Wintertime in McCall’s 6802

09 Jan Wintertime in McCall’s 6802

After taking time off to promote The Tunic Bible, it’s  w o n d e r f u l  to be blogging for The Mood Sewing Network and Goodbye Valentino again 🙂

Happy New Year !!!!

I completed my first make of 2017 just in time for our annual one-inch snowstorm, and if this fabric is wool then I’d like to be a sheep in my next life….
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The Armani Oxford wool knit is from Mood Fabrics, and when it arrived I reviewed my order to check the content of this smooth knit fabric.

Was it really wool? What kind of conditioner did this sheep use? Honestly, the texture feels so soft like cotton, but it’s very warm like wool.

I couldn’t resist giving this soft, lightweight wool a chance to keep me warm, and selected McCall 6802 View B to sew.

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The underside of the knit is a lighter color than the top and well-suited for an unlined garment, but it was up to me to give this basic, pattern a finished result. My only snag lie in the pocket placements which were very low and large. I eliminated the pockets all together, and now… noticing how this pattern has no front closures, I think the pockets would be a visual distraction.

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Because this fabric sews very easily, I topstitched all of seams including the hood,

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as opposed to topstitching only the front seams as the instructions state.

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The seams are finished with the serger and the facings are narrow hemmed. After completing the pattern, the sweater looked rather plain, leading me to trim the front opening and the sleeves with faux fur from my stash (a gift from my mother over 20 years ago!).

Finished!

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The thought of sewing knits scares many sewists, but this stable knit sews beautifully and is appropriate for many types of garments. I almost made a dress…. I thought about a cape…. a long Eileen Fisher type vest…… a pullover…..

Fortunately the fur-trimmed hooded cardigan fills a hole in my wardrobe and brings a festive spirit to the dreary month of January.

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Best wishes and stay warm!!

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
102 Comments
  • Wanda jordan
    Posted at 06:13h, 09 January Reply

    This looks great just right for us here in Texas where we don’t get snowfall in the south.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:19h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Wanda! It would be perfect for your weather 🙂

  • ooobop
    Posted at 06:26h, 09 January Reply

    Oh how adorable and cosy you look! Love the contrasting faux fur trim. It was just waiting for this coat!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:38h, 09 January Reply

      Many thanks, Ooobop! Your right the fur has been very, very patient 🙂

  • Susan Hardman
    Posted at 06:35h, 09 January Reply

    Beautiful work! You look great in the coat.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:40h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you so much, Susan!

  • Myra
    Posted at 06:54h, 09 January Reply

    So cute Ms. Sarah! With our 37° weather here in Florida right now, this would be a godsend! You look absolutely adorable! Happy New Year!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:57h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Myra! 37 degrees in Florida??? Happy New Year to you 🙂

  • Melinda Ryder
    Posted at 07:03h, 09 January Reply

    Very cute!! Love how you took the pattern from plain to fabulous!! So glad you’re back to blogging!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:08h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Melinda! It’s soooooo good to be back 😉

  • Becky Bagwell
    Posted at 07:29h, 09 January Reply

    LOVE !

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:56h, 09 January Reply

      🙂 🙂 🙂

  • Mary Funt
    Posted at 07:40h, 09 January Reply

    Very stylish and perfect for winter. I’m happy to have escaped NY weather for awhile but I need something like this even in FL. The fur trim makes it special and what a great way to recycle.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:56h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Mary! Hard to believe it’s this cold in FL right now 😉

  • Becky Riddle
    Posted at 07:53h, 09 January Reply

    You have been missed on this blog! This jacket is fabulous! I want it! It’s a great color for you, and we Southern gals need to stay warm when the cold winds blow, even if they are colder elsewhere. This is exactly what my wardrobe needs as well. Great make, Sarah.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:58h, 09 January Reply

      Many thanks for your nice comment, Becky! I’m d e l i g h t e d to be back and sewing just for fun!! You can whip this pattern up quickly – hardest thing in my opinion is finding the perfect fabric 😉

