Copeland Cardi by Tie Dye Diva Patterns

We are currently heading into summer but the mornings and evenings can still get a bit fresh so when a tester* call goes out for a trans-seasonal cardigan in a style that is both popular, versatile and timeless, naturally you put your hand up.

                                          

The newest pattern by Tie Dye Diva, the Copeland Cardi (**affiliate link), and is the first foray into women’s patterns. Her kids patterns are ever so popular and I have sewn up a couple of them myself in the past so new that instructions are very thorough. This cardigan has many options, two views with a ballet wrap or tie-front view, three sleeve lengths (short, elbow and long) and two body lengths (hip and cropped). There are instructions for sewing it lined or not and the size range extends from XS to 3XL.

                                     

I made my version up using some stash fabric which I have had forever, thinking it will drape well and isn’t too heavy for the current season. It’s a linen blend grey marle summer knit (85% polyester/15% linen) and I made a size L in the tie-front version with short sleeves, hip length and unlined. This is extremely quick to sew up. The instructions are well laid out and clearly indicate which view to follow.

Although I made the hip length version, I can alter the look of the cardigan depending on how taught I tie it so it really is versatile and makes a great layering piece and I’m sure you will find other ways to wear or tie it.

During launch the pattern is at a promo price of $6.50,  and will revert to a regular price of $9.95 midnight (pacific time) Thursday.

*The pattern was provided to me free of charge for testing but all opinions expressed are my own and I received a copy of the finalised pattern for taking part.

**This post contains affiliate links to Tie Dye Diva Patterns

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Chelsea Cardigan by DesignerStitch Patterns

This story is a long one, so pour a cuppa and read on.

I am a long time tester and supporter of DesignerStitch Patterns and so when the call went out to test* the Chelsea Cardigan (** affiliate link), I jumped for joy as the timing was perfect. You see I went about drafting my own cardigan from this inspiration long cardi below, and while the result was good, it was never as good as the Chelsea.

I saw this olive maxi cascading cardigan in a store retailing for $119.00. I thought it was a bit pricey and as I walked past it a couple of times during the week I made mental notes about the design. After all it was my inspiration and I didn’t need a direct copycat version.

 

 

I bought myself some olive rayon double knit (63% viscose/ 32% nylon/5% spandex) and set about picking a pattern. I went with Itch To Stitch Lisbon Cardigan since I have made it before and it had the basic overall shape I was after. For the sleeves I added about 7 cm to the length and for the cardigan length I added 50 cm and at the front hem and an additional 12 cm to make my handkerchief hem. I also added some pockets using my DesignerStitch Eleni Top/Dress pocket, and placed them about 30 cm down from the underarm, which turned out too low. I also added a “collar” the length of the neckline which was about 58 cm long and 15 cm wide. I also made a belt – which means I cut a strip of fabric about 5 cm wide and the length of the pieces of fabric scrap I had left over and stitched them into the side seam.

All this to say I was happy with the outcome, but not as happy as I would have been had I the Chelsea Cardigan pattern at that time. As per usual, DesignerStitch patterns are flawless in both drafting and instructions. The size range is US/AUS 6-26 and comes in 3 lengths, high hip, mid thigh or high calf and calls for light to medium weight jersey knit fabrics with at least 50% 4 way stretch. I made a AUS 12, high calf using some Ottoman Ash stretch fabric (94% polyester/6 % spandex).

This is really a quick sew although there is some hand stitching of the collar. The fit is nice and roomy but still fitted enough to not be over sized.

I’m not sure what to do with my olive version above as the fit isn’t quite as comfortable. I’m thinking of taking it apart and resewing using the Chelsea Cardigan given I bought more of the olive rayon, otherwise I may just cut off the sleeves and give it a racer back style to wear as a layering piece. Either way I will be making an entirely new one, or two Chelsea’s all together. Decisions, decisions!

Get your Chelsea Cardigan while it is still on sale for a limited time for $8.00 US (reg $10), you won’t be disappointed.

*The pattern was provided to me free of charge for testing but all opinions expressed are my own and I received a copy of the finalised pattern for taking part.

**This post contains affiliate links to DesignerStitch Patterns

Cora Cocoon Cardigan by Rebecca Page

Aaaargh!!! It’s so frustrating because I want to be blogging and sewing a lot more than I am at the moment. I do have a recent test* to show you though.

This is the Cora Cocoon Cardigan** by Rebecca Page. Although I am a brand ambassador for them, I chose to test this separately as trying to get my winter wardrobe together has been slow progress, just like the weather was but suddenly it has turned cold and wintery this week. These cocoon type cardigans are everywhere at the moment and what better way to invest in one than make your own.

This is a really quick sew and the fact that it is loose and slouchy means there aren’t any fit issues to deal with and for that reason also makes a great gift. Three pattern pieces make up the cardigan, the body, the hem and the sleeves. Obviously depending on the type of fabric you use will determine the season you wear this and with either long, 3/4 sleeves or sleeveless that makes lots of possibilities.

