McCall's 6844 Cardigan

McCall's 6844 Cardigan

This is one of McCall's new fall patterns.  As soon as I saw it, I wanted it.  Here's a photo of it for reference:

 That back view is for View C.  It is a close fitting cardigan.



Here's my version:

My version is obviously not as fitted but I like it anyway - I can wear a light sweater or long sleeve underneath it.  I cut the medium.  I am going to make another in a different color and I'm debating whether I should cut a small.
This was a very quick and easy pattern to sew.  I didn't make any alterations.  I have to say - I'm very pleased with it.  The instructions are simple and straight forward.  I didn't really use them but I followed Mimi's suggestion of sewing the sleeves in flat - here's a link: http://www.lowpricefabric.blogspot.com/2013/10/mimi-g-pattern-review-diy-steps.html#.UmwbMPmsim4.   Coincidentally, I had black and cream fabric so it ended up looking similar to hers.  I highly recommend this pattern!

I am going to make a few more in a few different colors.  There are other variations for this pattern but I like the peplum dipping at the back.  Gives it a little more oomph!

I used a soft double knit from Fabric.com.  They had a 40% off knit sale about a week or two ago and I ordered a bunch of double knits.
I have a camel color double knit that I want to make up in this pattern - stay tuned - the fabric is already laying on the table waiting to be cut.  I have to hurry before the cats think I laid out the fabric for them to sleep on...

A new Serger and a Cardigan

Hello!  Nice to see you again ;)

First, I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones or suffered from the events that occurred eleven years ago today.  It's hard for me to see any of those images and I've been avoiding the news and media all day today.  So before I start getting emotional, I'm going to move on and show you what I've been working with.
  
I have a new toy!  Last week I got a serger.  I spent some time reading over the manual and viewing the instructional CD that came with it.  So exciting! Ha I know I'm a dork.  It's a Brother 1034D. Ok, I'm not going to waste anytime showing you - here it is:

*I'm so sorry for all the bad pics ~ I really need a new camera.

So, I've never touched one of these machines before and it looked pretty intimidating to me.  I was worried about threading the thing and I was kinda scared to use it.  This one has 4 thread max (you only see the two on the right in the picture because the machine came with 4 small spools of thread and I decided to leave two in).  Threading it was so easy (let me know if you're curious about that and I'll explain).

For my first project using my serger, I decided on a new knit cardigan from Simplicity 2262 (view A).  See that yellow fabric in the serger?  That's my new cardigan :)
Do you want to know more about the serger?  It's surprisingly easy to use and I looooooove it!  It's like, fun! lol  Seriously, though - this machine is great.  I can't wait to do more on this.

Here's the cardigan:

In this photo, you can see the long threads from the serger- it's called a chain

This pattern is really easy - this photo shows the front and back of the cardigan.  I hadn't added the band yet.  I also left out the pockets (I may add them later) and I left out the tabs on the sleeves.  I didn't have buttons, oh well.

Here, I added the band and sewed the hem. 

Look at that seam!  It's almost perfect.  I realized afterwards that I had to push the fabric further into the machine so the threads wouldn't stick out like that.

The shoulder seam

The tab I didn't put in.  I do want to make the buttonhole and add a button.  I should learn how to do that.

 WARNING: the following photos were taken at night - TERRIBLE lighting...

I couldn't use the flash because of the mirror. 

A side view of the cardi - I think I'll add the tab on the sleeve

This fabric is soooo comfy.  It felt like I put on a bathrobe.

It's long enough to cover the booty which is great!  I should've pulled it down before taking the photo but I wanted to show how it wears. 

I love my new cardigan!  It fits into my work and weekend wardrobe :)

 What do you think?  Do you like cardigans?  I can't live without them.  My office building is like an ice box - FREEZING! Ugh and I hate the cold.  I do plan on making more cardigans - maybe I'll get creative and add some different design elements as I go along. 

 Now I'm going to continue planning more garments to add to my wardrobe :)

Happy Sewing!!