Cardiwraps Again?!?!

I made another one...for my sister this time.  The pattern and style is getting old, but oh well. Simplicity 2603 if any of you care to make one.  Everyone probably already has....two years ago.   I don't think my sister reads the blog so I'll post pictures of it now instead of after xmas.  My mom is the model :)

The front.

front again.

the back.  and yes, those are a vintage ceramic flamingo, a tea cup, and a pine cone  on my end table.

I made this pattern a couple of years ago for myself and the wrap is pretty much dead now. Also made two for my mom for the last 2 Xmases.  She wears them all the time.  Then I made a vest version here.
For some reason, this time the sleeves grew.  It's probably just the fabric I used, but they are super long.  You have to roll up the cuff.

Here's the pattern review:


Pattern Description:

Misses knit top and cardi wrap with front variations

Pattern Sizing:

xs-m, I made the M this time.

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?

Very, very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love how easy the pattern is to make up. I hate that it is a fabric hog.

Fabric Used:
Drapey, poly knit.  I'm not sure what the fabric is.  It is very stretchy, but not slinky.  It rolled like crazy.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

The sleeves were really long for some reason. I've made this variation before, and the sleeves have never been this long. Maybe I cut it out wrong. Oh well.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Maybe one more time for myself. I made the first for myself a couple years ago? and it has been worn to death.   I've made a ton as gifts.

Conclusion:

Easy to make and wear.

McCall's 5978 Bow Tie Cardigan Done!

I finished my M5978 cardigan a couple days ago and I looove it! It is so much better than the first one I made. This one was made in XS, and it fits so much better. I also topstitched the lace after the facing was attached so the lace anchored the facing in and prevented it from flipping out all the time like the first. Can you believe this thing only cost me $1.20! The fabric was $1 and the lace was 10 cents a yard. I did not have enough fabric for long sleeves, but I like them short.

Detail of the lace front and the facing:

And now me in the sweater.  This is the outfit I wore last night to my mom's friend's clothing trunk show.  It was boring, but I had nothing else to do. Hehe.

I'm working on Vogue 8593 using this knit:

Hopefully soon I'll show how I lined the stripes up (not new) and how I cut out the interfacing (something I came up with!)

Old Cardigan and New Fabric!

I'm officially moved in to my new (old) home in Southern California.  Only 23 days until I start school!  Since I haven't been sewing all that much, I thought I would share an old project that didn't work out like I wanted, but I think I will try again with some new fabric and changes to the pattern.

I made this cardigan with McCall's 5978 almost a year ago before I started blogging:

The fit was okay, but the facings kept flipping out and I had to steam-a-seam them down.  Also, I had never done a button-front shirt or sweater, so I didn't know how close to place the button holes.  I should have looked at one of my cardigans in my closet. :( I didn't check the pattern pieces all that well except for the spacing.  They ended up way to far from the edge and it looked funny.  My sister liked it anyways and took it off my hands :)

Here is the Pattern Review:

Pattern Description: 

MISSES' CARDIGANS AND TOP: Cardigans have three-quarter or full length sleeves and stitched hems; cardigan A has purchased lace trim; cardigan B has jewel stones; cardigan C has pearls; cardigan D has self-fabric appliques; sleeveless top E has narrow hem finishing at neck, armhole and lower edges.

Pattern Sizing:

Y(X-Small, Small, Medium), Z(Large, X-Large)
I made a small.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes, except for all the embellishments.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

It was easy to put together. I did not like that the facings kept flipping out. I made a mistake and made the buttonholes too far from the edge.

Fabric Used:

A very soft poly. knit.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No changes, just took off all the embellishments.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I think I will try this one again.

Conclusion: 

Pretty good pattern, try to work something out with the facings. 

Today, I bought some fabric to make a new cardi.  Here it is:

Isn't that fabric cute?! I was only able to get just under 2 yds, but it only cost $1 for the piece. I think its cotton jersey, but I may do a burn test to make sure.  What do you think? Should I add some black lace around the neckline and down the front? What about redrafting the neckline to be a scoop neck instead of a v-neck.  

(Isn't that zipper amazing! Its super long, but missing a pull.  I got it for 25 cents! )