The great thing about having a line of sewing patterns is that I can create my own dream wardrobe. One of those dream pieces is a structured cardigan that can be worn just like a blazer, but much more comfortable.
This is why I created the Eivy cardigan sewing pattern, which is now my best-selling pattern! With the collar and pocket option, it nicely doubles up as a jacket.
For winter I wanted to make a nautical version, inspired by both vintage naval pea coats and classic Chanel jackets. Hence the golden anchor buttons.
The fabric is a heavier wool rib knit in charcoal grey. I wanted to get a navy knit of course, but the supplier didn’t have that in stock. And in hindsight, I think this dark, marled grey turned out well despite not being my original vision.
Notice the princess seam across the front? The Eivy cardigan has seams both in the back and front, making it very easy to alter for a fuller bust. We show how to do a FBA on princess seams in our book Fit for Knits, if you are curious.
Of course, I added my signature finish, a band to hide the neckline seam in the back. Check out my neckline band tutorial to learn how to do it (it’s super easy!).
Wearing the Eivy sailor cardigan in my kitchen. I have mostly vintage furniture in my home because just like with clothes, I love looking into the past for inspiration.
