07 Oct Van Gogh Inspired
If I’m in a city with Van Gogh paintings, I will always make time to see them.
I guess it was no surprise that the first piece of fabric which caught my eye at Honolulu’s Kaimuki Dry Goods was a delightful knit with colors reminiscent of Van Gogh’s Olive Trees, Almond Branches and Wheatfield paintings, among others.
We’re not in Honolulu anymore Toto, and I’m nowhere near a Van Gogh, but I can carry a little of both with me in my latest.
Greetings from Edisto.
Originally, I envisioned making a Polynesian inspired maxi, but given the current state of my life and the world, I chose a casual cardigan.
I first made Style Arc’s Coral Cardigan blogged here in a stretch jacquard. Sewing the pattern in this 4-way knit is a completely different experience!
Since I want to wear the cardigan with multiple clothes, I extended the front bands the full length of the cardigan to provide more options….and after doing so, I find this a far more flattering look on me.
As mentioned in the earlier post, the bands are serged on to the sweater so it doesn’t work to fold them back, but there are several reasons I chose to make the Coral Cardigan again.
- When I find an oversized pattern that doesn’t swallow me, I go for it. Although the pattern features dropped shoulders, it is not baggy in the shoulder or arm area.
- I love the inseam pockets!
- It’s an extremely easy garment to construct!
Style Arc Patterns are recognized for their good fit, and this is no exception. However, I did go down one size for this one.
Since the first garment was sewn in a solid the construction photos show the details much better. Here.
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I often wonder what adventurous color palette Van Gogh would use if he was here to paint Edisto. Sky of blue? Sea of green? Waves of yellow and aquamarine?
While we’ll never know, I believe Einstein says it best….. Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Until soon 😊
Style Arc Website
Suzanne
Posted at 06:43h, 07 OctoberCertainly do prefer the band all the way down on this sweater. The print makes a delightful cardigan and once again, you’ve nailed it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:50h, 07 OctoberThank you, Suzanne! I wish I could go back and redo the first sweater, but it’s often trial and error 😉
Lisa G :-)
Posted at 06:58h, 07 OctoberThat fabric is to die for, and I love the cardigan, especially with the band extended all the way down! Kaimuki Dry Goods is an amazing store…I lived on Oahu for 3 years (I actually started sewing shortly after I got there), and only discovered KDG a few months before I left!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:02h, 07 OctoberThank you so much, Lisa! I’m glad I didn’t make the maxi. 😉
Jan Crews
Posted at 07:06h, 07 OctoberI’m such a fan of cardigans and have been wanting to make one. Thanks for pointing out this pattern. I do love Style Arc. And love this fabric! Thanks for sharing.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:27h, 07 OctoberThank you, Jan! I need to make more cardigans – easy and wearable 😊
SusanKelley
Posted at 07:15h, 07 OctoberGreat job! Love the fabric and also the pic of your special friend. Stay safe
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:28h, 07 OctoberOh she’s most special not to mention fun! Many thanks for the comment, Susan 😊
Cindy Vance
Posted at 07:44h, 07 OctoberLove It! I’ll have to make this one for sure.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:44h, 07 OctoberNice & easy! Thank you, Cindy 😊
Kathy VanFossen
Posted at 08:28h, 07 OctoberBeautiful. I think I need to make this 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:15h, 07 OctoberMany thanks, Kathy!
Claire
Posted at 09:32h, 07 OctoberJust received fabric to do a Blackwood in a similar weight fabric. The StyleArc looks similar to the Blackwood which I know you’ve also made. How do the 2 patterns compare? P.S. That last photo is a keeper! Some of my favorite photos from this summer are of my parents on the boat with Eve in the same position idling in the creeks. Children make everything about the beach so fun!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:35h, 07 OctoberClaire, These two patterns are completely different. The Blackwood Cardigan has very slim arms and barely meets at the chest. The overall fit is slimmer. I’ve made it several times, and if you are using a 4 way stretch knit you’ll certainly have a looser fit.
The fit of the Coral Cardigan is on the boxy side.
I loved making those Blackwood Cardigan and look forward to seeing yours!
Sue McFarland
Posted at 09:59h, 07 OctoberI love the fabric and the pattern! I went on the Kaimuki fabric website, but everything appeared to be woven cotton. I could not find any knits, other than fleece. No category for knits.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:38h, 07 OctoberThank you, Sue! I noticed online ordering has been suspended due to Covid. Hopefully soon they’ll be up and running. I don’t think this fabric is unique to Kaimuki so maybe you can find it or something similar on another site. 😉
Sue McFarland
Posted at 10:02h, 07 OctoberI love the fabric and the pattern! I went on the Kaimuki website, but everything appeared to be woven cotton. I could not find any knits, other than fleece.
Maryellensews
Posted at 10:14h, 07 OctoberLove this fabric & your choice of pattern . It’s a very timely post for me as i have been thinking of some cardigans – they are winter coats here in the SW. Your granddaughter looks like such a delight .Thanks for always being so inspiring 😍
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:39h, 07 OctoberMany thanks, Mary Ellen! Birdie is absolutely delightful and so funny😊 You can knock this pattern out in a day!
Hanh-Trang Ginocchio
Posted at 10:58h, 07 OctoberThat’s quite clever! The artist already did the color coordination for you. You only have to pick the fabric.
There are quite a few artists that can go with your Beaufort environment, all depends if you can go with the mood or enliven it.
Your choice of fabric and pattern results in a very comfortable outfit. Bravo!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:41h, 07 OctoberThank you, Hanh-Trang! Edisto is a favorite subject for lowcountry artists but there’s only one Van Gogh!
Deborah Johnson
Posted at 13:27h, 07 OctoberThis isn’t about this particular post but I must say I was so grateful for your last post on the sheath dress. I’ve been looking to make one for quite a while! I wish someone would give a list of great patterns for this and also a great sew along for the couture version.
Thanks so much!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:16h, 07 OctoberThat’s a great idea, Deborah! It was my intention to list great sheath patterns, but I only named a few. I also recommend Susan Khalje’s Couture Dress Class on Craftsy if you haven’t taken it already. You can always substitute a sheath pattern for the one in the class.
Sally Ann
Posted at 13:50h, 07 OctoberOh my goodness! Your Granddaughter is a mirror of you! Grandchildren are truly gifts from God. I so enjoy your posts. Thank you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:09h, 07 OctoberThank you so much, Sally Ann! I couldn’t resist including it in the post 😍😍😍
Joan
Posted at 14:24h, 07 OctoberVery attractive cardigan and a great fabric choice!
“I first made Style Arc’s Coral Cardigan blogged here in a stretch jacquard. Sewing the pattern in this 4-way knit is a completely different experience!”
Sarah, could you possibly expand on the above comment? I think your downsizing your pattern was one difference. Thanks!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:14h, 07 OctoberJoan ~ I should have elaborated……. I sized down each time I made this pattern. Historically, oversize patterns seem extra large so I always size down no matter which brand pattern I am sewing.
Because the second sweater has sew much stretch, it wears as a cardigan instead of a jacket. Thank you for bringing this to my attention and for the comment on my photo with Birdie 😍
Joan
Posted at 14:25h, 07 Octoberp.s. That last photo is precious!
Leigh Rollins
Posted at 17:29h, 07 OctoberBeautiful colors for a lovely sweater! I’ll take a look at that pattern now, thank you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:10h, 07 OctoberIt would look great on you, Leigh! Many thanks for your comment 😊