I used coco coloured rayon mesh knit (73% polyester/ 25% rayon/ 2% spandex) and made a size medium with the long sleeves. I will mention that the sleeves are quite fitted so if you plan on wearing this as an outer layer, it is wise to choose fabric with 4-way stretch, or at least a considerable amount of stretch, to allow for layering underneath. Mine is perfect for this and has been in regular rotation since I made it. Additionally, to get the full effect of the cocoon shape using a fabric with good drape would be advisable.

This is like wearing a warm, cosy blanket as you can literally wrap yourself up. Since it has just been released, at the moment it’s on SALE for $8.75 for the ladies’ sizing (XXS – 5XL), $6.65 for the girls’ (newborn to 12 years) and $3.15 for the 18 inch dolls’. Or for only $16.90 you can buy the whole bundle.  Sale ends Monday 09 July 2018

I had some fabric left over and didn’t want it to go to waste so I made a scarfe for my girls to share, leaving the hems and long edges raw and also a beanie with a free pattern I found online.

*The pattern was provided to me free of charge for testing but all opinions expressed are my own and I received a copy of the finalised pattern for taking part.

** This post contains affiliate links to Rebecca Page

Candy Relaxed Fit Knit Cardigan by Sinclair Patterns

This is another test I did whilst pregnant thinking I will also be able to wear it post baby. I think it’s also the last of my maternity sews.

The Candy Relaxed Fit Knit Cardigan  (**affiliate link) by Sinclair Patterns is exactly that. It is a loose fitting cardigan with a waterfall style neckline and nice deep pockets. It’s best made up with light to heavy weight knit fabric with at least 20-30% stretch, more so for the sleeves so you could perhaps mix up fabrics.  It can quite easily be sewn up in one day, or even a couple of hours, it’s that quick.

Like a lot of the Sinclair Patterns, sizing goes from XS-XXL but also include the petite, regular and in this case tall pattern pieces. I tested* mine in the regular length using some glitter double knit (unsure of content). If you are new to sewing with knits the pattern has some great information but also photos accompany the instructions.

The most important thing to bare in mind is that the wrong side of the fabric will show with this type of neckline so choosing one with less contrast might be better but I don’t mind mine as the edges are finished neatly and raw edges are hidden.

The deep pockets are great for carrying a phone, keys, small purse and keeping hands warm and of course can be omitted if preferred. I would love to add a few more of these to my wardrobe before autumn but not sure if I’ll manage that.

*The pattern was provided to me free of charge for testing but all opinions expressed are my own and I received a copy of the finalised pattern for taking part.

**Affiliate Link: I get a tiny commission to fund my fabric habit

Two Lisbon Cardigans by Itch to Stitch

Just to continue my pattern testing run, I did two back to back tests* for Kennis from Itch to Stitch**, the Lisbon Cardigan** and the Sirena dress. I’ll save the second for another post. Geez I’m so behind on posting, time to catch up!!

As I’m trying to tick off my 2016 winter SWAP, it’s clearly becoming evident that Itch to Stitch patterns are featuring heavily in the line up. The Lisbon cardigan** is a wardrobe staple and with a few changes can be worn all year ’round.

The Lisbon cardigan** comes with a 3/4 and long sleeve and a cropped or hip length bodice with button up front. I originally tested the long sleeve and longer length using some grey marle jacquard knit collection #1 (96% polyester/ 4% spandex). The knit is quite thin with not really great recovery but still turned out OK. I only added 5 instead of the 7 buttons because I couldn’t find another button card of the ones I picked, at the store. It’s not a real issue though because I probably won’t wear it buttoned closed, or maybe just the top button closed anyway.

                              

My second version was particularly to cross off one of my winter SWAP 2016 items and is more of a pattern hack. This one is made from red double knit deluxe ponte (87% polyester/ 9% rayon/ 4% spandex) . I lengthened the Lisbon front, back and front band pieces by 25cm to achieve the length I was after for a “grandpa length” cardi. After some internal head debate, I decided to omit the buttons and add patch pockets. These measured 17cm x 23cm. I interfaced the top 4 cm short end and had enough for a 1cm seam allowance on the other 3 sides.

I really love this one and have worn it a tonne since I have made it, with lots of compliments too.

                        

I usually only post the garments once I’ve tested the final pattern but the Lisbon didn’t have fit changes but the length of the 3/4 sleeve was shortened. The cardigan is actually really quick to sew up and as always the instructions are very detailed with great pictorials and of course the layered print feature is great.

I foresee lots of these cardigans in my future.

*The pattern was provided to me free of charge for testing, all opinions expressed are my own and I received a copy of the finalised pattern for taking part.

 **Affiliate link: I get a referral fee if you click 🙂