S2560 Cardigan & Capsule Update

Simplicity 2560

Have you ever had a pattern that summoned you to purchase it? Every time I perused the Simplicity catalogue (either online or at the store), I stopped at this pattern:


At the time, I did not find it particularly interesting. The garment on the model is not flattering and the colours in the drawings do nothing for me. But for some reason, I just could not stop looking at this pattern. So, I recently picked it up for a $1 and gave it a try. I made view A with a 100% acrylic knit purchased from the Fabric Gallery during the 2009 American Sewing Expo.


I absolutely adore this knit! I love the colours and the feel. Since it is acrylic, I know it will eventually pill. Still, I couldn't pass it up when I saw it. Here are some pictures of the almost-finished garment (hems aren't done).

The front and back look good on the dress form. The side, however, is another story. It looks like a maternity top or something. I don't think this pattern is for the ample-busted woman because the front folds pop out with the chest. Add to that the junk in my trunk and...well...the story pretty much writes itself. =)

Will I wear it? Yes, with jeans. Will I make another top from this pattern? No, not unless I find another way to make this more flattering.

Capsule Update

In a recent post, I mentioned that I intend to sew smaller sized coordinated capsules instead of 10-garment wardrobes. So far, I've made progress and had a couple of setbacks.


Unfortunately, the red-cream-grey pinstripe pants did not work. The fabric is a stretch woven and completely in appropriate for the pattern I used. The fabric stretches too much and clings in a weird way. I am not even going to bother with trying to fix it. Moving on...




I wanted to make a scooped-neck top out of this ITY knit, but the two pieces I have are not wide enough for the pattern. Instead, I may attempt to do a tank top if I can find a suitable pattern.

I have two projects in queue. First is Simplicity 2556 in this red scratchy wool-blend woven.

I've already cut out the muslin for view A and hope to get this sewn soon. I am optimistic about this as the garment has no sleeves! Fitting bodices with sleeves is my ultimate sewing smoke monster (cue from LOST)!


Next is Butterick 5421 (view D) in a lightweight black wool woven.

Until next time,

L~

Small Capsule Plans

One of my sewing intentions for this year is to sew coordinating wardrobes of 3 - 4 garments. I have found that I tend to lose interest in large wardrobes or focused sew-alongs after a while. Though I am committed to finishing what I started, my interest wanes so much so that my enjoyment is not as big as it was in the beginning. Plus, I ran into a habit of making single items that did not really coordinate well with anything else in my closet. So, I've decided to focus on sewing a small number of garments that match in a set. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a nice working wardrobe while keeping my interest in sewing the items high.

Here's my first capsule of the year:


Starting on the top row, I have:

1. grey, red, cream ITY knit from Fashionista Fabrics (simple short sleeved top, NL 6735)
   
2. red wool blend woven (vest, S2556)
3. grey, white red pinstripe polyester blend stretch suiting (pants, S2860; about 50% done)
4. cream slinky knit (short sleeved top or tank top, Jalie 965
5. red, cream, grey acrylic knit (cardigan, S2560)
6. not pictured - grey polyester-wool blend (pants, S2860; finished)

We have exams coming up in a couple of weeks, plus I'm starting a new semester in ceramics class on Saturday. Though I cannot devote a whole day to sewing like I did last semester, I am finding some time to do little things. Yesterday, I made the belt loops for the second version of S2860. Today, I'll read over the instructions for the vest and cardigan.

Be well everyone!

L~