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Made By A Fabricista: College Inspired Cardigan

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Happy Monday All! It has been a while since I wrote a blogpost and it feels great to be back!

Today I am excited to share my daughter who hasn’t graced the blog for quite sometime. Now that my children are older, I have to always get their permission to take photos and share. It took a lot of convincing to get my daughter to rock this FAMU (Florida A & M University) inspired cardigan.

I originally planned to make the Blackwood cardigan using the orange and green ponte knit for myself to represent my alma mater FAMU but then realized I cut the wrong size. 

I was a bit disappointed at first that I cut a medium instead of a large but knew my daughter would rock it. Additionally, even if I wanted to squeeze in the cardigan, it just could not even pass my elbow when I tried it on.

It was definitely a learning experience because I now know that you cannot add a non stretch ribbon around a fitted knit garment sleeve. It must be added to a loose sleeve as the ribbon stops the fabric from stretching.


On a positive note, here are a few tips when when adding ribbon around a garment sleeve.

1. Use a quilting rule or draw a straight line.

2. To avoid the ribbon from shifting, use a 2 sided wash away tape to hold it securely in place while using the quilting ruler as the guide to keep it straight. No pins necessary!!

3. Separate each row at 1/2 inch and keep it consistent. Next time around, I may separate it at 3/8 inch and place it at least 3-4 inches above the elbow.

4. Sew   the ribbon at the edge and go slow for a clean finish. An edge foot would be ideal but not necessary.


I definitely plan to try it again possibly on an oversize sweater sleeve. This was my first time trying this technique and making the shorter version of the Blackwood cardigan. This weekend,  I plan to cut a color block version using some of the newer color ponte knit I purchased at Fabric Mart.

For my top, I was somewhat disappointed and wish I had used a different fabric type such as a fleece or thicker knit to make the hoodie portion a bit stable. I am not convinced that I would make this pattern (Simplicity 9636) again with ponte knit even though it is a quick and easy sew.

Overall I truly enjoyed making both looks and was able to take capture a few photos with my daughter, moments that I will cherish.  Thank you so much for reading and following my sewing journey. Don’t forget to stop by my Instagram page (heymaricamitchell) to see what I am currently working on. Have the most amazing Thanksgiving and Holiday break when it comes! See you in 2023!!!!

One Love,

MARICA  | @heymaricamitchell

Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories PONTE KNIT.

Comments

  1. DaraNovember 7, 2022 at 10:52 AM

    Beautiful models and Beautiful sewing! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 7, 2022 at 9:15 PM

    Love the cardigan and the top you made!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 8, 2022 at 7:06 AM

    I really like te style of the college cardigan! Maybe there is some sort of decorative/colored elastic that you could use on tighter sleeves. There must be something out there! Really cool idea, and great projects. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 8, 2022 at 8:00 AM

    Beautiful girls!

    ReplyDelete
  5. vino2000November 8, 2022 at 3:32 PM

    Pretty. Both, the cárdigan and the model.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousNovember 8, 2022 at 6:27 PM

    I love both of the new tops you made. Nice to see your daughter again too. I wonder if fold over elastic would work for the sleeves? I know it would be bulkier because it would be double thickness but it comes in some great colors now if you can find them. I hope you have a blessed holiday season also and may 2023 be a great year for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousNovember 10, 2022 at 8:48 AM

    What a wonderful story. Thank you for telling it. Luckily your lemons made lemonade.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Penny sipesNovember 25, 2022 at 12:35 PM

    both very attractive

    ReplyDelete

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