Thursday, October 22, 2015

Sorry for the Radio Silence: Back with Mccalls 7262



As I am writing this, I just got an email for a friend checking in on me because I had not posted recently. She wanted to make sure I was okay and I am. Thanks for checking on me :)  

I have been absent for a few reasons:

  • I advanced to the final round of the the PR Sewing Bee, but after advancing, I was disqualified because I added a photo to my review after sewing time was up. My review was posted and complete for days, but adding the photo was apparently against the rules. I was ticked about it and needed time to process my rage. "I am a rageaholic. I just can't live without rageahol!" Homer Simpson. I wanted to wait to post until I could tell you with a quiet voice (God is still working on me). On the bright side, I was not eliminated because of my sewing skills and I got to have my life back!
  • I have been working on a secret project that I cannot yet share.
  • I lost my camera remote and only today realized I could use the self-timer to take pics until I find it :)
  • I joined Instagram and have been getting much creative inspiration and love over there :) You can follow using the icon in the top right.

  • My "Little Miss" had a birthday and we were celebrating our precious little darling.

  • I have been invited to participate in a local Farmer's Market to sell my repurposed coffee bean bags and other items made from reclaimed items. I have been working feverishly on building my inventory for that event. 
Yesterday, I checked the weather and it looks like the market may be rained out. This possibility gave me an excuse for a break to post my latest make. I fell in love with Mccalls 7262 the minute I saw it! 


                           
I love all of the views, but I decided to make view A with the attached contrast sleeves.
  

I used a marled stripe sweater knit that I bought from Hancock Fabrics. It is super soft and cozy. For the contrast sleeves, I used a black jersey  knit from my stash. I guess, I should not have worn a black shirt under it. The long black sleeves are attached under the smaller capped sleeve. 


I like the feel of it, but boy oh boy was it a beast to match the stripes! The fabric moved ridiculously and needed to be pinned aggressively. I am happy to report, I matched them like a BOSS!

Front Facing

Sleeve  with contrast matched.
I love that I can wear it with a lightweight tank and get Fall weather coverage without added bulk. The pattern calls for buttons and buttonhole closures. I opted to omit them and secured the front with a brooch under the cowl. 


I like this cardigan, but I do not think I love it closed. I feel the angle and opening caused by the drape, adds unnecessary fullness at the hips. With a contrast dress under, I am still on the fence if that angle adds to the appeal or not.


I really like this and cannot wait for it to get colder here in Texas. Our cold weather window is very narrow. I am glad to have made a few items to kick off the season, whenever that happens.

Happy Sewing,
Bianca

P.S. Will you be attending the International Quilt Festival? I do not quilt, but appreciate the craft. I have been attending the festival for years and plan to go again this year. I even plan to take a few classes if they will have me. Please email me to let me know you will there. Maybe we can wander and admire the art together.

6 comments:

  1. What a wonderful sweater. It looks great on you. I'm sorry about the disqualification. I don't understand why what you did was wrong but like you said, you got your life back!

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    1. Thanks Tomasa! I will make another, but without the stripes :) I sought clarification, but got a 'rules are rules' answer. It was insufficient, but I decided not to push it at that point. There is a lot of contest drama and perceived bias and I did not want to get caught up in any of it despite my feelings about it.

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  2. I love your sweater and wow, that stripe matching! Boss you are! I too am sorry for the disqualification--dang, but again, having life back is awesome!

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    1. Thanks Sue! The contest was fun to start, but got less fun as the challenges took longer time. It required too much time with too few rewards. It was frustrating to be in then out, but boy the freedom it has brought! I will enter contests that coincide with my sewing list in the future. If the Bee remains structured as it is, this is my last one.

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  3. I just found this pattern. I want to make it but shorter like a little longer then waist so more like a short jacket. do you think it would work?

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    1. I'm not sure how it would work. What appeals to me about this is that the volume of the front is proportional to the length. If you were to shorten it I would suggest you also reduce the depth of the front pieces. I can't put my hand on them now, but I know Vogue and Butterick have shortened versions in their catalogs. If it's not too much trouble I would suggest you find one that requires less modification. I hope that helps.

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