SSS day 12: a new cardigan

Pattern: Simplicity 2417, view A

Fabric: Rayon jersey from Fashion fabrics club, gray with black dots, 2 yards

Shoes: Kensie Girl

Belt: Calvin Klein

Since I was running a fever for the 3rd day in a row and rapidly losing my voice,  I decided it was time to throw on some clothes and go to the doctor (well, the immediate care center, because why should I get sick on a weekday?)  Apparently I have the flu, for the first time in probably fifteen years.  Well… I may have had the flu other times, but for most of my 20s I didn’t have any health insurance, and so avoided going to the doctor at all costs.  At any rate, at least now I know why I feel so awful, and it really doesn’t seem to be the worst case of flu ever.  At least I get time off work, although I will have to make it up later.

I finished this cardigan on Friday – literally sewed the whole thing then.  I wanted some basic long cardigans to wear over sleeveless dresses, and I thought this pattern looked promising.  Since I had such good luck with Simplicity’s cozy wrap I was hoping this one would be as nice, and I was not disappointed!  I sewed a straight size 6, which seems to be my size in Simplicity.  Things I like about this cardigan: the nice high, tight armholes, which look very RTW to me, and the front bands, which give it a little more interest than just a plain cardigan.

I didn’t make many alterations to the pattern.  I did my usual job removing the ease from the sleevecaps (only 1/2″, but still unnecessary.)  I did not hem the sleeves, because I liked the length.  I sewed the sleeves in flat, and then closed up the side seams and sleeve seams in one sweep with the serger (I often do this – I hate setting in sleeves in the round, and I don’t notice much difference on most garments.)  I only sewed one line of stitching for the hem, because my twin needle wasn’t working well with this knit.

I absolutely recommend the pattern – this was incredibly easy to sew, and the results are very ready to wear.  I’m thinking of using my leftover jersey to create a little flower embellishment - removeable, of course, because I’m not handwashing a cardigan!  I’ve decided that while I’m having forced sick time I had might as well sew up some more knits – they’re easy to wear, and lately I’m finding myself reaching for them.  I did make a muslin of the jacket I mentioned yesterday, but the sleeve style was really weird – something in between raglan and dropped.  It is not flattering, so that pattern is out… I much find something else for my lovely wool.

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