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Thursday 26 November 2015

McCall's 7254 Cardigan

Last winter I wore my Mc Call's cardigan / jackets (6996 / 6844) so often that when this pattern was released earlier this year I bought it straight away.

McCall's 7254



I made view E, the longer, sleeved version in some leftover black double-knit.  Those collar bands however are fabric hogs and I didn't have enough so I decided to use a contrasting textured fabric for the outer band.  As soon as I pinned the collar band on I realised how stupid I had been because of course the band folds over and you see both sides.  Fortunately I had enough of the textured fabric to cut another band and unpick the original to salvage the textured fabric from that one.  If you decide to colour block remember both the inner and outer collar band need to be in the same fabric - trust me it looks silly otherwise.

Other than that silly error the cardigan went together really easily.  The textured fabric was tricky to sew and press - kind of like bubble wrap - so the edge isn't as crisp as I'd like and getting the seam to roll to the correct side is almost impossible.  Binding the raw edges together might have been a better option, but I am definitely not unpicking it again!









I'm still debating on whether to put some kind of fastening on the front, I'll probably wear it open most of the time, but I feel like it needs something.  I like the toggle option on view D which could easily be added on later.

I think this will get as much wear as it's predecessor, the things I loved about that one apply equally here - it looks like a jacket, but feels like a cosy cardigan to wear. I plan on getting some sweater knit for another version and I would like to try the shorter view too.






I'm excited to report that I have finally retired my 20 year old dress form and bought a new one from a store in the "garment district" of Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po (Nan Yang Mannequin for future reference).  Ordering was interesting as the saleslady had limited english, though it was certainly better than my cantonese, so there was lots of sign language involved, but I had printed things out from the website beforehand which helped.

Speaking of 20 year old notions, a commenter previously asked about my pattern weights which are ancient, but were made for Olfa to be used with cutting mats and rotary cutters.  They must still be available although I've seen tips to use large washers from DIY stores which look perfectly up to the job to me.

Anyway, now I have a proper working dress form and no more scheduled houseguests I'm hoping to get back to regular sewing and blogging.  Lots of catch up posts in the works!

22 comments:

  1. Love how this turned out and it looks very smart on.

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  2. That's very attractive. Your photos make me want to rush out and get that pattern immediately.

    Sadly, don't think those Olfa weights are still available. I last found them about five years ago, and they are not on the Olfa website. .

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  3. It looks good. You look good!!
    Interestng pattern, I dont see it before.
    Susan

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  4. Lovely, lovely jacket! Your use of the two fabrics is brilliant.

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  5. Cool fabric choices! I like it! Apparently you are size U.S.A. Lol.

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  6. Love this! The contrasting fabrics look great together. The shape is great too. And congrats on your new dress form!

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  7. This fabric looks really groovy!

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  8. I love the fabric and you look great in it. I think I need to add this to my list.

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  9. Such an appealing pattern and your textured fabric really makes it special. Very nice!

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  10. Your fabric choice makes this jacket pop! Lovely!

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  11. Wow, such a nice look. This almost looks like leather to some degree. The texture is interesting.

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  12. It's lovely and. Definitely ade me want to buy it. I have to wear jackets but prefer cardigans so this might just tick the box for me.

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  13. I love your cardigan! I totally forgot to pick up this pattern when I was in Hancock Fabrics earlier today.

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  14. I love it! The texture is great!

    Great job!

    Cas...

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  15. I love this! The shape, the pattern and the fabric. It looks amazing on you! I want one too!

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  16. I've never seen this pattern before. I love the structured look of jackets, but only wear cardigans for the soft cozy feel. What a perfect combo. I'll be trying this pattern asap. Yours looks great!

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  17. Love how you've used this fabric. It's got a lovely designer edge to it!

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  18. Very striking jacket and I love,love the textured fabric. Terrific use.

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  19. It's like a snuggly jacket :) I love that textured knit, so glad you had enough to do both sides.

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  20. I don't know how I missed yours ... I *do* follow your blog and it still slipped past me. But anyway I love that textured fabric!! I want to make this pattern again in the longer view but maybe morph the narrower collar area from the shorter version so it's not quite as much as a fabric hog? It's definitely a keeper for fast sew/nice results.

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