We’ve had such a great weather week, but then today it started snowing. Argh! So, all these photos were taken indoor and are a bit “flashy.” Oh, well.
Cardigan, done! One step closer to a completed cruise wardrobe!
I’ve had this pattern for a long while, before I really started thinking about sizing and fit. I purchased the (L, XL, XXL) pack and I’m sure I was thinking that I was a size 16 so that was correct. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m really more of a 12 or 14 with an aggressive FBA. In this case I just cut out the L and decided to fit as I went. Knit garments are a lot more forgiving and especially this style of cardigan.
>>> M6996 Review <<<
Pattern Description: From the envelope: Close-fitting, unlined jackets have raised neckline with front or front band extending into gathered back collar, long sleeves and stitched hems. I chose view D (which is exactly the same as view C just with a belt).
Pattern Sizing: The envelope contained L, XL, XXL and while I cut out the L with my changes its probably closer to the M.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, although I didn’t.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Love it! I’m still on the fence about the self-fabric belt but love it open. I’d like to make the other views in the future.
Fabric Used: Old stash fabric. A neighbor cleaned out her stash years ago and this was gifted to me. Its some kind of stable knit. It was actually one big tube of fabric which was super cool. The only other fabric I’ve seen come like that is ribbed knit fabric.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I changed the construction order around a lot and even the methods. Here’s what I did differently:
- I set the sleeves in flat…so much easier. I also waited until the end to hem the cuffs.
- I used an elastic for the back of the band instead of gathering and stay tape…again, so much easier…just stretch and stitch and it gathers on its own.
- The way they suggest you hem the bottom and then attach the band. I didn’t want the raw (serged) edge visible at the bottom so I did that backwards. I attached the band, finished that seam and when I folded up the hem, I covered that serged edge.
As for sizing changes I took about 4″ width off at the hem, 3″ off at the waist/bust, and graded down to about 1.5″ narrower at the sleeve (this was done all as one seam).
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, and Yes. I’ll have to adjust the fit a bit more (possibly narrow the shoulders) to make up for having the wrong size pattern.
Conclusion: Lovely cardigan. It will go with everything in the cruise wardrobe. While I hope it will be hot enough that I won’t use it much, I know that airports, airplanes, etc. will all be air conditioned so I’ll likely use it often.
Leave A Comment