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 08:02h, 09 January Reply

    Who says you can’t be warm and elegant at the same time?? You sure did find the perfect fabric and I love the drape of those cut on sleeves. I’ll bet your mother was tickled to see you use that trim so creatively.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:25h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Julie! I too love the cut of the sleeve but think it could be slightly longer for this view… next time! And yes, my mother was thrilled to see the trim put to good use 🙂

  • Nova
    Posted at 08:16h, 09 January Reply

    So glad to see you back with a new creation! It is about -30 C here this morning, with about 3 feet of snow, give or take, so I am somewhat jealous of your ability to wear your creation as an outerwear garment! And totally impressed that you envisioned such a lovely garment from a rather uninspiring pattern envelope photo; proof that the line drawings are key. Would you please comment on how the fur was attached to the garment? Was it cut into strips and hand-sewn on after the garment was finished? Do you need to remove it to clean/launder the garment? The fur trim is key to the visual appeal of the garment, in my opinion, and is a lovely tribute to your Mother’s taste and foresight whenever you wear it. I am looking forward to many more beautiful creations from you in the upcoming year.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:31h, 09 January Reply

      Where on earth do you live, Nova? This garment would work inside by the fire at the North Pole, but definitely not as an outer garment 😉
      The fur came in a 2″ strip so there was no need for cutting It was attached by trial and error methods.
      1. I applied Steam a Seam to the fun to hold it in place.
      2. Some areas were machine stitched, which I have done with other faux fur, but since this fur has a long pile, whipstitching and tacking works best.
      Many thanks for your comment!

  • Karen Hinson
    Posted at 08:27h, 09 January Reply

    Very cute. That would fit a whole in my wardrobe also.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:31h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Karen!

  • Reecie Wilkes
    Posted at 08:55h, 09 January Reply

    Beautiful

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:32h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Reecie!

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 09:01h, 09 January Reply

    This is gorgeous and the addition of the fur really makes the cardigan sing!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:32h, 09 January Reply

      Many thanks, Carolyn! The fur came to the rescue for sure 🙂

  • Deborah Penner
    Posted at 09:21h, 09 January Reply

    Would have never thought this pattern could look so stylish.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:33h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you so much, Deborah 😉

  • Mary Lynn
    Posted at 10:34h, 09 January Reply

    One of my favorites of all of your makes! You have a great eye for putting things together. Too nice to walk the dog! 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:22h, 09 January Reply

      Oh I don’t know about that………Lulu would feel very special if I wore this one a walk 😉 Many thanks, Mary Lynn and Happy New Year!

  • Judy Pineda
    Posted at 10:57h, 09 January Reply

    I love your new cardigan. You converted a plain design into something of beauty. I wish I could wear wool but it irritates my skin to the point of utter distraction.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:23h, 09 January Reply

      It was a work in progress, Judy! This fabric doesn’t feel like wool in the least. Maybe you could order a sample?
      Many thanks for your lovely comment 😉

  • JillJ
    Posted at 11:46h, 09 January Reply

    I absolutely love this cardigan. It is so stylish and I love the fur with the neutral color to amp it up a bit. Wow!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:07h, 09 January Reply

      Many thanks, Jill – it exceeded my expectations due to the fur trim 😉

  • CarolinasCallin
    Posted at 12:04h, 09 January Reply

    OMGosh…LOVE this, Sarah! I’ve been looking all over for a cape-like thing with no luck (don’t get me started on managing a blanket scarf successfully…!). When I saw your picture, I thought you’d made one, but I like this one even better! Gorgeous and so much fun!

    Great inspiration!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:06h, 09 January Reply

      Hi Cheryl ~ Thank you so much! I’d really really like to make a wool flannel cape or poncho – Still searching…..
      Happy New Year!!

  • Tina Spear
    Posted at 12:14h, 09 January Reply

    Hey Sarah! Yeah, we were supposed to get 4-5′ of snow here in Anderson……we got ZIP, NADA!!! I was so looking forward to seeing some of that white stuff blanketing my lawn when I woke. Maybe next time!
    I bought a piece of wool knit from Mood when I was there this past summer. I think I have settled on what I am going to make. Did you was your wool piece in the washer first before constructing?
    The cardigan looks stunning. So much so it makes me want to add it to my already WAY too long list of sewing projects. Thanks for showing.
    My children gave me your book for Christmas, now I wonder if there is a way I might be able to get it signed by the author…..? Or at least one of the authors……? Lunch in Greenville?

