Well, there’s nothing like just jumping in and sewing a muslin with corded velvet knit!
But it was only $1.80/yard – which makes this a $2.50 project 🙂
I got the fabric from Fabric Mart two years ago, thinking of a midi-length sweater coat, something kind of boho. But I just couldn’t settle on a patten. It has just been decorating my stash ever since. Rather nicely, I must say, since it doesn’t wrinkle. It’s been rolled, tossed, pulled out and thrown back in, and not a wrinkle in sight.
Finally, I took it out and gave it a real appraisal. I was going sew it or donate it – it was kind of bugging me that I would buy fabric and not use it.
Then I realized that it would make a great waterfall cardi – it’s drapey, the color is really pretty, and it’s light enough that I’ll actually wear it in our winter months.
On to patterns. I made a cascade cardi from the Grainline Lark tee earlier this year, and it has a nice little funky vibe. But I wanted something with raglan sleeves, a higher start to the cascade, and very little else. Picky.
A search on the web turned up a gazillion variations on this style. It’s a good thing I like to research patterns…
And bonus pockets for those who can’t live without them. It’s also designed for knits!
I got the PDF version from SewingPatterns.com, which meant printing it from the sometimes finicky PrintSew site. But I today I found it on BurdaStyle as pattern 08/2011 #117D. Printing from the BurdaStyle site is so easy – wish I’d seen it there first!
Some sewing notes:
- I sewed size 12, View B, but only after some prodigious flat-measuring on the pattern. I could not find finished garment measurements anywhere, and I was torn between size 10 and size 12. Since I did all that work, I’ll share. For reference, I’m 5’7″, 36″-31″-42″, and have an 11″ upper arm.
Finished garment measurements, in inches: 10 12
- Width at bustline, waist, and hip from CF to CF 35 1/4 37 1/4
Cascade width at bustline and waist, each side 9 1/2 9 1/2
Upper arm width 13 7/8 14 3/8
Sleeve width at hem 8 1/2 8 7/8
Back length from top of neckline with 5/8″ hem 32 3/4 33
- I used a piece of cotton calico, cut on the bias, for the back neck facing. It adds a lot more stability than a piece of the knit fabric would have done. Also, I lowered it by 3/8″ at center back, to remove a slight roll below the neckline.
- No pockets, because my fabric is just too stretchy for them. Maybe in another version…
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I used 5/8″ seam allowances everywhere. This is one advantage of the PDF I used – it included seam allowances. The version available on BurdaStyle does not.
- I also used a 5/8″ hem, which matches the front edges. The cardi would be a lot shorter with the suggested 1 3/8″ hem allowance.
- One caution: the sleeves might be short on some people. My arms a not long, and I used a scant 1″ hem. However – and this is amazing, not often seen – the sleeve has lengthen/shorten lines for both the upper/armscye area and the area below the armscye.
Thanks, Carolyn. I'm blushing…my hair color was an incredibly, unexpectedly good decision! But I love your red hair, always wanted it for myself. So sassy and unique 🙂
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Thanks so much, Irene!
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thank you, Myra! the fabric was a total surprise, I avoided it for so long, and it's perfect for this cardi. The glow…Florida, right?
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thanks, Pao! Fabric mart is knee-weakening… And the hair – I'm having way too much fun!
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This is a really lovely cardigan! I like the waterfall fronts and LOVE the colour on you! I agree that you look fantastic! I'm wondering now if “my” colours are going to change as my hair colour (gradually!) goes natural too?!
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What a lovely, cozy-looking sweater!
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Gorgeous cardi! I truly love this color on you, it gives you a real pretty healthy glow! (Like you've been sunning on the beach!). I've never heard of or seen corded velvet and love it! Great work on this cardi for sure!
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This is really a pretty fabric and works so well on you and the pattern you chose. I luv the surprises from Fabric Mart. I think I'm addicted. But I've never tried the .com you used. hmmm. Your whole ensemble looks fabulous. And the rock star hair.
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Thanks, Jenny! The shorter version should be great in lightweight. I've been thinking about what fabric to use in my next one (I never sew one of anything!) and might try a lightweight ponte di roma.
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Thanks, Theresa. Can you believe that fabric price? I expected the fabric to be flawed or awful – this was just lucky. And yes – I can see myself wearing this pattern as a robe!
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thanks so much, Diana! the 'new look' has been really energizing – I love my gray hair! Always thought I'd feel old, but instead I feel younger!
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Thank you, Lisa! I don't usually wear 'brown' so this was a happy surprise. And it's amazing how much a hair color change switches things up. I feel more inclined to use color eye shadows now, which is fun!
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thanks, Sue. It's fun to wear, much more than I anticipated!
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Thank so much, Ruth. I thought of you and your lovely AC work when I was making this. Would be interesting! And the fabric was fun to sew, something different.
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Thank you, Mary. I agree – the way the cascade falls makes such a difference. I like this one because the first fold is up higher, and I think it might work better for petites. It also comes with cutting lines for a shorter version. And the extra adjustment lines in the sleeves are interesting…
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This is a great look on you, and I was very interested in the detailed review of this pattern. I love waterfall cardis but it is hard to find one sized correctly for petites.
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Looks like velvet – right on trend.
And a very warming colour for you. Lovely.
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Coco, this is so lovely! I love it and it is a perfect mix of fabric and pattern!
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Agree with the others that this gorgeous cardi really makes your hair color 'pop'! When I let my hair go natural from an auburn brunette, it was so strange to re-program my thinking from 'warms' to 'cools', especially in makeup. Still struggle with that a bit. You look fantastic!
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Really great looking piece and I love your new look!
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Very nice Coco, amazing what you can do with $2.50! The pattern looks like it could be a staple for some cozy winter cardi's.
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This is gorgeous on you and the colour, which is rich and luxurious suits you very well. I think I might have a go at the shorter version of this pattern so thank you for pointing it out on the Burda site. I have a nice lightweight jersey which I don't think would be heavy enough for the long version.
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Thank you, Catherine! Hope all is well in your busy life, think of you often.
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Thanks, Sarah. It's a great pattern, not overwhelming, nice balance to the lines. Wearable!
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Thank you, Bunny. I've been startled by how much my hair color change effects my color preferences. My home colors – art, accessories, linens, etc. – are predominantly warm colors, always have been, so I guess this was being hidden by my hair dye! And best part – a good reason to sew and replace some things that don't suit me now 🙂
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Lovely! And I second the comment about your hair.
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What a helpful review,Coco.I haven't seen this pattern but ,like you, am drawn to the raglan sleeves and high fall at the front. Must look for it.
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I just want to say that I love your natural colored hair. It looks particularly wonderful with the color of your lovely cardi. We don't usually see you in these warm tones and it really becomes you.
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