Waterfall Cardigan: Style Sew Me Madison
I'm so happy with my first sew of 2019! It took me a couple of months to get around to sewing up this cardigan, but I knew I wanted the Madison Cardigan when Eryn of Style Sew Me shared it with me. I love a waterfall collar and this pattern pairs that feature with a hi-lo hem with a dramatic drape. What's not to love?
Oh and did I mention how easy of a sew this was? I had to put this on the back burner because when it was released I was working on my red suit for my Fabricista post, a pattern test and a custom order all of which were more detailed projects. So to say I was longing for some instant gratification is an understatement! Thankfully this Madison Cardigan fit the bill.
A ponte, scuba or other double knit is recommended and are also some of my favorite knits to sew. This diamond print double knit has been in my stash for a few years, long enough that I don't remember what project I planned to sew with it. I did think about using a lighter sweater knit and I'm happy I didn't. It may work but I'm concerned that the amount of all this fabric would weigh it down and stretch out a less structured knit. Still I may try that in the spring and just see what happens in a hacci or light rib knit.
In the past I would've complained about the hemming (since it is unlined you need to narrow hem the entire perimeter of the piece), but this gave me an excuse to dust of my Janome 900cpx coverstitch. And WOW did that make hemming much more bearable! A coverstitch is a very specialized machine that basically creates a serged finish on the inside of a garment with a double row of stitching on right side. This creates a stretchable hem in a knit garment...take a look at the hem of a t-shirt...it does that. Since I sew more knits than wovens it's a great tool for me (thanks to my hubby who gave it to me last Christmas)
I love the princess seam of the back, it really gives it the dramatic drape with out adding bulk. My next version will likely be a solid so that that feature can be seen, it's lost in this busy pattern. Imagine how beautiful this would be in a double sided knit like this black and white cotton knit, this polka dot sweater knit, or this red and gray ponte. I love that it will pair nicely with anything from a sweater dress to a tee and jeans.
The armholes a tad snug on me, but I have large biceps so I'm not sure if that's me or the pattern. That being said I can only wear this over short sleeve or thin long sleeve tops, which has worked out because it has been unseasonable warm here. Next time I go up a size, at least in the arms.Take a look at these versions of the Madison Cardigan from my fellow sew sisters:
Pattern: Style Sew Me Madison CardiganPattern Description: Madison is the stylish cardigan your closet needs for the fall. Her drape will turn heads and she's a quick and easy sew!Sizing: XXS-XXXL I sewed an XLDifficulty: 2/easyFabric Used: Diamond print double knit from my stash.Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? YesWere the instructions easy to follow? VeryLikes: princess seamed back, waterfall collar, hi-lo hemDislikes: None really.Pattern alterations or any design changes made: None, but I should've increased the sleeve.Would I sew it again? Yes, I want a solid versionWould I recommend it to others? YesConclusion: Statement cardigan