McCall's: 4923 (Basic Knit Cardigan)  - Type:Tops  | | Viewed 201 times
| 5 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 1 people | | Reviewed by: | Em's Summer | 
| About Em's Summer | | USA | | Member since: 2/16/06 | | Reviews written: 161 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 46 people | | patterns reviewed: 160 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/4/09 1:15 AM | | Pattern Size: | Regular Petite | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | McCall's Pattern Info More Info provided by Em's Summer | | Tip: 'Shop Your Stash' poster ! | | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: OOP pattern from 2005 for a classic twinset. The v-neck cardigan has front and sleeve variations and comes with options for different lengths. I made the buttonless long sleeved cardigan in the longer length.
This cardi is part of a twinset, but this review is for the cardi only. For the cami, I used long OOP McCalls 3565, one of my TNTs.
Pattern Sizing:XS - XL (4-22). I used the XS - M.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? The cardi that I made is much more fitted. It's not boxy like the cardi on the model in the pic on the envelope. My cardi looks like the line drawing.
Were the instructions easy to follow? What I looked at was fine.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
1) I love twinsets and have a gazillion of them with unique design elements. But I needed a basic set and wanted a buttonless cardigan, so I chose this pattern from my stash. I really like that this comes with separate pattern pieces for the button and buttonless fronts. One less pattern adjustment when I want a buttonless cardi and I love it!
2) I REALLY didn't like that this seemed to be drafted for a figure type with VERY sloping shoulders.
Fabric Used: Light lavender sweater knit with good stretch and recovery.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1) I made my usual petite adjustments.
2) I also made a square shoulder adjustment. I don't usually have to make this alteration, but just looking at the shoulder slope of the front pattern piece, I knew that it was drafted for sloping shoulders and would not fit me properly without an adjustment. If you sew this pattern, check the shoulder slope before you cut your fabric.
3) The shoulders were a little wider than I expected them to be, so I made them narrower. And the sleeves were much wider than I expected so I took them in.
4) I planned to make this plain, but at the last minute, I decided to add some mini orchid colored dragonflies to the front neckline. I used the dragonflies on a top I made a couple of years ago. When that top wore out, the dragonflies were still in excellent condition, so I removed them before tossing out the top. It goes perfectly with this cardi!
5) I made the buttonless version, but rather than just letting it hang loose, I added a silver tone metal hook closure, also from my stash.
6) I made a narrow self tie belt, but I will also be using this with a leather belt.
7) I stabilized the shoulder seam with twill tape.
8) For the cami, I used my cami TNT, OOP McCalls 3565.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Whenever I need a basic cardi, I will definitely be making it with this pattern--it's now my TNT and I'll definitely sew this again. It's OOP but I'd definitely recommend it to those who already have it in their stash.
Conclusion: A basic twinset like this one is a great wardrobe staple for any time of the year. And the great thing about it is that it's quick and easy to sew! If you want to make one, but don't have this pattern in your stash and don't want to chase after it, check out the current catalogs. You'll probably find something similar in most catalogs. Here are a couple--McCalls 5978. and New Look 6735.
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<< Previous Review Next Review >> | Reader Comments | | marec | 11/4/09 | Nice cardigan and cami, Em. The color is so pretty, especially with the dragonflies. | | * * * | | stretch queen | 11/4/09 | Very helpful details on shoulders and arms. Thanks! | | * * * | | MamaSewing | 11/4/09 | What a great color! I love the reused trim as well. | | * * * | | MaryDB | 11/5/09 | Such a pretty top, love the dragonfly trim. Another hit! | | * * * | | mssewcrazy | 11/7/09 | This is so pretty. Since I own this unused pattern, I now would love to get it to tnt status for myself. | | * * * |
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