Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Burda Cardigan


I may never take this off.  This cardigan was inspired by the fabric.  It's not anything fancy.  It's just something I found on a trip to Joann's for thread.  You know how that goes.  You only go in to pick up some thread and...  It's a double sided knit. Polka dots on one side, stripes on the other.  Actually, I think this would be considered double cloth since it seems to be two knits fused together at the dots.  I have used some of this same knit before to make crawling baby pants for Jane a while ago.  It is really soft and spongy and has some drape because of the weight.  But not a lot of recovery.  So I bought it knowing it would be perfect for a drapey cardigan.  One that would show off both sides of the fabric. 


I cleaned out my pattern stash recently.  I was ruthless.  Since I began sewing all the time five or so years ago, I have bought patterns with reckless abandon.  Mainly big four patterns when they are on major sale at Hancock or Joann's.  I had a huuuuge pattern stash with no chance of ever making all of them up.  I got rid of everything that I didn't love.  I donated them to a local thrift store that has a giant crafting section so I know they'll go to good homes.  And I've whittled my pattern stash down to just what I intend to make.  I'm also vowing to not buy any more patterns unless I am serious about making it up.  We'll see how that goes.  I think I've already bought four or so since that cull.  Oops.


Anyway, this Burda 7184 pattern survived the pattern stash purge.  I'm generally a fan of Burda patterns, magazine or envelope.  So I kept this one.  It was perfect for this fabric.  The pattern has a two piece raglan sleeve.  The sleeve is not a very close fitting one.  I bet you could make this pattern up in some sort of wool knit or coating and it would be a great jacket.  Maybe even in a ponte knit.  I made the longer version with pockets.  I did size down to a 38 thinking the pattern pieces looked oversized.  I'm glad I did.  I normally make a 40 in Burda patterns.  I hemmed the front by flipping under twice and straight stitching.  The front hems shouldn't need to stretch much.  I made it up exactly as the pattern directed except for the neck facing.  The neck facing is a small piece of binding that you sew on to the back neckline and flip inside to finish the edge.  I inserted a piece of 1/4" elastic when I flipped the binding inside.  I wish I had taken a picture.  The elastic keeps the back neckline from stretching way out since the knit fabric is so heavy.  Helps it keep it's shape.


I love it.  It's like wearing a bathrobe that is acceptable to wear in public.  It's perfect for weekend wear.  This project was a win.  Like I said, I may never take it off.

32 comments:

  1. OOOH! You know I"m going to love this, right? I've even got some similar fabric in my stash (red and grey, which is not as fun as yours). You should add this to the Sewcialist Flick group for Polka Dot January!

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    1. Ooh, good call! I did see that was the theme for this month but didn't put it together. Will do!

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  2. A sweet cardigan! And I love those shoes:)

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    1. Thanks! They were my Christmas gift. They are actually Dansko's is you can believe it. I love them :)

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  3. I love the cardigan and the fabric! You should try it with a belt. :)

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  4. This cardi looks perfect with skinnies and red shoes. Way to work the robe chic look. Very cute.

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  5. Cool cardigan. I like Burda patterns too.

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  6. LOVE THIS! I would totally live in this cardigan as well if it was in my wardrobe. It's the perfect fabric for a waterfall cardi, love the stripes peeking out. How are the seams finished - any chance it would be worn reversed?!!

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    1. They are just serged. I was tempted to try and fell the seams so it could be reversible. But I couldn't wrap my brain around the pockets. You could definitely make this pattern reversible without pockets!

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  7. Love this! I can see why you want to wear it all the time. Great idea to use the double sided fabric, and I love how you've used the stripes in the pockets. Cute shoes too.

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  8. Love it! I just bought some double sided knit on a recent trip to Melbourne ...it's thin stripes on one side and thicker stripes on the other- this is the first time I had ever seen anything like it. I have to say I like the polka dots better though!

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  9. This is beautiful!! I love the double sided knit. I have a similar fabric in red with stripes on one side and dots on the other. I didn't know what I would use it for, but I may have to be a copycat and get that pattern if I don't have something similar in my stash. This is a WINNER!

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  10. I don't blame you for never wanting to take it off. It's fabulous. I'd love to have that fabric!

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  11. That's the perfect use for that fabric. It turned out really cute. Looks cozy too.

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  12. Very cool! It looks fantastic and the fabric is so enticing. I've had to remind myself that cutting at my awful JoAnn takes at least 45 minutes to avoid picking up some... Congrats on the pattern purge. I just can't do it, though I know I'd feel so free if I did!

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  13. Great cardigan. Such a perfect use for double-sided fabric. Looks super cool with the hot pink shoes.

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  14. This is so cute! I really, really like it on you. It's such a smart way to use the fabric!

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  15. You look amazing. I covet your shoes. So happy about a sewing win for you and this is a great one. g

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  16. This is so cute! I know why you won't take it off. The fabric choice is awesome and really makes the cardigan sing. You should definitely make another!

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  17. Giving you a big thumbs up emoji now :) It looks lovely on you. I wouldn't want to take it off either! t love the stripe and polka dot combination, and very clever to make it a double sided cardi to show it off. Beautiful!

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  18. I love it! And the double sided fabric is awesome too - what a great way to showcase it! Those shoes are rocking' too!

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  19. Oooh this is fantastic!! I love the drape of the front, and publicly acceptable bathrobes are basically my jam. This was the perfect project for that double faced fabric, too. Love it!

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  20. I remember this fabric from the baby trousers and I may have commented at the time that it would make a great adult garment! Anyway, it has. Comfy without being sloppy - wardrobe gold ;)

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  21. love it, and i totally get why you don't ever wanna take it off (i really do know that for sure, as i have a cardigan made from that very burda pattern, few years ago, and i still love it to pieces, even though i never bloged about it)

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  22. Oh wow, I NEED a cardigan just like this! Looks so cozy. Great use of that fabric!

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  23. Gorgeous!! And, oh my goodness, this fabric is brilliant! What's not to love about stripes and dots.

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  24. Awesome make. The fabric is genius - spots AND strips - just genius I say!
    Great idea with the neck facing. I've wanted to make a similar cardigan for ages. Got to love a bathrobe that is socially acceptable to wear in public :)

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  25. I have seen two sided fabric like this and never knew what to make from it. You picked the perfect pattern to highlight both sides. Looks great.

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  26. Really cute! It would even look great with a belt, no? Great shoes too.

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