LMB Cardi Take 2

Gosh, thanks for all the wonderful comments. I appreciate that I still have readers, tho like I have always told myself, I write on my blog to keep track of what I do (but sweet comments are icing on the cake!). It's fun to look back and see what I've accomplished as well as see how my skills have improved.

Another way I keep track of sewing projects is in my sewing journal. It's just a spiral notebook where I write about all my sewing projects. Do any of you do this too? In my notebook I write a few lines which include:

• the date I finished the item


• pattern used


• view made


• size used


• alterations made


• type of fabric used


• amount of fabric used


• how I liked the item


• any other pertinent information I'd like to remember

My notebook really helps me keep track of things I sew and I often refer back to it. It's fun to calculate up how much yardage I sew in a year too. :-)

So a few weeks ago I was reorganizing my sewing stash one rainy Saturday afternoon and stumbled upon some black and white rib knit. I purchased it several years ago from a local indy store that was closing and had about 1/2 yard left. I immediately thought another LMB cardi would be perfect to use it up. With careful cutting I was able to get all the pieces I needed cut with some leftover to make matching double cuffs on the sleeves.

I originally made a size 40 nearly a year ago. LMB sizing is different than Burda and according to their size chart I should make a 38 in tops, but this particular one started at 40 so that is what I made. The other one was kind of big and not something I gravitate towards wearing in my closet. I think I don't like how floppy the rayon jersey is compared to the ribbing. So this time I decided I'd grade down to a 38 and use some poly/rayon/lycra ponte knit from Joann's for the base fabric. I made a 1/2" broad back alteration too to ensure I had enough room across the back. Ultimately I should have made a 40 again because the PRL doesn't stretch as much as the rayon jersey and it's a little tight in the arms when wearing it with anything that has sleeves. Hind sight is always 20/20, so now I know for next time. It doesn't really matter because I will still wear it, it just has to be with a sleeveless top under.

I also added a button this time and really like having a closure on it as well. In the picture we're going to church, but when I got home I put on some jeans and it looks so cute with it. I am always chilly so it's nice to have other pieces besides my usual Jalie hoodie. I also had enough fabric left over to make matching double ruffle sleeve cuffs. I thought this tied the cardi together better because the ribbing is a contrast compared to the base fabric. I'm very happy with how they turned out, but do wish I would have another 1/2" because they feel a little on the short side to me. I finished all the edges of ribbing with black woolly nylon thread by lettucing (is that even a word) on my serger.

Do you remember me?

I'm not sure if I can even remember how to create a post. Yes, I'm a terrible blogger. Okay, beyond terrible, I admit it. But atlas I won't beat myself up. I haven't been sewing a much as I wish, but there is always a time and place for everything.

Over the summer we camped a lot. My in-laws purchased a wonderful travel trailer that they have been so gracious to let us use as much as we want (direct quote from FIL - "I'd rather it be out being used than sitting in the driveway"). Okay, a camping we will go. We had never taken the kids camping (no throwing tomatoes at me please). Honestly, I hated all the work that was with tent camping even tho I adored it as a kid. I know, what a terrible disservice to not suck it up for the kids, but neither my hubby or I could stand the though of dew on a tent, cooking everything on a picnic table, dirt in our sleeping bags, etc. Life in the trailer on the other hand is like living in luxury. I honestly couldn't get enough and so we camped as often as we could until the end of October.

We are also now a homeschooling family. It has been something in the making for a long time. It's going extremely well for us, but it definitely cuts into my sewing time. ;-)

I have made some wonderful things, one being my first wool coat. I need to post a review about it, but I've been too busy wearing it everywhere to even think about posting a review. I did finally post a review about today about another item I finally finished up, so I thought I would share that. Not sure if I have any readers still, but here it is anyway. :-)

New Look 6628

( excuse the wrinkles on the sleeves, I've been wearing it all afternoon)

Pattern Description: Misses separates pattern that includes two styles of cardigan, sleeveless top, skirt, and pants all for knits.

Pattern Sizing: 8-18 ~ I made a size 8 my typical size for tops

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I found this pattern after reading a thread on the message board so it's been in my stash for quite some time now. I really liked the ruffles and the longer length cardigan. My only dislike (and it's not really even a dislike, it's more of an afterthought) is maybe I should have made the flounce go all the way around the neck. It's fine how it hangs, but I think I might like it better if it went all the way around and was one piece. I'm sure that would be a pretty easy fix if I do make this again and decide to go that route.

Fabric Used: grey Vera Wang wool jersey from fabric.com circa fall 2009

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a 1/2" broad back adjustment and also a small swayback tuck.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes I would. I'm very happy with how it turned out and have already wore in twice since I finished it. If it's the look you're after, then yes I recommend the pattern, tho it's been out of print for years so it might take some digging to find one.

Conclusion: I'm glad I finally finished this cardi. I started it in October, but kept forgetting to get some grey woolly thread for the lettuce edging. I finally remembered a few weeks ago and it took me under and hour to finish this UFO. My hubby said it reminded him of the puffy shirt Jerry wore in an episode of Seinfeld. I'm not sure if that is a compliment or not! ;-)

So any wagers on how long until I post again? Hopefully it won't be terribly long. I really like to sew and have enough fabric and patterns to keep me busy for a long time. I'm looking forward to being a football widow this weekend and hopefully have something to show for it by the time the game is over.