  • goodbyevalentino
    Posted at 14:05h, 09 January Reply

    Hi Tina,
    Thank you so much for your great comment, and I’d be happy to sign your book 😉 This garment will be dry cleaned so I did not wash it before sewing. I’m always hesitant to wash wool even though I have a wool cycle on the machine!
    I hope you enjoyed your trip to NYC and look forward to seeing what you make!

  • AJW
    Posted at 14:13h, 09 January Reply

    I commented over on the Mood Sewing Network and want to do it again here. This is a stunning garment that so exemplifies style and elegance. Brava, and great to see you blogging again!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:26h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, AJW! Please comment anytime, anywhere, anyplace – I love connecting with readers 🙂 🙂

  • Ann Warner
    Posted at 14:26h, 09 January Reply

    Simply gorgeous, and its great that your back blogging, thank you

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:26h, 09 January Reply

      Thank YOU, Ann for your nice comment 🙂

  • Maggie ecger
    Posted at 14:39h, 09 January Reply

    Very pretty. I could have used it this morning in Florida. Brrrrr. Your sweater looks so pretty on you. A definite WOW! A. Maggie

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:27h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Maggie! It’s not supposed to be cold in sunny Florida!

  • Susanne Scheurwater
    Posted at 15:06h, 09 January Reply

    Nice to have you back and that is a lovely cozy garment. Not enough for our -25C this morning. I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada….so yes it’s cold here.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:29h, 09 January Reply

      OMGosh – -25C! No this would only work inside by the fireplace. Stay warm and many thanks for the comment, Susanne!

  • Rita
    Posted at 15:41h, 09 January Reply

    How beautiful! Funnily enough, I realized only while reading that you used the same pattern as I did for the cardigan I’m currently wearing. I don’t love how mine turned out–poor fabric choice, plus the pockets are weird (you were smart to leave them off). But seeing yours makes me think I should give the pattern another chance!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:32h, 09 January Reply

      How funny is that? I’m not sure I would have loved this sweater had I not had the fur trim.
      Many thanks for your comment, Rita, and I hope you give the pattern another chance!

  • Carole Porteous
    Posted at 15:58h, 09 January Reply

    It’s good to have you back blogging. I have missed you. You were my inspiration to get back in the sewing room after many years of absence. Love the cosy cardigan.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:34h, 09 January Reply

      Carole,
      Thank you so much for your nice comment! I’m simply delighted to be back and draw much inspiration from my readers – definitely a two way street 🙂

  • Jacki Aldridge
    Posted at 16:05h, 09 January Reply

    You are a model to be admired. Everything you make and wear exudes class. A true inspiration that needs to be promoted out there so the interest in sewing grows. I adore what you do and that you share your construction hints and techniques. I’ve got a Fabulous Fur stash myself, I was going to make a fur cape back when I wanted a fur about 20 years ago; now not so much, but your garment makes me rethink it’s purpose. Absolutely stunning.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:37h, 09 January Reply

      I’m flattered by your kind and lovely comment, Jacki 🙂 Thank you.
      I’m sure you’ll come up with the perfect idea for your faux fur stash. Good luck!!!!!!!

  • Jennifer Shaw
    Posted at 16:56h, 09 January Reply

    Glad to see that you have made it back from the latest rounds of your book promotion. That must be challenging to travel about!

    I, too missed reading your blog and am so glad that you are back.

    This shawl collared cardigan is so remarkably stunning, OMG! Wow adding the faux fur trim takes a basic great style, into a completely different realm of beauty.

    Thank you again for more beautiful sewing inspiration! Wishing you and yours a wonderful new year.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:40h, 09 January Reply

      Book promotions followed by Christmas…. I thought about doing a year in review but no one would believe it.
      What a year, and I’m delighted to be back 🙂
      Many thanks for your good wishes, Jennifer and let’s hope 2017 brings about lots for good sewing for us 🙂

  • Lois Allen
    Posted at 17:04h, 09 January Reply

    Very glad you are back to the blog. Love the coat.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:43h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Lois! I’m delighted to be back 🙂

  • Jeff Laskowski
    Posted at 18:07h, 09 January Reply

    Nice job on a beautiful coat!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:43h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Jeff!

