Tuesday 13 May 2014

A Stylish Blue Cardi

I have jumped on the bandwagon and purchased McCall's 6844 which was voted Pattern of the Year for 2013 on Pattern Review. There have been so many favourable reviews of this pattern that I thought I had better see what all the fuss is about.



McCall's 6844 View B


I decided to make view B which is the longer length without the peplum as I thought this would be more work appropriate. I used a royal blue ponte de roma purchased from Lincraft when it was on sale for $10.49 per metre. 



I cut a size medium which has turned out slightly too wide across my shoulders, although I'm not sure I could get away with a small. 



It has nice shaping down the the side seams which is quite flattering, but looking at this photo it make my backside look huge.



The sleeves are very tight which makes it suitable to wear over sleeveless tops or very thin sleeved tops only.



As most reviewers advised, I did not interface the collar. It sits very well around the neck but then it just wants to flop forward. I tried to fix this by hand stitching it down at the hemline. This still makes it hang funny. I think I will hand stitch it down in a couple of more places further up towards the waistline.


Topstitching.
I added the top stitching around the collar as instructed, which anchors down the seam allowance and gives a nice neat finish on the inside. I also sewed the sleeves in flat.



Well...to tell the truth, I have been a little underwhelmed with this pattern. Maybe my expectations were a little high due to all the hype out there in the blogosphere?

But in saying that, I'm sure I will get a lot of wear out of this cardi and I just love the colour. I have already cut out View C so stay tuned for another review coming soon.



Happy Sewing

16 comments:

  1. I love it!!!

    As someone who has made five (5!!!) of these I love the shorter one sans peplum. It is si flattering with the shaping. Also, I realized that on the first one I interfaced the band and didn't in subsequent versions.

    The 5th got its band interfaced. It works much better! :-O

    Love the color on you and I think it'll fit with many things in your wardrobe!

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    1. Thanks so much Nakisha. Yours all look great and suit you well. I might take your advice and interface the band on my next one so I can compare.

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  2. I also made this cardigan (unblogged) and was underwhelmed. I made the shorter peplum version and didn't particularly like the shape on me (gave it to my aunt :) I'm tempted to try the pattern again though

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    1. I too have not given up on this pattern yet. I have view C cut out, but I did lengthen the peplum as advised by ArtAttack here http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/93304

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  3. Great job! I love the color, looks great on you.

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  4. Love the colour and it will be a great cardigan for the cooler weather. What about if you shorten it just a smidge to your knuckles and see if that makes the back look better.

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    1. Thanks for the tip Sharon. It is nice and warm in the ponte.

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  5. It fits you very well. I love the color. I made View C and it doesn't compliment my body shape. I too had problems with the collar,..

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    1. Thanks Anonymous. Nice to know that I wasn't the only one left a little disappointed with this pattern.

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  6. I also have this pattern on my list to buy, but the commenters above also seem underwhelmed, even with the peplum version that seems to have been responsible for all the hype. Hmmm. I will await your view C with interest!

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    1. Yes Megan, I am keen to see if view C is more successful, especially after investing $21.50 on the cost of the pattern from my local Bargain Box Fabrics.

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  7. Great review Jean Margaret! I think this is a pattern which does depend in which kind of knit you go for. I still think it looks good on you.

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    1. Thanks sewmanju. I'm sure I will get lots of wear out of it.

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  8. This looks just like a tailored jacket! I'm sure you will find loads of opportunities to wear it.

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment Ruth. I'm sure it will get lots of wear too. Just need to anchor down that front band in a couple of more places.

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