McCalls 6844 - A Ponte Cardigan

I wanted to do something different this weekend and I've been wanting to try this pattern out for awhile...

McCalls 6844

I decided to make it up in some of the black ponte that arrived from Fabric Mart a couple of weeks ago.  Of course, I couldn't leave well enough alone and added a liquidy leather type fabric from the collection for the shawl collar and as part of the sleeves.

Here it is pictured on Lulu...

This is a simple sew...seriously simple.  The challenge is in getting the fit right, especially since in some of the 92 reviews of this cardigan on Patternreview, they state that the pattern runs big.

Pattern Construction ~

• I cut version A in a size XXL which fit me through the body without any alterations. 
• The sleeve bicep measurement is exactly what my bicep measurement is, so I decided to sew it as the pattern states instead of making alterations to the pattern first. 
• The finished sleeve is snug, but not uncomfortable, so I will make a very slight alteration for the next version.
• I did alter the shoulder seam to shorten it. However, I will shave another smidgen off for future versions.
• The shawl collar was pressed flat. The pattern has it roll loosely but I wanted a more set collar.
• I also tacked the collar down at the shoulder seam, at the hemline, and in the bust area so that the collar would stay flat all the time.

Of course there will be more versions, especially since I really want to make this in both views B and D. 

Design Details ~

• I sewed the pattern just as the pattern instructions stated okay almost as they instructed because I made a few design changes.  
• I used a liquidy pleather like fabric from "The Collection" for the top of the shawl collar.
• The liquidy pleather was also used as part of the sleeve hems to carry it through the cardigan.
• Finally I added four lines of straight stitching to the hem area of the sleeve just 'cause I thought it was cute.

A few more thoughts ~
I hate set in sleeves in knit garments.  I won't do that again. I think you get a better look when you insert the sleeves flat but I did want to sew the pattern at least once the way the instructions were written.

I love the curved hem on the back and how it's just a little longer than the front. This will work great over separates ~ a top and skirt or top and pants combo and of course it will work over quite a few of my dresses.

Other than that, it was an easy sew. I've already dreamed up my next project using this pattern which will show up here sooner or later!

Here are more pics of the cardigan on Lulu...

Jacket worn with a version of the Sewing Workshop Mission Top

Sewing Workshop Mission Top with a bow tie blogged here

Back of the cardigan

The pinstripe and mesh dress still need to be completed. I was in the mood for simple.  So I sewed simple because there is always next weekend.

...as always more later!