Normally it is cold this time of the year so I thought I’d get a jump on that and make some Cardigans.
This pattern is another “Patterns For Pirates” beauty. Once again there are lots of options that come with it. You can make short sleeves, long sleeves, 3/4 sleeves. Hemmed sleeves, banded sleeves. Hemmed or banded bottom. Elbow patches. Regular collar or shawl collar. Shirt length or tunic length. Buttons, snaps, or none. Pockets or no pockets.
The first one I made with this awesome Ponte from Hobby Lobby. I was walking through the store 2 weeks ago in search of Navy Cotton Lycra (no luck), and saw this on the clearance rack; it spoke to me so I picked up 3 yards with no project in mind. Two days later Patterns for Pirates had a huge sale and I knew it was destined to be a cardigan.
I made the Tunic length, banded; Long sleeves with cuffs, pockets, and the shawl collar. My measurements put me in a size L Bust/Waist and XL in hip but I made a straight size L for some reason. I did remember to do my 1/2” square shoulder adjustment.
Instructions: Detailed, full of pictures, step-by-step hand-holding. The instructions are wonderful.
Fabric: 3 yards Ponte knit from Hobby Lobby, $15 total.
Thoughts: At first I wasn’t sure if I liked this style on me or not. I do not have any leggings or boots to wear with this. I really do not have any plain tees with “pop” to wear under it. However, after wearing it with my black yoga pants and tee, I was loving it. The length is great and it is nice and warm. I didn’t put any buttons on because I didn’t want any and frankly I can’t get it to close over my hips…. I really need to grade to an XL in hips, like the pattern tells me to. Anyway, I love that it sews up really fast ; this was a 2 hour sew. Now I need to make some leggings and a plain tee in a bright color like teal to go with this.
I made the cardigan a second time because I needed a black cardi to wear to my husband’s Christmas party. It was not a fancy event but I wanted to be a little dressed up and not just jeans with tee.
For this one I made the shirt length + 2inches, banded hem, long sleeves with cuffs and shawl collar. I stayed with size L because I was being lazy and the pattern was already traced. This one has the 1/2” square shoulder adjustment as well.
I only had 2 yards of black cotton lycra knit and hoped to squeeze it out. I got all the way to the end and realized I didn’t have enough fabric for the shawl collar. I ran into Wal-Mart to grab a yard of their black cotton lycra (which I love). It didn’t quite match my other fabric but I did not care at that point. This one sewed up equally fast.
Fabric: 2 yards Black Cotton Lycra (10 oz) from stylish fabrics, just purchased, for $13.80. And then 1 yard Black Cotton Lycra from Wal-Mart for $5.98. for a total of $19.78
Thoughts: I needed a plain black cardigan because it will go with everything. I’m happy with how it turned out; however, on the shirt length the pockets are a bit high and not practical. I would put in side seam pockets next time if I used this length. This one does not close over my hips either, but this is my error and not the pattern’s fault.
What nice versions! Agreed that the black cardigan is invaluable, you'll get so much use from it.
ReplyDeleteWe recently got Hobby Lobby and I've not had time to check them out...now I must!
Thanks Nakisha! Hobby Lobby is hit and miss for me here, but they also have $0.99 pattern sales AND you can use their 40% off coupon for 1 piece of fabric at regular price. They are worth checking out :D
DeleteI love them! I have never even worn cardigans before but made them for one of my girls. They look stylish on you. I need to check out Patterns for Pirates and sign up so I know when they have sales, because there are a couple of them that I want now.
ReplyDeleteYou've never worn a cardigan??? You must run hot Shirley! I'm cold all the time, even in summer. You should totally check them out! The size range would even fit our girls :) Join their FB group and you get notified of sales and free patterns, too. Thanks!
DeleteI really like these - especially the first one, as the pattern makes it a bit different. They look very cosy x
ReplyDeleteThanks Philippa! They are perfect for colder weather :)
Deleteyou. look. awesome. in both cardis ... i've never worn a cardi but i have this one in my shopping cart awaiting the next sale ... when you say, *shirt length* is it longer/shorter than the tunic length? also, is the shawl collar interfaced? or?? and, one more: does it have a hood, also; i, like you, am cold even in summer and some places i go have that dang ac on and i freeeeezzzeeee ... even to wearing a sweatshirt w/hood in summer ... oh, well!!
ReplyDeletegreat job .. love the printed cardi; i think i have something like that in my stash ...
darlene harris
Thank you Darlene! The shirt length is shorter than the tunic, by a couple of inches. I really like the shirt length. The collar is not interfaced on this one but I don't find it to be a problem. I plan on making a couple of these again for fall and adding the button - I'll interface where the button and button hole is, but that's it :D Thanks again!
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