21 Dec Garment # 3 – Warm Winter Whites
‘Twas five days before Christmas
and all through the yard
the creatures were glowing
and waving at cars.
Greetings, Dear Readers! I’m not sure when I’ve had so much fun sewing.
With the tacky Christmas sweater craze long gone, I knew it was time for a new festive sweater set. For garment #3 I ordered this Italian Cream Wavy Blended Wool Knit from Mood Fabrics. It is a very stable knit and slightly heavier than what I was expecting, but when it arrived I knew it would be compatible with the furry trim in my stash.
My cardigan pattern is McCall’s 6844, View B , an easy and beautifully drafted pattern with petite adjustments.
The bodice pieces are gently shaped for a flattering fit which I find a key to success when sewing an oversized garment from heavy fabric.
The sleeves were attached to the shoulders using the flat seam method as opposed to set in sleeve as per the instructions.
I also attached the front facing wrong sides together rather than right sides together so that the trim would flip to the outside of the garment. The seam was finished with the serger, flipped and tacked in place.
Due to the weight of the fabric, my narrow hem was folded only once and trimmed very closely to the stitching line for a clean finish.
The cardigan works well on its own especially paired with other winter whites,
and I truly love the fit.
I deliberated about the necessity of making the shell but ultimately selected Butterick 3383 from my pattern stash. A simple pattern, I pinned the side edges until I had a desirable fit, and finished it in a jiffy…
and now, I have a sweater set just perfect for a trip to the North Pole 🙂
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
A special thank you to my friends for providing their festive yard as a backdrop for the photos 😉
Renee
Posted at 07:28h, 21 DecemberBeautiful cardigan and shell Sarah! You’ve inspired me to try something similar.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:06h, 21 DecemberThank you, Renee! This one was new for me as well……. and worth repeating 🙂
Irene
Posted at 07:34h, 21 DecemberWhat a beautiful set! Very wintery and festive. Merry Christmas!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:06h, 21 DecemberMany thanks, Irene!!
Melissa Brown
Posted at 07:59h, 21 DecemberThank you for sharing another beautiful creation, and the yard decorations. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:02h, 21 DecemberThank you, Melissa! This is not my yard 😉
Myra
Posted at 08:14h, 21 DecemberVery, very, pretty and I love what you did with this fabric, just gorgeous! Merry Christmas!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 05:51h, 22 DecemberThank you so much, Myra! Merry Christmas to you 😉
Annemarie
Posted at 08:17h, 21 DecemberYou make it look so easy! Ilovw the fur edging! Happy Christmas from across the pond x
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 05:52h, 22 DecemberLOL – It was easy and I’m not kidding! Many thanks, AnneMarie 🙂
Toni Morse
Posted at 08:36h, 21 DecemberLOVE IT! Great fit on the sweater and what nice versatile pieces they both are for winter! (If we can call it that this year!)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 05:53h, 22 DecemberMany thanks, Toni! The petite adjustments were perfectly proportioned and the pattern is definitely a keeper 😉
Marina G. Villalobos
Posted at 08:43h, 21 DecemberYou make me wish I lived somewhere cold and had a need to make something as beautiful and elegant. Congratulations on a job beautifully done!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 05:59h, 22 DecemberHi Marina and thank you so much for the comment! I find warm weather clothes equally elegant and am not sure I would ever trade warmth for the cold in order to sew winter clothes – LOL 😉
Laura Casey
Posted at 08:44h, 21 DecemberSarah-nobody wears winter white as well as you do! Great make indeed. I’m not familiar with your sleeve construction. Tell us more.
Yes, I’m also inspired to make a sweater…..but I’ll need a color…..I’m on the hunt. But in the meantime, I wish YOU and FAMILY, and YOUR READERS the happiest of holidays. LAURA
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:01h, 22 DecemberHi Laura! Many thanks for your lovely comment 🙂 I’m sure you are familiar with this sleeve method often used when sewing knits. The sleeve is attached to the shoulder seam and then the sides are sewn together – very quick and easy.
Merry Christmas Laura!
Kate
Posted at 09:05h, 21 DecemberBeautiful!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:01h, 22 DecemberThank you, Kate!
Karen Mulkey
Posted at 09:16h, 21 DecemberThis sweater set is trendy yet classic – well done!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:02h, 22 DecemberThank you so much, Karen. Here’s hoping the trim launders well !!!!!
MaryEllen
Posted at 09:59h, 21 DecemberVery,very cute. I was so happy to see this pattern wasn’t super flouncy in the front.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:03h, 22 DecemberMe too, Mary Ellen! Flouncy sweaters do nothing for my 5’2″ frame 😉 Many thanks for your comment!
Patricia Pfeiffer
Posted at 10:01h, 21 DecemberBeautiful! Now add a buttery soft wool slacks in matching hues. Just my dream outfit! Maybe sparkly crystal jewelry or gold? Or add any bright colored scarves, lots of possibilities. Love it, and the fit is perfect.Great job.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:04h, 22 DecemberMany thanks for your comment and suggestions, Patricia!
