There’s nothing I love more on a cold morning than cuddling up in a big warm sweater with a hot cup of coffee. Ask Rob, and he’ll tell you that in the winter I wake up, put on a hideous gray sweater, and plop down on the couch to cuddle with the sleepy dog while I drink my coffee. I know it’s time to get rid of it, but it’s so warm and comfy!
I’m fairly certain this sweater is going to stick around until it’s also falling apart. I found this fabric sometime last fall at Bolt, and I knew instantly I wanted to make a button-up cardigan with it. The thing is, when you have a large bust, it’s nearly impossible to find a cardigan that doesn’t scream “HELP ME!” when you button it. They’re usually really thin, easily pill, and have too much stretch to button and still look nice.
That’s where Mcall’s M6803 comes in. I wasn’t looking for a cardigan pattern, but one day not that long ago, I had some extra time to waste at the fabric store and I decided to look through the pattern books. I hadn’t done that in ages, and when I opened the book, it was on the page for this cardigan. I initially thought I’d use it to make one for Rob. He has really long arms, and trouble finding sweaters long enough to fit them. But a little lightbulb clicked when I thought about the fabric in my stash. That blue cotton knit!
It didn’t take long at all to sew it up while listening to some Johnny Cash. The hardest part was deciding on buttons. I went to the Button Emporium downtown, and the ladies there helped me choose these lovely corozo nut buttons. Since they aren’t wood, I can still wash this cardigan without worrying about the buttons warping, and they have a beautiful marbled sheen.
It’s one of my favorite garments to wear. The weight of the sweater knit is so nice, even if the sleeves do “grow” some throughout the day from the weight of the cuffs. It just makes it that much more cuddly to me!
I debated what kind of pockets to put on it, or if I wanted any at all. I actually use the patch pockets all the time! My phone slides right in so I don’t have to lose my mind looking for it.
The shirt that I’m wearing under the cardigan is another great knit find. I made my Dad one of these cardigans for Christmas, and I got the fabric at Rose City Textiles. While I was in looking for sweater knit fabric, I felt an organic bamboo waffle weave. I just couldn’t leave it there! It was so squishy! I used my modified Renfrew pattern to stitch up a long-sleeved thermal, and it’s dreamy.
I have another green cotton knit waiting to be turned into a cardigan, and more fabric to use to sew Archers. I’m loving the cozy warmth of my studio and spending these rainy days sewing. Do you sew more in the winter, or in another season?
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