October 15, 2017

FALL'S SWEET 16 (GARMENT #2)...

...I did mention in the original Fall's Sweet 16 post that I was inspired by the Project Runway Season title.  Not that I think I'm a designer, but the title motivated me to attempt a simple 16 piece capsule would give my wardrobe a great boost.  I'm still going along with that thought process, although it's going a bit slower than anticipated.  I had actually wanted to complete one garment per week to coincide with the PR season.  Project Runway started on August 17th - nine weeks ago (where did time go?), and now they are down to only 6 contestants.  Guess I should be on garment 9 by now - I am so glad I didn't put a time frame on this project...

Garment 2 is the Blackwood Cardigan by Helen's Closet - it's hot on the Indie Pattern circuit right now, and I was attracted to it - OF COURSE!  I tried to talk myself out of it, really I did!  Telling myself that it was just a simple cardigan pattern and I already had so many similar patterns in my stash.   I was really attracted to the sculpted shape, the cuff and the banded hem so when the pattern went on sale a few weeks ago I caved in and went for the PDF pattern.

I used a variegated mustard sweater knit.  It's light weight and I thought it would really do well for this pattern.  Originally I went for the longer version but the length really wasn't me, or maybe it was that I didn't like the drape of it in the sweater knit.  The front band was wavy because I did not interface because it made the band too heavy.  This was not going to work for me.

So I unpicked the bottom and front bands and cut the cardigan off to the shorter length.  Sewn and serged seams - talk about a trying job!  But I knew I wouldn't ever wear it in the longer version - cutting it off would give it a much better chance of being worn.  So yesterday was spent unpicking, shortening and re-attaching the bands.
The band is much less wavy and this stands a much better chance of getting worn.  I think I will make this pattern again (the shorter version) next time in a beefier knit, maybe in ponte.
Simplicity 1916                   Blackwood Cardigan
2 down and 14 to go.

I'm interested in your Fall Sewing Plans too!  Tell me a little about them in the comments!!!


26 comments:

  1. Wow! I love your cardi! It was so worth the time spent unpicking!! I really like the color too Ms. Faye!! It’s going to look great on you!! Also, what a great idea...a 16 piece wardrobe capsule!! I hope you don’t mind if I share your idea with my followers too, because it’s a wonderful idea!

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    1. Thank you Myra! I love the plan but it is sort of hodge podge. Please share!

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  2. I love the color! I recently had to shorten a cardi...sew much work, but worth it. Good for you!
    Love the capsule idea...sew much to do...sew little time!

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    1. Thank you Carrie! You are so right about sew little time. I'm still determined to get one garment a week completed, but I know that life things will get in the way.

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  3. We are Blackwood twins, I'm thinking of a mustard version too!

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    1. Yes we are twins LaQuana! I really like your cardi because it is made from a sturdier fabric. I will make again in pointe.

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  4. Beautiful cardigan in a lovely color!! I agree that the changes you made were well worth it.

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  5. Definitely think the short version would be great in ponte.

    I love this, especially the color!

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    1. Thank you so much KS! Hope your hand is feeling LOTS better!

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  6. A cardigan is a great wardrobe staple. Love the color. I am planning a small capsule of 3-pieces. I will be posting on my blog soon!

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    1. I think the cardigan is a great staple piece too and plan to make another one soon. I'll be looking forwarding to your capsule blog post!

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  7. I like the shorter version as well. I'm definitely getting my hands on this pattern. I have 2 other cardigans I'm sewing up , but will add this. My fall plans include separates for work and I'm participating in the 'one week one pattern' challenge circulating on IG.

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    1. Nateida I really tried to talk myself out of buying this one, but really liked it a lot. The more cardigans the merrier! I'll be making lots of separates too.

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  8. I love the mustard sweater! That's the same fabric I got, and I'm supposed to make something similar for my mom but like, duster-length.

    I'm hoping to make use of most of my variegated sweater knit that I bought because I'm in serious need of cute tops to go with work pants.

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    1. Let me thank you Tasha, because I ordered this fabric after your blog post. I bought 3 different colors and it is the best feeling sweater knit I've ever felt. Thanks again!

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  9. I have a sweater knit top cut out (traced off RTW) its a burgundy colour and the knit has circles on it.

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    1. Ruthie you are one of the most productive sewists around. Can't wait to see your new burgundy top!

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  10. I love the mustard! It's such an unusual knit, and I think the shorter version is definitely a good proportion, plus it looks like it will coordinate well with the Simplicity top. I may just get this pattern after all. Right now I can't think about cardigans though as I'm in the middle of my husband's Doctor Who suit. I've finished the trousers and am currently cutting the jacket. It'll be my first time working with hair canvas, so I'm looking forward to it!

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    1. My best to you on your tailored jacket Elizabeth. You'll have time for a cardigan after the suit is completed.

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  11. Love the color! And the new shorter length is perfect.

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    1. Thank you and yes the shorter version is so much better for me.

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  12. The color is definitely great for fall. It looks really beautiful.

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    1. Thank you! I felt I really need a bit of mustard in my closet.

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  13. Love your cardigan! I too need to make one...one of these days..

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    1. Thank you Tomasa it was a simple cardigan but I think a not so great fabric choice. I want to make another one too.

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