Linda Brooks
Posted at 10:21h, 21 DecemberMerry Christmas! Thanks for sharing all you do. It inspires me. I have much to learn.!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:05h, 22 DecemberThank you so much, Linda! As with many things I find the only way to learn is to practice 🙂 Merry Christmas to you.
Barbara Carlon
Posted at 11:07h, 21 DecemberHappy Holidays! I appreciate the detailed sewing steps. It’s interesting to see how you handled the heavier fabric and how you added the fur trim. Thanks for sharing, The sweater set is exquisite!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:06h, 22 DecemberThank you so much, Barbara! The heavier weight of the fabric surprised me at first but turned out to be the perfect weight for the cardigan 🙂
Claire
Posted at 11:24h, 21 DecemberLove the winter white look, Sarah! Funny to see your post pop up because I just purchased a sweater knit fabric to make the same pattern. Hoping to make it in the coming weeks. The PR reviews seem to say that the pattern runs big, but your fit is perfect. If you don’t mind me asking, which size did you cut out? Did you go down a size from your regular?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:12h, 22 DecemberThank you, Claire! I sewed a size smaller (XS) grading to a SMALL in the hips. The View B finished measurements are fairly fitted for an outer garment and my knit had only a slight to moderate stretch. I imagine the Views with the flounce are less fitted.
Good luck with your sweater!
Beth (SunnyGalStudio)
Posted at 11:31h, 21 Decemberperfect use of the furry trim and a great look for the holidays.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:13h, 22 DecemberThank you so much Beth! ………. and your coat is unbelievable 🙂
edwina g troupe
Posted at 11:57h, 21 DecemberMerry Christmas to you, family and readers, swell as suppliers; your projects have been wonderful; thanks so much. You are so inspiring so I am on to patterns and Mood Fabrics.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:15h, 22 DecemberMany thanks for your nice comment, Edwina 🙂 Mood Fabrics has such a variety of fabrics and I’m certain you’ll find some lovely fabric to sew. Merry Christmas 🙂
Sharon
Posted at 12:52h, 21 DecemberVery nicely done. Well, beautiful in fact. I really appreciate how you include construction and photo details along with styling suggestions.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:17h, 22 DecemberThank you so much, Sharon! Remembering to take photos during construction can be a challenge, but I managed to snap a few this time 😉
Patricia Clements/patsijean
Posted at 13:02h, 21 DecemberPeggy Sagers teaches a method of flat seam insertion that I just love. The sleeve insertion of the blouse she is making starts at 41:00.. I only need 5 pins. http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/html/media/livestreamchannel/replay_03_14_2011.htm
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:17h, 22 DecemberThank you you so much for the link, Patricia!
Margene Yeaton
Posted at 13:27h, 21 DecemberLove the winter white set. Looks smashing on you, as usual. Would be a great set here in Northern Utah where it IS winter white now. Thank you for this holiday treat and more inspiration. (I just know you are already working on garment #4.)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:23h, 22 DecemberMany thanks, Margene! I’m thinking about #4, but wouldn’t say I’m working on it yet 😉
Nikki
Posted at 13:57h, 21 DecemberBeautiful job! This looks great on you!
Nikki @ afashionaddict.com
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:24h, 22 DecemberThank you so much, Nikki!
Samina
Posted at 15:27h, 21 DecemberBeautiful jacket!
For a minute I thought you had made the same cardigan that I just finished for myself in southwest-y colors, McCalls 6996. Amazing that they have the exact same design lines, but M6996 is drafted for knits.
Samina
Posted at 15:33h, 21 DecemberSilly me! You did use a knit fabric. (Had to read it twice……)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:22h, 22 DecemberThey are very similar, Samina. The only difference may be the finished diminsions 🙂
Many thanks for your comment.
Barbara Kaye
Posted at 16:38h, 21 DecemberBeautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Merry Christmas to you and your’s!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:24h, 22 DecemberThank you Barbara! Merry Christmas to you in sunny CA 🙂
Jennifer Shaw
Posted at 18:55h, 21 DecemberOoh! Ahhh! Wow what a gorgeous combination of the lovely wool knit and the furry trim! Thank you for more ideas of what to make!! I have the same pattern with some violet colored fleece for the mock up of the same style! Happy holidays to you!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:26h, 22 DecemberMany thanks, Jennifer! Good luck with your pattern and Happy Holidays to you 🙂
Ivona Nagel
Posted at 20:20h, 21 DecemberBeautifully sewn and worn! Merry Christmas!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:26h, 22 DecemberThank you, Ivona. Merry Christmas!
Julie Starr
Posted at 22:24h, 21 DecemberWhat a gorgeously fresh take on this pattern, Sarah! Brilliant use of the two textures; it really is heavenly. I imagine this is what all the fashionable angels are wearing this winter!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:27h, 22 DecemberThank you dear Julie! Not all….. but some projects come together even better than expected, huh?
