Laura over at Quietude has released her 1st e-pattern, available on etsy here.
I fell in love with this pattern the moment I saw it & I knew I had the perfect adults cardigan ripe for a refashion to make it from. To celebrate the patterns launch Laura kindly held a couple of giveaways. The second of which I was overjoyed to win. I wasted no time in getting started and was delighted not only with the clear and concise instructions but how quickly this project went together. I managed to cut it out in the afternoon and sew it all together in the evening! I loved the little tips Laura had included in the pattern instructions, they were very helpful. Laura recommends using a walking foot if you have one for this project and I would make that my top tip if you want to attempt this yourself.
The pattern is designed to be cut from a medium- or large-sized adults jumper. I, however, selected a small ladies cardigan. This required some clever cutting but I managed to cut a cardigan sized for a one year old. In the original design the shawl collar cleverly continues to the bottom edge of the cardigan and is interfaced to become the button placket. As I was using a cardigan and therefore already had buttons and button holes I altered the collar pieces accordingly.
So here is the before…
Isn’t it ugly! I paid £5.95 in a charity shop for this 75% silk, 25% cashmere cardigan by Racing Green. It was in great condition with no bobbles and it just oozed quality. I knew I could do something with it. I had hoped to girl it up a bit, perhaps cover the ugly beige strip with a more feminine trim but this cardigan was SO ugly it needed a more radical overhaul.
I am so pleased with the result this ugly duckling really has become a swan. The knit is fine and was lovely to work with. It had a lovely drape to it that suited this style so well. I know it will be warm but wear and wash well because it is made from natural fibres.
The Banbury Cross cardigan pattern is multi sized from 6 months up to 3 years & I definitely think i’ll make it again. I’d like to try a version in felted wool, if i can find a jumper big enough to felt down and then cut up.
Sew Simone 