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Sunday, November 12, 2017

A Cardigan and Tee in Wool Jersey

This cardigan started as a knockoff of an outfit that I saw on Lafayette 148's site. When I found the wool jersey on the Fabric Mart website, I knew it would make a great version of my inspiration outfit.

(inspiration picture from Lafayette 148 with the original fabric beneath it)

However, when I unfolded the fabric, it was very light...too light for what I had in mind. Now I know I should have cut a sample piece and prewashed it. However, I honestly don't have that kind of patience, so I just dumped the entire five yards in the washer. After the first wash & dry, all of the additives were removed. After the second wash & dry, the fabric had beefed up a little and had a little more body.


 I decided to work with it after two wash & dries because I don't believe a third would have made much difference in the fabric's hand or weight. Just one thing to note ~ if you decide to wash and dry this fabric, stitch the ends together to insure that the fabric doesn't twist during the prewashing process.

I decided to use my TNT pattern - Simplicity 8059 - for the cardigan.


 I've made this cardigan five times now and it's become a staple in my fall/winter/early spring wardrobe. It's a great layering piece and works well with my current lifestyle.

 The top is a long sleeved tee from the Cashmerette Concord Tee pattern. This is another fave pattern of mine and I'm thrilled to now have made a fall/winter version. I added 2" to the hemline of the Tee. The extra length was added to the tee to complement the cardigan and make it look more like my inspiration garment.

 My tie is a little higher than pictured on the pattern and my other versions. I wanted it to hold the cardigan together better under my fall jackets and winter coats. It's one of the things that annoys me about my other versions...the cardigan is always flopping around under the jacket by the time I get where I'm going.

 A few pictures of the completed outfit ~





This outfit originally appeared on the Fabric Mart Fabricistas blog and I did receive a discount on this fabric. However all of the opinions about working with the fabric are mine.

A Parting Shot ~
The grandbabies were with me and my daughter when we were taking pictures. So here is a pic of me walking with them to the main drag to take these photos.
...as always more later!



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20 comments:

  1. UnknownNovember 12, 2017 12:39 AM

    Looks great! I love the pop of green. Simply beautiful!

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  2. CathrynNovember 12, 2017 3:52 AM

    Nailed it! Your cardigan looks fantastic. I really like the drape of the fabric. And, your grands are precious!

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  3. Let's Get SewingNovember 12, 2017 4:57 AM

    It’s gorgeous! I love the colour.

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  4. sewsanNovember 12, 2017 8:23 AM

    The green ribbon is inspired. Takes something which might veer towards the drab and makes it wow instead.

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  5. Faye LewisNovember 12, 2017 8:58 AM

    That's a great cardi!

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  6. Monica DNovember 12, 2017 11:32 AM

    Lovely color and autumn looks wonderful there ... FIESTA ;)

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  7. UnknownNovember 12, 2017 2:46 PM

    Beautiful set.

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  8. hsmamaNovember 12, 2017 4:52 PM

    very nice! Thanks for sharing!

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  9. AnonymousNovember 12, 2017 5:31 PM

    I am such a fan of the longer length in a cardigan and yours looks great! I'll bet you'll wear that constantly - -Love the parting photo!

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  10. SuzanneNovember 12, 2017 8:16 PM

    As always, your choices are so lovely! But you made a passing comment that intrigued me... sew the ends together so they don't twist. I always have trouble with my knits getting stretched all out of whack when I prewash - is this what you mean? So, fold my fabric selvedges together and stitched those raw edges? That's all? Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)November 12, 2017 8:21 PM

      Yes that's what I mean. I put the selvege edges together, formed a seam and stitched them together. It does stop the fabric from getting twisted in the washing machine and dryer.

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  11. gMarieNovember 13, 2017 8:07 AM

    I love how you brought this together. It's almost an identical knock off of the inspiration. I know it will get tons of wear in your new corporate life. I love the direction your daughter is going with the photos - they are fun! Love you stopping traffic ;) g

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    1. Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)November 13, 2017 2:19 PM

      She is getting really good isn't she! And we took these on a Saturday afternoon and only had to get out of the street once...not sure if it was because it's the main drag to my complex and there just isn't a lot of traffic in and out at that time?! Thanks for liking the outfit!

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  12. UrbaniteNovember 13, 2017 8:57 AM

    Chic and svelte!

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  13. LWSNovember 13, 2017 6:24 PM

    Such a chic ensemble! I have been thinking of buying that SImplicity pattern, and now I think I must.

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  14. MLGANovember 13, 2017 6:54 PM

    Love the outfit!

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  15. CarolNovember 14, 2017 2:03 PM

    Cardi Swag, Pose Swag, Grandbaby Swag! LOL!!!

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  16. AllisonCNovember 14, 2017 6:59 PM

    This looks great, I now feel I need more cardigans in my life! You really can't go wrong with a neutral colour like this, it will work with so many things, I'm sure you'll get great use out of it.

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  17. shamsNovember 17, 2017 10:28 AM

    A very cute rendition, Carolyn! And those grandbabies. SO CUTE!

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  18. Linda LNovember 18, 2017 11:44 AM

    I like this version of this pattern. I have made this once and actually pulled it out to wear to work earlier this week as the temps had dropped low enough for it to be the perfect sweater to wear. I probably should consider making this again. Love the photos of the grand babies and you walking.

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