Blackwood Cardigan Round 2

Unless you've been vacationing on Mars, you've seen all the love shown to the Blackwood Cardigan by Helen's Closet.  

All this love is for good reason.  This pattern is awesome!  It looks good in so many different fabrics and every version I see is so cute!  

In reorganizing my current sewing space to move to another, I am seriously wondering about my over-flowing stash and why I am hanging onto some fabrics for so long.  This floral knit mesh is one of those fabrics.  When I pulled it out again, it was like the creativity train hit me upside the head and the Blackwood Cardi came into site.  Bingo! 

This pattern can be totally sewn on the serger if you'd like.  It is drafted exceptionally well and versatile.  What else can I say about it?  

In case you are wondering about the length, I did add 4" to the bottom.  Since this is summer-weight, I also left off the cuffs and hemmed them.  I knew I'd be pushing them up.  If I pull them down, they are bracelet-length.  

With this ultra light weight fabric, I stabilized the shoulders and back neckline with SewkeysE tape 1/2" wide.  For the hemline I used 1" SewkeysE tape in clear so it's double sided. This stuff works like a dream!  

I did leave off the pockets since I knew I'd be wearing this over something that most likely had pockets.  

For the cami, I had a bit of this vibrant fabric left and since remnants aren't welcome in my sewing room any more, I decided to make a tank to wear under this cardi.  The pattern I chose is this one: 

As you can see, this is by Itch to Stitch.  This pattern is FREE!

I love testing different pattern companies FREE patterns and this one was a pleasure to sew.  I had fun color-blocking it with my remnants.  

Plus, it was a fun challenge to use the mesh as the binding at the neckline and arms.

Enough for now!  

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Tackling your fear fabric!

Do you have a fear fabric?  For me, I have several, but my biggest fear has been mesh.  And yes, it did make me feel like this....

     I finally decided to overcome my fear by trying a few projects and I have decided that sewing with      mesh is fun!  If you too have a fear of sewing with mesh, just take a few precautions and you'll be                                                                                fine.  

                                                                             Trust me!

         Now, I wished I hadn't been such a silly-goose and tried so many more mesh projects sooner!  
  

Look how fun this fabric is!  

Perfect for fall, don't you think?

This fabric is ultra comfortable on your skin as well.  You can't say that about every fabric you wear...right?

This top is made in a 'cocoon' shape which is sort of funky but I like it!   However, you must choose the right fabric.  This is a StyleArc pattern and here is a picture from the site: 

The cocoon shape is more pronounced that it appears in the line drawing.  The lower-sleeves are VERY narrow, so test the fit prior to sewing together.   

Mesh is a great choice since it doesn't stand away from your body making you look like an egg, which is important! 

I tested this fabric using both a regular sewing machine and a serger.  It worked just perfect on my serger so that is how I stitched the entire thing.  

I topstitched the neck band and the hems.  

What do you think of sewing with mesh?  If you are worried, don't be, just create some test strips and find out what works for your fabric and design.

Thanks for reading!
Sue :)

Oh, and BTW, my next fear fabric to tackle is silky and ultra slippery fabric....

Light as a feather: New Look 6303

This summer has been unbearably hot and humid and I wanted some tops that are as light as air, or a feather, or feel like you are wearing a whisper...get the drift?

When I checked the blogsphere, this pattern has quite a few very positive ratings so I went for it!  

My fabric choice was what I describe as a very lightweight knit mesh print.  I've had it in my stash for a while now and was waiting for the courage to stitch it up.  After using so many techniques when I created a chiffon top I felt encouraged and just went for it!

This top is rather boxy which you can see from the pattern envelope and when I hold out the sides for you.  I don't mind the shape at all.  I would never want a fabric like this to be fitted or clingy.

 

My only deviations from the pattern design was to add 2 inches to the backside and also the sleeve hems.  I didn't necessarily want them full length but I do like what I will call 7/8th length or maybe that is referred to as bracelet length?  

Finishes for this blouse included a serger and a straight stitch on my regular machine.  I was really worried about the serger stitch showing through the front side, but since my fabric is busy, I don't notice the stitching too much, do you?  

Look how awesome the neckband turned out!  I did hand baste the edges before topstitching.  

Just make sure you refer to the pattern directions and pattern pieces as the seam allowances are not consistent throughout.  

I tried using clear elastic in the sleeves but it was too narrow and I didn't feel like driving to JoAnn's again.

I also like that the extra length covers my backside really well!

I even had a purple cami to wear underneath!

I love my new top!  Especially with white jeans.  You can see in the photo we are working on our landscaping and also my faithful dog, Lucy.  

Thanks for reading!

Sue