Merry Christmas 🙂
Carolyn
Posted at 23:50h, 21 DecemberWhat a wonderful winter special. I love the “furry collar/facing. What is it? This makes me rethink a wonderful piece of winter wool in my stash! merry Christmas to All. Happy Holidays
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:30h, 22 DecemberHmmmmm…………… what is it your ask? I just don’t know other than some type of synthetic blend from JoAnn fabrics. Let’s hope it launders well 😉
Many thanks for your comment, Carolyn and Merry Christmas to you!
Susan Fogel
Posted at 07:29h, 22 DecemberFelices Fiestas Sarah,
What a lovely sweater set. I was looking at a winter white textured fabric at my local,shop and wished we had enough cold days to make it worthwhile to buy and sew such a lovely fabric!
Your post is entertaining and clever, and again, I love your sweater set.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:52h, 22 DecemberThank you for your lovely comment, Susan! South Carolina has just enough cold days to make a winter wardrobe a neccesity, but my love is sewing warm weather clothes 🙂
Jenny
Posted at 09:30h, 22 DecemberBeautiful! I love the furry trim and never would have thought of it.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:54h, 22 DecemberMany thanks, Jenny! The trim was not part of the original plan, but now I feel the two fabrics were made for each other 🙂 🙂
Margie Ward
Posted at 22:22h, 23 DecemberI love this pattern and it looks fabulous on you. I have made it up in different weights of wool and light jersey for a summer jacket.. Thank you for your interesting and always innovated ideas over the past years, I love reading your blog. I hope you are doing the 2016 RTW Fasters because I have started my plan for the year to come. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and look forward to reading your blog in 2016.
Goodbye Valentino
Posted at 06:34h, 30 DecemberMargie,
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! This pattern is a keeper and I hope to try it in different fabrics as well.
I will not be hosting a formal 2016 RTW fast but hopefully that won’t keep you from fasting or sewing! I’m considering a 2017 fast that I will lead and participate in.
Happy New Year!
Margo
Posted at 19:29h, 27 DecemberA winter white look is one of my favorites. You look gorgeous in this Sarah! Merry Christmas!!
Goodbye Valentino
Posted at 06:35h, 30 DecemberThank you so much, Margo! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
Dinah McCall
Posted at 21:34h, 27 DecemberThis is just beautiful and it is gorgeous on you! The fabric, the fit, the trim…..this is just perfect. I especially love it with the winter white slacks. I’m definitely inspired.
Sarah Jo
Posted at 07:48h, 28 DecemberGreat set! With this warmer than usual winter, I hope you had a chance to wear it over the holidays!
Goodbye Valentino
Posted at 06:36h, 30 DecemberWell…………………… there have been approximately 4 days of cold weather since I made the sweater set! Many thanks for the comment, Sarah Jo 🙂
Sonja
Posted at 23:00h, 28 DecemberWhat a fabulous set!! I love the fur trim!
Goodbye Valentino
Posted at 06:37h, 30 DecemberThank you, Sonja!
Virginia
Posted at 16:45h, 31 DecemberSarah, I am curious if you are going to introduce a 2016 RTW Fast?
I was a Faster in 2014 and have enjoyed following some of the 2015 Fasters on your blog. They really inspire me. I realize that conversation among the Fasters is limited to that year’s members and so I thought possibly a 2016 Fast might have been mentioned on their private site.
I look forward to seeing the garments you make during this exciting, upcoming year. I also want to thank you for this fun and inspirational blog. Unfortunately, I do not have any “local” sewing friends, but thanks to you and your blog, I have lots of inspiring “state-wide” and “world-wide” sewing friends!
Janice Engstrom
Posted at 19:55h, 01 JanuaryHi – I’m fairly new to your blog and was disappointed that you will not be having a 2016 RTW Fast. I just started sewing again but I decided I will try it on my own but excited about your possible 2017 RTW Fast. Best wishes for the new year and will keep reading your blog and look forward to seeing your new creations in 2016.
Cindy C.
Posted at 16:53h, 04 JanuaryDroolworthy! Six thumbs up!
Jennifer A
Posted at 20:47h, 18 JanuaryI’m new to sewing and just came across your blog through the Mood Sewing Network. I just had to say that I LOVE this cardigan! I might have to try and replicate it next fall so I’ll be able to wear it myself for Christmas! You have some wonderful creations and I look forward to seeing more.
MaryEllen
Posted at 09:15h, 05 FebruarySarah,Sarah – we miss you !!!!! Hope all is well
MaryEllen
Posted at 09:17h, 05 FebruarySarah,Sarah we miss you ! Hope all is well with you !!!
Keren Kabbes
Posted at 22:38h, 07 FebruarySarah, I love how your sweater looks and am trying this same pattern with a sweater knit and some faux fur. Did you cut the pattern facing piece out of the faux fur alone? When you say you serged the fur facing to front, attaching wrong sides together, then flipping facing out, and tacking down – where are you tacking down? I’m a little (or a lot!) confused.
Keren Kabbes
Posted at 09:09h, 08 FebruaryOh, the answer came to me as I awoke this morning! I was thinking of the facing as one layer of faux, instead of two. And that makes complete sense. Now I’ll go read about your new white shirt you posted today!