29 July 2008

McCall's 5632 & Butterick 5187

Pattern: McCall's 5632 (view C) & Butterick 5187 (view A)






























Size: I used the size 8 for both patterns.

Fabric:
For the capris: stretch denim from Fabric Mart.
For the cardigan: papaya linen from Timmel Fabrics (sadly defunct now).

Project Photos
& Comments:
Capris ~ I wanted a pair of denim capris as the pair I have now are becoming increasingly thread bare. M5632 appealed to me the first time I saw it, although I don't normally like pants with pleats. This pattern is well drafted and went together smoothly from start to finish. Unfortunately, I am not in love with the pleats, the cuffs or the extremely wide bottom leg circumference on these capris - they all add up to making me look a tad stumpy. If I attempt these capris again, I will be narrowing the leg, forgoing the cuffs and making them in a fabric with more drape and flow - I think that will remedy the "stumpiness" issues.


Cardigan ~ This is just the cutest cardi! I love all the views and hope to make each of them. I decided to start with view A because it spoke the loudest to me. I had some leftover papaya linen from a sundress project a couple of years ago and the weight of it was perfect for this project. I was so pleased when all the pattern pieces just barely squeezed onto my fabric remnant. However, when I cut out the pattern pieces, I must have been daydreaming because I forgot to cut doubles of a few key pieces - namely the inside front and back yokes. I had to use some ecru linen (the only linen I had at the time that was in a compatible colour) to cut these missing pieces. The inside back yoke wasn't a major concern because it isn't visible when the cardigan is being worn. The inside front yoke was a different story, as it also backs the ties at the neck, which are clearly visible when worn.

What to do? What to do? How do I make this screw up look intentional? Well, after putting together the jacket, I top stitched (with a decorative asterisk stitch pre-programmed into my sewing machine) various sections of the papaya regions of the cardigan in a thread that matched the ecru linen. Also, the ecru ties were likewise top stitched with papaya thread. As you can see in the photo to the left, my bonehead mistake now looks like a "design feature" or at least that's what I have been telling myself (so, don't burst my bubble). In the end, I really like this cardigan - it gives off a vintage (1940s?), nautical feel to me.

Conclusion: I am still on the fence as to whether I'll make the capris again, but I will certainly be making all the views of the cardigan. The cardi is a perfect summer cover up for a cool evening or for the daytime when my shoulders are getting roasted in the sun.

19 comments:

Meg said...

I love your "mistake" on this cardigan! Very RTW-looking. I need to go look at this pattern again....

Alexandra said...

Some mistake! Could have fooled me! I love it - the colors, the shape, the decorative topstitching.

Carol said...

I love your cardigan! Very pretty colours and they'll look great on you. The capris, however, I'm not sure about but that is just my prejudice. Personally, I would never wear pants that are not full length. I don't think they are flattering on anyone who isn't a 7 foot tall willowy model, but that's just my opinion. The style is cute and I love the fabric plus your workmanship is perfect as always, I just wouldn't wear them. I'm 5'6" and to paranoid about being short.

AllisonC said...

Great summer separates, love them both. Your design feature on the jacket turned out brillinatly, good save!

Vicki said...

Happy accident!

Anonymous said...

I love the papaya jacket. Just love it completely, so please let us have a photo of you wearing it sometime.

2BSewing: said...

I love your cardi! Very creative work at the last minute. Great save. Is there a lot of ease in this jacket pattern? I'm curious as to whether I should go with my usual Butterick size or go down a size?

laura said...

I really love the jacket. The top stitching changes my mind about this pattern. It does seem to go well with the coral dirndl skirt. I'm sure this was part of your master plan. :)

Have you thought of cutting the capri length off and turning them into bermuda shorts? It is hard to find a good capri length and a good width. Without those two factors coming together, I feel dumpy in capris.

Laura

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I have this cardigan pattern and keep pulling it out to use but it doesn't go with the outfits...maybe I should just make one and then pair something with it! :)

I am loving your "Designs by Shannon" version...wouldn't have known it wasn't on purpose if you hadn't have shared!

Oh and thanks for posting FINALLY...I was about to put out an APB on you! *LOL*

Anonymous said...

Here's to happy accidents! I love your cardi. Brilliant solution. I have been eyeing all those wacky stiches on my machine. I chose a machine that had way more than I needed because I liked the button holes it offered, but I have never used a single decorative stitch. I can't wait to learn from your "mistake".

Maggie said...

I had to laugh at the comment by Carol, 5'6" and worrying about being short!!! Try 5'2" !!! Actually I think some short people can wear capris better than some taller people. It depends on the person's overall body size and the cut of the pant. I have some friends that are tall and the capri length looks too short on them, like "high waters" and yet on a few short friends, a tapered fitted capri looks good with some kitten heels.
Marguerite

Summerset said...

I'm agreeing with Maggie - I'm 5'2" as well and avoid capris like the plague because I'm *already* short and don't need to look any shorter. That said, my husband bought me a pair on vacation because he likes them - how much do you think they'll be worn?

The cardigan is fabulous - your quick thinking and cleverness has turn a mistake into a smart, classy, high-end garment.

angie.a said...

Shannon, I completely thought it was intentional until I read the post! I LOVE both pieces. I really need to check out these patterns (and Simplicity) when I go to town this weekend. I've been on a pattern diet that seriously needs broken!

Meghan Chapman said...

I love it! Mistakes that become design features are what makes sewing an adventure! Looks great!

Tany said...

I love both these garments (wide cuffed trousers are my style) and the two color feature on your cardigan came out really awesome! Great fix!

Anonymous said...

I'm in love with that cardi, and the gorgeous fabric you used to make it. So sweet!

Little Hunting Creek said...

I love the cardigan - and I thought you did the colors that way on purpose until you said something - it looks great. Have fun in London!

Anonymous said...

what a cute outfit! I didn't know that the color pairing was not intentional. Design feature indea!

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