Saturday, March 02, 2013

Print Blocking A Cardigan

Last weekend was a calm sewing weekend.  There was no list, no agenda just me and all of my fabric, patterns and sewing junk keeping me company.  I knew I wanted to repair and remake the black wool crepe pants because I needed them. What I didn't realize is that I would end up working on a cardigan, too.  I started with this fabric...


...but realized that I didn't want an entire cardigan made from the black/white/gray argyle print.  I thought it would be a little overwhelming.  I remembered that I had about a yard of a lighterweight black ponte left in the collection (see that's why I don't like to throw larger scraps out!) so I combined the two for the cardigan. Argyle fronts and sleeves with black ponte binding on the front, for the sleeve hems and for a solid back.


Since I've made this cardigan several hundred times (well not really!) there were no new construction details.  However, I did cut the sleeves about two inches shorter to accommodate the black ponte that I added to the sleeve hems.  Again this was primarily constructed on my serger (have I mentioned lately how much I love my serger and that it no longer scares me! *LOL*) and this time I added no fusible interfacing to the front bands. Just didn't feel like it, there was no real construction reason not to add it.

I live in cardigans and am always looking for a new one to add to the collection...and that's me made as well as RTW.  It's probably one of the few RTW garments that I still purchase. 

So a few more pictures...

Argyle fronts with black ponte bands...


Argyle sleeves with black ponte bands...


...and a solid black ponte back...


The buttons...



Finally a side view...


This will work with all of the black pieces in my wardrobe but will especially provide a fresh take on the reinvigorated pairs of black wool crepe pants. It was a great basic to add to the wardrobe. 

...as always more later!


21 comments:

  1. Love it... Love the solid mixed with it..Happy sewing and Happy weekend in the sewing cave..

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  2. I love the cardigan. I've found that I tend to make the same patterns repeatedly. When I do that, I just keep coming up with new variations and nobody knows its the same pattern. Lovely blog you have here!
    Geri Lawhon

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  3. I'm loving all the print blocking you are doing these days. I can see how this would be wonderful with black, but I think it would work fabulously with the new grey pants and possibly even with red. :) Happy Sewing! g

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  4. Great idea to use the feature fabric only on the front, and tying it altogether with the bands. This is the beauty of sewing for yourself - not just getting the fit correct, but tweaking the fabric placement as well...just love it...J

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  5. What a great idea. Love it! You are so inspiring and love your ideas. Have a great weekend.

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  6. Fabulous cardigan! I am a huge fan of them as well! This one looks great!

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  7. Lovely fabric, love the cardigan.

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  8. This is another awesome cardigan! What a great pattern.

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  9. That cardigan will work really well in your wardrobe. Just the right amount of argyle too.

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  10. Great cardigan, this will be wonderful addition to your wardrobe.

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  11. This will definitely work in with your existing collection!

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  12. I love your cardigan. I have the same fabric and could never figure out how to make it work. I never thought about mixing it with black for a cardigan.

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  13. I love argyle, and your Cardigan. I've wanted a lemon yellow, sky blue and white jumper for about 16 years!

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  14. Yes! love the styling on this cardi: buttons, argyle, bands and back.

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  15. Oh Carolyn I am so in love with this cardi!! I too love Argyle and this an absolute perfect way to display it! REALLY nice job!

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  16. Haven't checked your blog out in awhile....as my daughter became engaged...so it's been full wedding plans ahead!
    This morning...I'm sitting here totally in awe at all your latest creations! You are so inspiring!! Totally LOVE your new Cardigan!!!
    :)

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  17. I pulled out a cardigan pattern earlier and then put it back. After reading your post, I think I am gonna go for it!! Thanks for the inspiration I needed. Love the black back. Will look great with your black, grey and off white pants and any other jewel colored pants you may have.

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  18. Such a good call to break up that argyle. At first I wondered how it would look if the sleeves were black, but then thinking, no, it would look too much like a vest. Nice, Carolyn!

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  19. I love this cardi! It is wonderful and now I think I must have something similar. Great inspiration and love that you used your usual pattern and came up with this interpretation.

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  20. I love the design of your cardigan,talent really comes out naturally.

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  21. Seriously, you need to apply to appear on Fashion Star (new season just starting on NBC). You have the sewing talents, the vision, and the smarts. Why not go for it? That is an awesome sweater and the solid black back is perfect for those if us with less than "perfect" size 0 figures :)

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