews up really nicely into a Constellation. My favorite is from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. They have several designs available as retail, but this base is also available for custom printing! It is just so soft against your skin. Because of the rayon content, it does give a slightly faded look to the prints.

RTW Inspiration

 I LOVE the UPF50+ pullovers sold by Lilly Pulitzer. So, a few years ago I set out on a mission to recreate my own version with swim fabric. from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. here are the versions I made in 2022 and 2023. As you can see, my versions cost under $40 including the pattern! This year when I make one, it will just be the cost of the fabric (and a zipper if I don’t have one in my stash to match.). My first version (0n the right) is still my all time favorite Constellation. It gets worn all Spring, Summer and even Fall. I am patiently awaiting the new 2024 swim prints so I can make another version along with a coordinating Tinley skort!

Sew Mary Mac’s Tips for the Constellation

• Take advantage of the video clips in the tutorial.  The zipper one is awesome!
• Make sure your knit fabric has good recovery
• Place a strip of interfacing along the center front where the zipper will be installed.
• Baste your zipper in first, making sure the seams at the collar/hood line up.

Pullovers For the Entire Family!

You can make pullovers for your whole family with the Constellation, North Star and Navigator Pullover patterns! How fun is that! 

My husband LOVES his North Star pullover! He is ALWAYS asking when I will be making him another one. I do have one planned for Valentine’s Day. I was able to score this awesome Designer Deadstock Stretch Polar Fleece from Surge Fabrics in Navy and Fuchsia. I’m planning to make coordinating ones for us! I’m going to make the under collar of his fuchsia along with the pocket bands, while I will do the opposite with mine. Stayed tuned!!!

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Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit!  If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts!  

Mary Anne 🙂

Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes!  @sewmarymac

You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account.

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Purchase the Constellation HERE.

Purchase the Men’s North Star HERE

Purchase the Youth Navigator HERE.

These are affiliate links. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.

To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code 10MARYMAC. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $5 Feature Friday pattern.  My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working.

Fabric Resources

Raspberry Creek Fabrics: Awesome source for French Terry, SPF50 Swim Knits, Sweatshirt Fleece

Surge Fabrics: great variety of fleece, quilted knits, sweater knits and solid French Terry

Stylemaker Fabrics: a curated collection of seasonal fabrics, plus many staples that are available year round.