Y'all... I am sewing like a mad woman over here. Two large storms are brewing - my last semester of accounting classes (fingers crossed) and tax season! Once they arrive, I'll be too tired to even shop for fabric.
Well, maybe not that tired...
It's so great to feel inspired to sew, though. I've mentioned that it's been one heck of a year. In addition to the personal challenges we've faced, I just haven't had the proper space to encourage regular sewing. Whenever I'm ready to make something, I have to lug all of my machines and materials up from the (still unfinished) basement and set up on my dining room table. I haven't had the chance to unpack all of my studio boxes so I often find I'm missing tools that I need. Too much trouble!!
I'll tell you what has really inspired me to keep it going - the various Facebook groups for sewing that I've joined. My favorite is the McCall Pattern Company Group. I absolutely love to see what others are making. There are so many talented designers!
So before the ball dropped on 2016, I was able to squeeze in a few more makes. My obsession with knit continues with Burda 6667 in a Hacci sweater stripe. It's just so dang easy to sew with and wear. Admittedly, most knit patterns are relatively easy and that appeals to me, too.
(And, it was totally coincidental that my fabric is really similar to the photo!)
I've never made a Burda garment before so this was a great one to start with. I love, love, love long and flowy cardigans that I can wear with leggings. This one fit the bill!
Essentially, this is one huge rectangle with sleeves. Two pattern pieces, a few seams, and voila! You've got a fabulously easy cardigan.
The only challenge with this garment was the sleeves. There is a curve to the top of any sleeve. This pattern requires you to fit the curve into a straight slit cut into the rectangle.
I'm not saying that this is a hard task. It's not! It was just a bit frustrating to set the sleeves appropriately. But, I managed to make it work. In retrospect, I wish I'd added an extra inch to the sleeves. I have very long arms, which is why I usually stick to 3/4 length sleeves as a rule. I tried this on a few times before hemming, but the sleeves still wound up a tad too short for my comfort.
I don't often sew for other people. I still lack the confidence in my abilities to fit garments for others. I can't imagine anything worse than creating something that didn't fit! However, I am definitely making another one of these for my mother. I plan to make a few more for me, too, when I find the right fabric. It really is a perfect layering piece!
Have you made any long cardigans lately? What patterns would you recommend?
