Monday, September 5, 2016

McCall's 6844 - Cobalt blue geometric printed cardigan

I have this (slightly ratty) fleece jacket that I wear constantly around my house during the winter. It's warm but not too bulky and is just the perfect thing to ward off any indoor chill. Of course it never gets worn out and about because it's a weird color and doesn't match anything. And I have some really great outer wear that I like to wear. All this to say - I've decided to replace it with several pieces of similar weight and warmth that are hopefully more chic and not so dowdy.

I picked up this textural geometric novelty knit from Moodfabrics.com. I'm always on the lookout for interesting textures and I loved the colorway. Cobalt blue is probably my next favorite color next to yellow. I got it in the spring I think and it's now completely sold out. They do have a yellow colorway that is lovely and still available, and I had a hard time deciding between the two.


The pattern I chose is McCall's 6844, one of patternreview.com's best patterns of 2013, and it's been reviewed about a million times. It's a nice and simple pattern, great especially if you have a somewhat busy print. I really like the fact that it has some shape to it and isn't too voluminous. I cut the size small but sewed 3/8" seam allowances for the vertical sleeve seam and side seams. The sleeves were a bit tight when I first stitched them at 5/8".


I had a bit of a panic when I was cutting out the fabric. Because of my uneven print I did not have enough to cut out the collar with horizontal stripes. Of course this predicament is never noticed by me until half the pieces are cut out. The collar had to be cut on the cross grain, but I quite like how it turned out.


I matched up the stripes across the sleeves and at the side seams. I also ignored the 5/8" hem called for in the directions and put in a 1.25" hem by hand. All interior seams and edges were finished with my machine's overlock stitch.


This was a fun and relatively quick project, and I'll definitely be using the pattern again soon. (Maybe in a grey sweaterknit with leather sleeves? Hmmm..)


39 comments:

  1. I always read your blog whenever you have something new. I especially liked the striped dress last week, but I applaud your effort to be more chic. I should do that too!!! It's a great cardi.

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    1. Thank you 2paw! I've always liked making "fancy" clothes, but really, those types of things only get worn once or twice a season. Now I'm on to "comfortable chic" that works with my lifestyle.

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  2. What a great little jacket, it looks like the perfect length, and what a great colour!

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    1. Thanks Gabrielle! It's slightly longer in the back. I like the shaped hem too!

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  3. Great jacket and wonderful color for you. I love that you made it to fit, sewed the seams as needed.

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    1. There's nothing worse then too tight sleeves IMO. Maybe a too-tight neckline. I hate feeling claustrophobic in my clothing. Thanks Coco!

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  4. I like it with the collar stripes running the other way ;o) I made the peplum version of this recently (wearing it today) and I just can't get used to how full it looks compared to this version!

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    1. I think you need to make this version as well! Peplums do not look that great on my body type. I'm always trying to balance out my top half and make it look bigger. But I've seen some great peplum versions of this pattern sewn up. Thanks Colesworth!

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  5. Very nice piece. Love this colour on you.

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  6. Great outfit! Awesome how lack of fabric turned into a design feature!

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    1. Yes, happily it turned out all right in the end. My mom always taught me to lay all the pieces out first but I never do it. Consequently I get surprised by these kinds of issues. Thanks Kyle!

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  7. This is so cute on you. Love how the collar turned out.

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  8. I really like the colour on you. A beautiful make.

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  9. Great jacket. I love this colour scheme.

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  10. Amanda, this is stunning for a casual piece! I love how the collar turned out. I predict you will wear this and love it for a long time.

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  11. This is lovely! I recently bought a pretty floral kimono to replace my tatty, stained, old terrycloth robe that I wore around the house to death. I let it go way too long because I kept saying I was going to make myself something to replace it - so I REALLY applaud your tenacity in upgrading your at-home clothes with some beautiful handmades! This color and style is gorgeous on you! I hope it does its job come winter!

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    1. Ah yes, the promising oneself not to buy something that can easily be made. I know about that all too well. Good for you for buying a nice kimono! I always feel better about myself when I'm wearing something pretty, and I bet you do too. Thanks Sallie!

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  12. So lovely! As always you do an outstanding job!!

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  13. This is so nice! I need to keep that one in mind!!
    Beautiful color!!
    Wilma

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  14. LOL I loved this so much I went and looked at the pattern and realized I have it. It's going on my list for fall.
    As always in everything you sew, it's impeccable sewn and chosen to suit you.

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    1. Haha, that's funny! I love getting inspiration from blogs and in fact bought this pattern pretty recently because I saw someone else's made up (although I can't remember who.) So I'm glad to pay it forward a bit and inspire you to make one too. Thanks Nancy!

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  15. Hi Amanda, My Hobby Lobby is having a sale on McCall's Patterns this week and now I have to go and purchase this one because of your lovely make of this cardigan. Oh, that's what the excuse I am giving my husband for buying another pattern!!!!

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    1. Maybe you can hide it in your purse and sneak it in. My husband has long since given up giving me any side eye for more patterns. They are a fact of life around here. Thanks for your comment!

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  16. It looks lovely, and the collar is a great detail! Love it when a non-plan works out! Your stripe-matching is enviable, as always. :-)

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  17. That's a gorgeous jacket and the collar turned out perfect that way! Well done!

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  18. I have this pattern too. Must make it one of these days! Love the fabric you chose to make it in. It looks warm, cozy, comfy.

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    1. The good thing is it probably won't go out of style anytime soon, so you can get around to it whenever you fell like it lol. Thanks Tomasa!

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  19. Neat, in all senses of the word. I want one too!

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  20. This is such a great pattern, although I also found the sleeves to be very narrow. Love your version and I think works brilliantly with the front band on the cross grain.

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    1. Oh good, I'm always afraid my arms are too fleshy - glad you found them tight as well. Thanks Allison!

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