So here it is, my Grace Kelly inspired crew neck cardigan. Sewn out of double knit organic wool and based on a cardigan from People Tree. I wanted to have a simple classic cardigan that I can wear for years and wool is great for this purpose as it keeps it shape and is very durable. When I saw this locally knitted fabric on a sewing fair last fall, I knew I had to buy it. Not just because of the fine but also because of the red colour that is very special and rich.
As I talked about in my vlog I drafted the cardigan to be an exact copy only to realise that some things should have been tweaked, such as making the shoulders more narrow and tapering the waist band a bit. Which is so ironic since I thought the RTW cardigan was pretty great, so I clearly have different standars for my own makes compared to what I buy in stores.
This cardigan can be made both as a top and over a blouse since there is enough room in the sleeves and bodice. It has some ease but is not bulky. I like my garments to be quite fitted since I feel that my small frame drowns in voluminous clothes. Here it is worn with the issue 1/2010 Burdastyle trousers that was also part of my capsule collection.
When I was looking for buttons the store clerk asked me what colour the cardigan had, and when I said red, she said “why do you want white buttons on a red cardigan?”. What an odd, narrow minded, reaction! But I digress, personally I think contrasting buttons actually can elevate the garment.
Buttonholes on knits – it can be done! The trick is to use interfacing that stretches crosswise but not lengthwise and sew the holes vertically. For really stretchy knits sewing over elastic cord is a great idea too. I’ve done a tutorial on how to sew buttonholes on knits.
The small details count when making your own clothes. The ribbon adds a nice touch and I’ve come up with a method of applying ribbon to the neckline that makes it easy to succeed.
Keeping with the vintage theme, I even brought out one of my vintage pearl necklaces! Apart from a few tweaks (such as making the shoulders more narrow) I am very happy with how the cardigan turned out.
