Tuesday, October 16, 2012

StyleArc Abby Cardi

Last week I finally got around to testing out the Abby Cardigan from StyleArc patterns.



I love this pattern!  I ordered it in a size 18, corresponding to my full bust measurement.  The only alteration I made when tracing the pattern was my standard increase to the width of the sleeve.  This garment sews up quickly and easily--I can see whipping up one or two more of these for the winter.  While the instructions in StyleArc patterns are typically, um, let's say "concise," and assume some familiarity with the process of putting a garment together, this cardi is not difficult to figure out.  The only spot where someone might have any problems is with the back collar area, but if you've ever made a garment with a shawl collar, you should be good to go.

For the fabric, I used a charcoal gray with black pinstripe rayon/nylon/lycra knit by Eileen Fisher which I purchased from EmmaOneSock.  Beautiful fabric with a lovely soft hand.  I thought it was very effective in this pattern and am more than happy with the results:





The pattern suggests several options for finishing the front edges and bottom hem.  I chose to do a serged finish on these edges, single fold over and topstitch for a 5/8 inch hem.  I also mitered the corners where the front edges meet the bottom hem:


I highly recommend this pattern if you are a cardigan type of gal.  I know I will be making it again!


6 comments:

  1. It looks great, Marcy, and so beautifully made!

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    1. Thanks Shams! I have really been trying to take more care and be a little less slapdash in my execution. I think it's showing, both in the look and the fit of my garments.

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  2. Very nice -- love your choice of fabric. Karen

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    1. Karen, I really love this fabric--it's sooo soft! I was a little nervous about using it in a test drive of a pattern, for fear of ruining it, but it turned out well.

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  3. That's a great piece and will be a "go to" with many outfits.

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    1. Thank you Gwen! I agree that it is likely to become well-worn as a staple in my wardrobe. And I fully intend to make one or two more!

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