A Little Knit Whimsy: Marcy Tilton Cardigan, Vogue 8975.
Then one day, while rummaging through my patterns I noticed this:
I thought this little Marcy Tilton cardigan might just work with the fabric. The pattern suggests using a mesh knit, and of course my knit is more of a medium weight. Still, I thought it was worth playing around with.
It was a bit of a jigsaw puzzle to put together, with strange side panels:
The ribbon tie goes through buttonholes, also a challenge with my knit. I should think it would be just as much of a challenge, if not more so, with a mesh.:
And I had to alter the facing/collar as my fabric was too thick to do what the pattern suggested. The collar was supposed to be the mesh folded back on itself to make a little pleat. So I just made a soft roll to get the facing in the right place, and used the seam and roll as my finish. Perhaps not the best solution, but it sort of works:

(You can clearly see the red hued navy in the above picture).
Now, I have to admit that this little Whimsy is not quite my style. But it works during a month with non stop rain. Our March was the wettest start to Autumn since 1972. It poured and poured and poured. I got quite fed up. And on the day I took these photos, I had enjoyed a thorough sub tropical drencing. Hence my rather relaxed garb. I had just changed out of my wet clothes, and pulled on some comfy and comforting house things. The Whimsy seems to suit the relaxed slightly holiday boho feel, to the point that the colour also didn't really matter:

And the tartan ribbon was about the only ribbon that worked with this. The navy was too navy, the purple was too purple, the black was too black. Then I noticed this tartan, which has blues, greens, reds and black in it, which means I can easily wear the Whimsy with my blue and black bottoms. And, I think it adds another touch of whimsy to the Whimsy.
On another note, the knit was reasonably easy to sew with an ordinary zipper foot, but did walk a bit. It didn't seem to matter, I just pushed and manipulated the fabric so things sort of worked. This was really an experimental and play sew. But, I decide that when I am not experimenting and playing with a knit, but wanting perhaps to sew without the knit walking it was time to buy a walking foot:
So, now I can get serious about sewing with knits. The time has come...
That's it for now, I hope I haven't posted too many photos, but I know a lot of you love Marcy Tilton garments.
I've never made a Marcy Tilton pattern. Some of them appeal but are really not my style when I try a similar item. Good for you for trying different silhouettes.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many materials we have in our stashes that are just like the one you have, that are odd but still nice in it's own strange way. You have a nice wrap for those blistery days.
ReplyDeleteI am sure we all have some of those sorts of fabrics - I've just remembered another, a piece I had given up on, and it is going to be perfect for something! Yes, it's this top certainly has a place as a throw on piece.
DeleteYou fun little whimsy may well become quite a favourite Sarah Liz. You can pop in on anytime there is a chill in the air. The tartan ribbon was a brilliant touch, just right to pull the colours together.
ReplyDeleteThank you Patricia - and as it is loose, it is also good for humidity. Yes, the tartan was an inspired choice, one of those "ah ha" moments.
DeleteHave not heard of Marcy Tilton patterns. I'll have to check into them - I really like this cute casual topper. Great job -
ReplyDeleteThankyou. Marcy Tilton patterns are usually in the Vogue patterns catalogue. She also has a website you might like to check.
DeleteSO happy you found the Marcy Tilton pattern. Just perfect for this fabric.. Turned into a cute little cardigan. Happy sewing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Judy, yes,it is cute, and I think perfect for other filmy and flimsy knits. I want to make it again one day, now I have worked it out.
DeleteThat is SO fun and cute!!! Love the ribbon!
ReplyDeleteThank you - it took me a while to warm to it, but now I like it. Adn the ribbon is what makes it, IMO.
DeleteVery cute, Sarah! This cardigan is good for spring. I am interested in that pattern, thank you for the great review.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I was worried it was too cute at first, but now I like it. Adn it will go over all sorts of things.
DeleteGreat review! I love the pattern. You did an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteId overlooked the cardi on this pattern as the dress is the real show stopper. But I am re -evaluating my opinions.
ReplyDeleteThat is one thing you find on most MarcyTilton patterns is odd angles. Your little Whimsy looks like the perfect layering garment.
ReplyDelete