Helen’s Closet – Blackwood Cardigan

Date sewn: Sept 2019

Size sewn: L bust, XL waist, XXL hip

My measurements at the time: 39 bust, 32 waist, 47.5 hip

Alterations: 1/2” forward shoulder adjustment

Fabric: Utterly fantastic textured knit.  It is soft and smooth on the inside and textured on the outside.  It was amazing to sew too.  Telio Paola Pique Liverpool Knit Hermes Red Fabric; purchased from fabric.com/amazon Aug 2019 for $6.58/yard.  It is listed as 96% poly, 4% spandex and medium weight.  I used 2 yards.  This cardigan cost $13.16.

Thoughts: I had been wanting to make this cardigan forever.  With everyone I see wear it, it looks fantastic.  It fits my hips good; I’m glad I graded out to an XXL there.  I’m not sure how I completely feel about it though.  I love the fabric and it’s texture. I don’t love that the sleeves are sooooooo tight. To all my fellow broad biceped people, you will need more width in the sleeves.  This cardigan is tight all through the sleeves, too.  And I usually never have issues with my forearms and wrists. I wish I had measured the bicep width before sewing.  I made this cardigan to go with a dress that I have not made yet.  So I will save my final thoughts for once I pair it with its intended.

Jalie – Alex 3907

Date sewn:  10/27/19

Previous makes: llama fleece for Miss K in May 2019

Size sewn:  X for all, grading to CC at hips

My measurements at the time:  39 bust, 32 waist, 47.5 hip

Alterations: adjusted the pockets for the grading at the hips, 1/2” square shoulder adjustment

Fabric: Navy/Gray Soft Shell Grid Fleece, purchased from fashionfabricsclub Feb 2018 for $6.48/yard,  I used 2.5 yards so $16.20.  “This durable double layered performance soft shell fabric is created by combining a mechanical stretch micro knit fabric with a grid brick patterned fleece back. The knit face has a water resistant coating which allows water to bead off the fabric surface”  I really had high hopes for this fabric.  I want to like it, but I’m just not sure that I do.

Thoughts: It’s just ok.  This is one that I loved more in my head than I do in real life.  I’ve also lost 15 lbs since I made it so it is a bit large on me now.  The doubled fabric feels heavy and weird.  I’m sure the problem is the fabric.  The llama one I made Miss K in fleece I love. I don’t know, I feel frumpy in this one and that doesn’t make me want to wear it.  The double fabric makes the sleeves have huge folds, or the sleeve pattern itself does that – I’m not sure.  It almost feels like my sleeves are twisting to the front.  I also feel like there is 1” too much in center front @ the hipline.  Like the front needs less width and it should distribute to the back.

I have to point out one of my biggest pet peeves here;  I hate hate hate when there are sleeves cut on the fold.  You always have 2 sleeves, you always need 2 sleeves.  It annoys me to no end that I have sleeves cut on the fold.  Having sleeve pattern flat allows me to cut 2 easily and not fiddle with the fabric and wonder if my pattern pieces are all going to fit. *rant over*  Anyway, I am not sure if this will get much wear.  I’ll put it in the closet for a few months and see. I’m sure I will make another in fleece at some point.