  • morgan detra
    Posted at 18:52h, 09 January Reply

    This is great! I didn’t think to add fur to this pattern. You did a great job. Thanks.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:44h, 09 January Reply

      Many thanks, Morgan! The fur definitely transformed the sweater 🙂

  • Joyce Love
    Posted at 19:20h, 09 January Reply

    Fabulous! And I’ve been missing you posts – glad you’re back to your blog!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:57h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you, Joyce! I’m thrilled to be back 🙂

  • Linda Galante
    Posted at 21:15h, 09 January Reply

    I love…..love that fur trim. What a nice gift! This is a great make to mark your return to your bog.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:51h, 10 January Reply

      Thank you, Linda! It is amazing how important trimming a garment can be 😉

  • Gayle
    Posted at 21:52h, 09 January Reply

    So glad you are back blogging! We have really missed you. The sweater coat looks wonderful. Thank you for your inspiration!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:52h, 10 January Reply

      Thank you so much, Gayle!

  • Sue
    Posted at 22:41h, 09 January Reply

    It is 35 degrees (Celsius) here in Australia and I really want to make that sweater coat. It looks amazing.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:55h, 10 January Reply

      You’ve got a few months to go before you’ll need this sweater! Many thanks for the comment, Sue 🙂

  • Carol Lewis
    Posted at 00:27h, 10 January Reply

    Stunning! And the trim makes the jacket. Welcome back!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:55h, 10 January Reply

      Thank you so much, Carol!!!

  • Barbara Byrne
    Posted at 05:19h, 10 January Reply

    Beautiful! The fur completes it! Welcome back & happy new year.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:57h, 10 January Reply

      Happy New Year, Barbara ~ I agree with you, it would have looked unfinished without the fur 😉

  • Sew Jean Margaret
    Posted at 05:49h, 10 January Reply

    Beautiful jacket and the trim elevates it to something really special.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:57h, 10 January Reply

      Thank you, Jean! I’ve enjoyed seeing your sewing and home improvements the past few months 🙂

  • Tee
    Posted at 07:51h, 10 January Reply

    Stunning!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:49h, 10 January Reply

      Many thanks, Tee!

  • Paulette dowdie
    Posted at 08:31h, 10 January Reply

    Omg! I loved what you did with such a simple pattern! So elegant and classy ! This is now added to my project list !

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:50h, 10 January Reply

      Thank you, Paulette! It’s an easy one to complete 😉

  • Linda LaMona
    Posted at 08:55h, 10 January Reply

    I think you have turned a ho hum pattern into something gorgeous.! Using the wool knit and faux firm trim makes this pattern unrecognizable. I first saw this on Instagram and wondered about the pattern, never though it would be this one.
    Excellent job as usual!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:25h, 10 January Reply

      Thank you so much, Linda! I envisioned an everyday sweater to wear with jeans etc….. but couldn’t resist adding the fur at the end. It needed a little something 🙂

  • MaryEllen
    Posted at 09:38h, 10 January Reply

    This is so stunning !! I would have never given this pattern a second look until I saw your version . The fur really takes it to the next level. You always are so inspiring on how to add extra details !!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:42h, 10 January Reply

      Thank you so much, Mary Ellen. I find many patterns stop just a step or two short of bumping them up a notch 😉

  • Cynthia Gilbreth
    Posted at 11:09h, 10 January Reply

    McCall’s should use your garment on the envelope, it’s so much nicer than what they have. The fur is stunning and the topstitching gives it a finished look. Just lovely!

  • goodbyevalentino
    Posted at 18:44h, 10 January Reply

    What a nice thing to say, Cynthia – thank you so much! I agree with you that several illustrations and photos never live up to the pattern’s potential 😉

  • Kirsten Schwalke
    Posted at 14:16h, 11 January Reply

    Such a beautiful coat!! I love the für details and the hat:-)
    Xx Kirsten
    https://thedressbakery.blogspot.com

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:47h, 12 January Reply

      Thank you so much, Kirsten!

