Sunday, January 9, 2011

Simplicity 2603 - Cardi-Wrap

I'm kind of late coming to the cardi-wrap party, as this pattern has been popular for a year of so already. Better late than never, right? This pattern has a cardigan in two different lengths, and the longer one can be wrapped and tied many different ways. I was going to make that one, but decided the length would overwhelm my small frame. Also, I just didn't see myself wearing it in all the different ways. So, I decided to make the shorter version, along with the matching shell to wear under it.
Photo
The fabric I used is a rayon slub knit from fabric.com. It is a pretty dusty rose color. This fabric is very drapey, perfect for this project.
I was a little perplexed as to how to neatly finish the edges of the cardigan. Others who have made it have left the edges raw, since a knit won't ravel. But this just felt too, well, unfinished to me. So I tried serging the edges and then turning them under and topstiching them. Well, that did not look good at all. So, in the end, I just serged the edges, and left them like that. This gives the top a more casual feel, but I am ok with that. Here is the other wearing option for this length. But to be honest, I doubt I'll wear it like that.
The shell in this pattern is really a great design, and I can see myself making one or two of them for summer. I like the wide neckband.

I look forward to wearing this twin set this spring. Since the fabric is lightweight, it will be more of a transitional peice, to be worn in the spring or fall months. Or possibly in the summer to combat the frigid air conditioning the office.

I am also calling this my first jacket of the year for the Jacket a Month sew along over at Stitcher Guild. I will explain that more next time. Until then....
Blessings- Lisa

Sunday, January 2, 2011

McCall's 6203

One area my wardrobe is especially lacking is casual weekend clothes. I have work clothes/office wear, and I have a few grubby sweatshirts an jeans- nothing in between. I have been working on filling in the gap, and started with this tunic pattern from McCalls:
Photo
I made view B (like the orange one). I used a Rayon knit from Fabric.com in a charcoal gray color. I really like this fabric- it has a nice drape to it. It is thinner than what I had in mind for this top, but it worked fine. The neck edge on this one is unique. It has a double layer of fabric, and the edges are left unfinished. With this drapy knit, the neck band endedu p standing out from the top a little, almost cowl-like. I like how that turned out.

I wanted to add some detail to this top, since it was pretty plain, but I wasn't too crazy about the extra-large flower that came with this pattern. So, I choose one from another pattern in my stash to make the flowers. They were really easy to make, and I think they add a nice detail to this top.
I also like the sleeve band. I think it just give a nice finish to the three-quarter length sleeves:

I really like this pattern. I would like to try it again with a heavier knit, maybe even a sweatshirt knit. If you're looking for a quick, easy project I would highly recommend this one!

I am almost finished with my next project, a cardi wrap and matching shell. This will be my first "jacket" for the Jacket a Month Sew Along over at Stichers Guild, which will be the topic of my next post.

Blessings- Lisa

\