Welcome to my very messy sewing room! It’s Sunday, and I don’t feel like dressing up or cleaning up 🙂 I’ve spent the last 3 days working on a short banded cardigan, one I can use for knit remnants in my stash. I always destroy my loft when I’m drafting something…
This idea really came out of nowhere. I recently ordered M7476, because I love the long version and all the options:
While researching examples online, I came across this adorable Jamie cardigan from Ready to Sew!
Bingo – I was soon working on a similar draft, with M7476 View B as my starting point.
Before I go any further, a note on my fabric choice. It’s a rayon/lycra knit from Cali Fabrics (still available as I write, Gypsy Floral). It’s very unstructured, stretchy, and drapey, not my favorite choice for a banded and buttoned cardigan. But it was ideal for working with my draft pattern.
Drafting notes:
- The front band on M7476 angles down to one button at the waistline. I moved that angle up 5″, to accommodate a button band similar to that on the Jamie pattern. I had to futz around a bit, redraw the curved neckline, and draft a new front facing.
- I shortened the bodice to finish at 19″, measured at center back. I marked the back first, and then transferred the new hem to the front as well.
- And I cut a 4 1/4″ x 40″ band to be attached at the bottom. Folded and serged to the bodice, it finishes at 1 1/2″ wide.
- And that’s all! The sleeve length is perfect for me, which doesn’t happen very often. On this version I didn’t add a cuff to the sleeve, but it will be easy to do. And I didn’t bother with buttons or snaps.
Best seen on the inside, that lovely dropped shoulder, band, and facings:
I have a few tweaks to make to the pattern, and then I’m trying it with some left-over sweatshirt fabric (pic is from my hoodie, in progress for fall).
Having a great time! Coco
p.s. I’m still thinking of buying the Jamie pattern (here). The Ready to Sew site (in French and English) has a great vibe, interesting patterns, lots of information and sewn examples of their patterns, and a wonderful blog (here).
Cute! I like the way you placed the print.
LikeLike
What a CUTE, CUTE jacket in this fabric. Love the dropped sleeve and usually I’m not so fond of that sleeve on me, but looks great here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Margene. Somehow this fabric just worked, fun to wear, I have it on right now over my nightgown 🙂
LikeLike
Ooo, I love your cardigan! I agree with Karen, it is very sleek and modern. The Jamie cardi has a college “letter” sweater vibe; I think I might to consider purchasing it. We can call it a Mother’s Day gift!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, Adrianne. And you nailed it, I was struggling to remember what the Jamie resembles – you nailed it. It is so cute…
LikeLike
I really like that your creation is not gathered into the bottom band. Sleek lines.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Karen! In this soft knit, any gathering into the band would have made a mess 🙂
LikeLike