Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Peplums Please!

Peplums have been trending this year and I have quite a few patterns in my stash. The Fall Collection of the McCalls Patten Company was recently released and they are showcasing them for fall. I was drawn to  Pattern 6844, a lightweight cardigan with hem variations.

M6844
McCalls 6844
As with most patterns I sew, I take a critical eye to it to see if I can make it in Alabama Chanin style. This cardigan was no exception. I decided to sew it in a double layer of hunter green jersey cotton from my stash. I used a double layer of fabric for all pieces with the exception of the facing and the peplum.  I have skinny arms and I wanted the sleeves to be fitted. I decided to sew the sleeves with a 1-inch seam allowance. I used my dress form to be certain to get the correct upper sleeve fit.

The Alabama Chanin company is moving to a machine sewn line called A. Chanin. Because are sewing some items on a machine, I could as well. I decided to sew the interior themes of this project on the sewing machine. I use a knit needle and a long stitch length and it came together pretty fast. I chose to sew all of the secondary stitches by hand using hunter green button and craft thread. I felled the seams to the interior of the coat and kept my knots hidden.
Tone on Tone stitches
The pattern instructions required interfacing on the facing pieces but I didn't think it was necessary. I used it here, but I think next time I will not. Also, the pattern claims that the front  does not meet but I did not find this to be the case. I made the size small and the found there was enough fabric to lap over itself. I think I need to think about way to keep it closed. I will wear it for a bit and see what needs to happen; maybe a belt, maybe hooks and eyes.

B.I.R.A Wearing the Cardigan
 I'm really excited with how they turned out it. I have gotten many complements and requests for custom orders. It is super comfy and great for twirling!


It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
Happy Sewing!

6 comments:

  1. Read your review of this pattern on Pattern Review website! I was so taken with your pictures and write-up that I bought the pattern and some Green Color Poly Lacey Chevron stripe type of fabric and my whole creation came about beautifully!! Have had loads of compliments on it! Thanks so much for the inspiration! :)

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    1. Hi Amy! I am so glad you were inspired to make one and love your result! I would love to see your version when you write a review!

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  2. I looked through your site a month or two ago, and keep thinking about this cardigan. I think I need to make one! I was just reading a blog called Saturday Night Stitch and this was on her list of makes for fall, so I pointed her over here to check yours out. Hope she does--it's really fabulous.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and sharing my post! I loved wearing this last Fall and you have reminded me how much. I may make another as the weather begins to change.

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  3. I enjoyed looking through your blog. It's really inspiring as far as your projects, but I also like seeing how you use your talents within your church. I'm never quite sure how or where mine fit in to my church, and I don't want to commit to something unless I'll follow through, so now I'm doubly inspired. I started following your blog on Bloglovin' so I can keep up. :) Wish I lived nearby, so we could chat over coffee, but I'll keep up with your blog regardless. ;)

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    1. Thanks so much! I am glad to be an inspiration to you; it means so much that you would say that. I really enjoy my sewing group at church. It is a commitment. We are starting our 4th tenth week "semester" in a couple of weeks and then I will take a break. It has been rewarding and I am glad I have done it.

      Blogging has been bitter sweet in the realm of friendship development. I have enjoyed the people I have "met" here, but it is so sad that I cannot sit, laugh and sew together :)

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