In this first picture, I have the front band on the cardigan pinned the way the pattern indicates with an overlap. While it may look ok on the dress form, it doesn't look as good on me. It's closer fitting than I'm comfortable with.
In this picture I have the band meeting where I'll sew on a decorative hook and eye. It makes it just skim my figure, instead of hug it. If I ever manage to lose weight, I may want to go back and add button and buttonholes, but I'm not holding my breath for that to happen.As you can see in the pictures, the front band is too short and puckers up, shortening the center front. I've decided that I like this version well enough to take the front band off from bust level all the way down and reattach. This will eliminate the drag lines at center front. I'm also going to hem it up about 3 1/2 inches. To make it look pulled together, I will cut the sleeves a bit shorter and add a black band at the sleeve hem.
Today I'm going to finish this cardigan set and then I need to make a new pair of black pants to wear with it. I was reading Cecelia Podolak's Easy Guide to Sewing Jackets. You know, to help me get over my tailored jacket fear, and she advises to make sure you have something to wear with your new jacket because you'll want to start wearing it right away. I need a new pair of black pants, so since they don't take very long, I should be able to finish some TNT pull-on pants tomorrow easily. Then I can wear my new outfit for Parent Conferences on Thursday night. Everything will be from the stash. It'll be free and I'll look like a million bucks.
Sherril...I love your cardigan. It's beautiful! The color is awesome and I like contrast band. Would you say the sleeve/armhole is tight or did you have to make any adjustments to the armhole or sleeve? This cardigan is also on my to do list...hopefully I'll have it done before the end of they year. lol!
ReplyDeleteSusan, thank you for your comments. The sleeve/armhole isn't tight on the cardigan, but remember, I'm short and usually make a petite adjustment in the armhole. I didn't on this one and my fabric is quite stretchy so that might make a difference. I'm almost finished with it and when I'm done, I'll take some pictures and you'll see what I mean.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see it one you.
I love the red and black combination. This is the second time I've seen this pattern and liked it - I might have to invest in it. ;) I think skimming looks better than tighter fitting. I know a couple of friends have told me that slightly tighter looks better, but I figure if I'm going to be self-conscious then I won't wear it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alana.It looks good and it's a lovely color combo.
ReplyDeleteI've made 2 jackets using the Cecelia Podolak book and I love both of them.
Interesting comment re needing something to wear with a jacket right away - wonder if that's why I don't do jackets?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, glad to see you've got your mojo back - LOVE the cardigan, red & black are so your colors - yes, you'll be a million bucks for Parents Night! Freebies, to boot!
That looks great! I think the hook and eye closure will make it more interesting than your average cardi. Adding sleeve bands will be the perfect little touch.
ReplyDeleteSherrill, I have this NL pattern and I really want to know what adjustments you made to it to make it fit you since we are nearly the same size......This is a great easy piece to throw over a simple Tshirt and make an outfit look pulled together. I created a similar cardigan using a plus size pattern (Simplicity, can't lay my hands on it right now) that had the butted front that you created for the NL. We must be equal but opposite, because I altered my cardigan to overlap.
ReplyDeleteWonderful save on the jacket, Sherril! How are you going to hem the jacket" Is it lined? I was just wondering about the depth of the hem. Duh, it just dawned on me that you would be taking up the hemline 3 1/2 inches higher, right? Now I get it! Oy,,,,,I think this will be very flattering and color works so well on you. Can't wait to hear all about the pants!
ReplyDeleteSherril, I'm loving the new cardigan set! The red and black look so well together. I also like the hook and eye detail and have plans of using that same detail on a cardigan. When you get the black pants made up this will be a wonderful outfit!
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