I went into Joanns several times and each time the beautiful colors and abstract design of this flannel kept nagging me. What would I make with it? But it was Snuggle flannel. Now I've had inconsistent experiences with Snuggles but this was something new, a softer, definitely higher thread count Snuggle, something they called "Super Snuggle." The price was right at 4.99 so I said WTH and got a couple yards. It washed beautifully, NO shrinkage in this piece at all and the color maintained. I've sewn a lot of snuggle over the years. This is better. The thread count is definitely higher than the old snuggle and it sewed beautifully. Check out this photo. Look for the raw edges.
This pattern is the Pogonip Pullover from Friday Pattern Company. This is my second adventure with this company and I have to say they provide an excellent product. I previously made the Donny shirt which you can see here. Their directions are very clear. I want to stress here that , probably like you, welt pockets are not my favorite sewing technique to play with. I've tried many methods over the years from many different patterns and experts and books. I've never quite found the magic formula. I am here to tell you, it is in this pattern. I am going to make hard copies of just the welt instructions to keep at hand so I can make more with confidence and success. It was worth buying the pattern for the great lesson on this process. I have now had two successful garments made from Friday Patterns, both of which I hope to make again. This pattern comes in paper or PDF and I used the PDF.
You can wear the pullover pulled down over the hips, how you see it above from the back. You can also wear it with the elastic cut a bit shorter, more to fit the waist, my preferred style, and pulled up to the waistline. (That's my beautiful Japanese Maple enjoying its third Autumn in New England right now. )
Here is a closeup of the placket. For buttons I chose 3 vintage metallic buttons, classic blazer types. They are all the same size but have slightly different faces. You would never know. Their finishes are exactly the same and I embrace their difference. Since the placket is not inserted, it is quite easy to construct.
The welts truly do blend into the garment when you make them of the same fabric. I may consider using a contrast the next time I make a Pogonip. I've seen many of these colorblocked and it looks wonderful. No tricks here, just follow the great welt directions. The only topstitching I chose to do was on the welts and a bit on the placket. I used the "heinous stitch" on my machine, the one many call the "stretch stitch" that goes back and forth over itself a couple of times. It makes a beautiful topstitch, nice and thick.
About the only thing I will warn you to be careful of with this design is the pocket installation. You can see here I used a lightweight fabric for my pocket and lining. I saw several makers wish they had put in thinner linings. What I will warn you about is how critical it is to clearly mark the pieces of pocket and pocket lining with side and piece as you see above. These two pieces, the pocket and pocket lining, are only the slightest bit different but different they are so it is really important to get this right. Make sure you mark your pieces the minute you cut them. Critical !!!