  • AllisonC
    Posted at 19:51h, 11 January Reply

    This is gorgeous, the faux fur trim was an inspired addition!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:48h, 12 January Reply

      So nice to hear from you, Allison! Thank goodness I held on to the fur all these years 🙂

  • Tomasa
    Posted at 10:37h, 12 January Reply

    Your coat is beautiful – love it. The topstitching and addition of the faux fur – perfect.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:49h, 12 January Reply

      Many thanks, Tomasa! It would have been pretty plain without the details 😉

  • Mary Jean Cunningham
    Posted at 21:53h, 13 January Reply

    Wow!!!! I’ve been following you for a while but never commented before and just had to say I love this jacket!!! Made me want to go get the pattern right away and get to work. Glad you’re back – I missed your smiling face and beautiful clothes popping up in my Gmail account, and now is the right time to say thank you for all you do for all your followers with inspiration and advice.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:15h, 17 January Reply

      Hi Mary Jean!
      Many thanks for taking the time to leave this sweet comment ~ I’m so very happy to be back and hope to get lots of sewing in, now that some major responsibilities are behind me 🙂

  • Alice Meyers PMP® CLP
    Posted at 23:13h, 13 January Reply

    Wow what a nice jacket, I live in North Carolina and this would be a perfect weight for the winter. What other trims would you recommend trying?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:16h, 17 January Reply

      Thank you, Alice!! This garment would be perfect for NC ~ for this garment I would use fur as a trim!

  • Raewyn
    Posted at 04:36h, 15 January Reply

    Love Love Love!! It’s a shame pattern makers put unflattering compositions on the front of envelopes when this could have been shown! Like so many other comments I have really missed your postings. Do you think with a suitable weight fabric the pattern would support a button or other type of front closure even at the top? Just enquiring as a real amateur.
    Many thanks for sharing your wardrobe.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:19h, 17 January Reply

      Thank you so much, Raewyn for your lovely comment! I think a button or hook and eye would be perfect. I am going to add a hook and eye at the top between the fur and the fabric so that it will not be too noticeable. As an outdoor garment it needs a closure 😉

  • Gilly deering
    Posted at 09:24h, 17 January Reply

    Great to see you back! Always loved your blogs but thought we had lost you to the “material world”! So glad we didn’t as I just love your style. Unfortunately, I Will have to pass on this gorgeous coat for now (even though I think it is utterly fabulous) as its 40c at home right now. Wilting!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:20h, 17 January Reply

      Many thanks for your nice comment, Gilly! No, you did not lose me to the material world and I’m so happy to be back 🙂

  • Olga
    Posted at 15:25h, 29 January Reply

    Beautiful coat! The fur trim is such a nice touch.

  • Terri Baker
    Posted at 23:49h, 11 October Reply

    I love this! I wish the fabrics didn’t sell out so quickly! I’d love to have a few yards!

  • Nancy S
    Posted at 19:15h, 31 December Reply

    Just beautiful and it would be perfect for most of the winters we seem to have around here (SE Pennsylvania) anymore. How I miss the real winters that we had when I was growing up in the 50s and 60s. That said, we are in a very unusual deep freeze at the moment. if you felt the need for closures, you could always go with frogs or those pairs of clasps that were so evident on boiled wool jackets years ago. Up here, I would probably need closures, at least for winter, but I can see this being made out of a variety of fabrics, even a double faced, quilted cotton. Happy New Year and thank you for all the inspiration., Of all the sewing blogs I follow, yours is my favorite as your style is the one to which I can most relate. I wish I could get the mojo to start sewing again but I have not yet lost all the weight I want, and I so hate altering. I will get there eventually.

  • Nira
    Posted at 11:42h, 07 January Reply

    Browsing through your blog, I landed on this page and greatly admired this sweater-coat. I wrote the pattern number down and then thought..,wait a minute! Running to my pattern stash, sure enough, I have that very pattern. I think I bought it for view C. But now, I think I will also make view B…and if you don’t mind, I’m going to find something to trim it with. I adore the faux fur you used. When you added it, did you have to open the facings and insert it into the seam? You are a constant inspiration to me – in my middle 50s and just starting my own garment sewing journey. Thank you!

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