It just so happened, once again, that Margy and I bought the same fabric from Marcy Tilton – an interesting doubleknit. One side features a black/cream tie dye print and the other side is solid black. So we decided to do another little sew along using the fabric.
After washing, this fabric became incredibly soft. It has 2-way stretch and is very stable – it was a delight to sew. Each of us bought 2 yards and each of us was sorry we didn't get more. This fabric screams "cut me on the bias" but it's pretty hard to do much on the bias with only 2 yards.
I decided to make a cardi, similar to the one Ruth made at the beginning of the year. I liked the peplum detail she used. In Ruthie's case, she used New Look 6735, but I decided to use Style Arc's Cosy Cardi, which I believe I received free with an order some months ago.
I did my usual fit alterations for Style Arc:
- FBA, a large-ish dart.
- Narrowed shoulder by 3/4".
- Nipped in the waist a couple inches.
- Shortened the sleeves by 1/2". (I should have shortened by 1", which is typical for me.)
The other changes to achieve the look were:
- Shortened to waist length.
- Added a rectangular "peplum".
- Added a selvedge strip to the bottom of the bodice. (Using the solid black side of the knit.)
- Added a rectangular front band, cut so the stretch goes along the band. Also used the solid black side.
- Cut the sleeves on the bias.
- I finished all of the seams with narrow twill tape.
The result? It's ok. The cardi fits, but it doesn't excite me. The front band is a bit wonky which is, I believe, the result of careless pressing. I will see how much I wear it. I feel like I let the fabric down a bit.
Be sure to check out Margy's beautiful jacket!
That turned out very nice!
ReplyDeleteI think you should be MORE EXCITED! I really love your cardi and I think it's amazing our tops are so similar...I, too, feel like I "let the fabric down", but I think that's probably more about expectations than anything else...
ReplyDeleteI like it too! The fabric is lovely and the directional stripes, contrast and peplum take it up a level. I can see this in a boutique window :)
ReplyDeleteShame you're not happy with it. I love all your changes. Very unique. Looks great.
ReplyDeleteI love it! I really can't see why you don't love it too. Maybe sometime in the magic closet will help.
ReplyDeleteI like it what you've done with the pattern and the fabric is gorgeous. Maybe it will grow on you.
ReplyDeleteI love you cardi, Shams. To me the cardi might show better with a contrast undertop. Would a bright red look too garish? Or even a white? The details, including the front bindings might showcase better with some contrast. Just an idea, for I love your top.
ReplyDeletekarendee
I love your cardi and it is so flattering. I bet you end up getting lots of wear out of this as it really is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI think this looks great on you, and hope you come to like it better. You put some careful thought into the design, and I love what you came up with. Give it some time!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you don't like it--the beautiful fabric pulls all the focus away from the all-important imperfections in your execution. I think the only thing left for you to do is wad it up and send it to me. I'll even pay postage, just to put you out of your misery.
ReplyDeletelol. You crack me up, KC!
DeleteI agree with KC's comments. It's a great piece. And KC's not the only one who would accept such a generous and well made gift.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are not entirely happy with the outcome. I think it looks very nice, but you are the one who wil always see the issues you perceive are there. I have yet to go to Margy's site to see her creation, but I'm on my way there now and I'm sure I will love her creation as much as I love yours. I also have a piece of this same fabric, but have yet to decide what pattern is the best choice to show the fabric off effectively. But it is moving up on the list of "must sew now" fabrics!
ReplyDeleteI also think that it looks very nice Shams.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful fabric isn't it.
Terry
KC's comment was hilarious :D and, really! I think you've made a distinctive and stylish piece worthy of the fabric, and I love that you've extrapolated the basic pattern and truly made it your own.
ReplyDeleteShams,thats so elegant.. the fabric is so lovely!
ReplyDeleteI can't see the little niggles that are bothering you. It looks great and the contrasting lapel against the print is a sharp detail. I could imagine wearing this a lot.
ReplyDeleteI bet this cardigan will turn out to be a very useful piece in your wardrobe. It's lovely, but maybe not the showstopper that some of your creations are. That just adds variety to your collection overall, I would think. Your matching of the stripes across the sleeves is impressive.
ReplyDeleteI think this is very flattering on you and will give you more mileage than you think. How you managed to squeeze out those bias sleeves is pretty remarkable.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is very flattering - both you and Margy have come up with two lovely tops.
ReplyDeleteI think that you will find yourself grabbing this jacket more than you think. It's something you can easily throw on and look great in. I really like it.
ReplyDeleteDon't be hard on yourself. That's a super jacket. It's probably not exactly what you envisioned, but still, it turned out beautifully.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun seeing what you two did and I really like both. more sewalongs please!
ReplyDeleteI think your cardi looks great. It's a different style for you, which may be why you are disappointed. Actually, it's more my style, so you can always send it to me! I have that pattern but haven't used it yet. It was fun to see what you and Margyh came up with!
ReplyDeleteI think this is super! I'll bet it will grow on you as you pair it with various pieces in your wardrobe. It's pretty.
ReplyDeleteThat fabric is gorgeous and your cardi looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteIt looks much better than you think, Shams! I think the cardi needs to be a fairly simple style to show off that fabulous shibori fabric.
ReplyDeleteI like it. Both you and Margy did well with this fabric , considering the length restriction :)
ReplyDeleteShams - you cardi looks great to me. Interesting fabric.
ReplyDeleteMarcia
Ooooh what a great fabric! (I want some!!) Your cardi is perfect. It looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteNice work. I like the changes you made to the design.
ReplyDeleteHuh. I'm trying to find the imperfections. I think you need to bring it to me for closer inspection. I'll "fix" it for you. But it might be too small for you when I'm done........
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I think it looks fantastic on you! And I really, really, really love that fabric!
I love your cardi. If you don't want it I'd take it as a hand-me-down. You are awesome.
ReplyDeleteSeems like you are outvoted here, shams. I think your fantastic garment needs a little time in the magic closet to make you two love each other. I think if you try one of your colorful scarves with this outfit, it may speak to you more. You seem to have a lot of volunteers to 'fix' it for you - if those volunteers don't work out, I am in line too. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis isn't about your current post. I am looking for a new steam iron. A while back you wrote about your new Reliable steam iron and I am wondering if you are still liking it as much as when you first got it.
ReplyDeleteKathleen
Hi Kathleen! LOVE LOVE LOVE. I continue to adore my Reliable v100 and use it almost daily. I should do a followup post. :)
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