Made By A Fabricista: College Inspired Cardigan

Happy Monday All! It has been a while since I wrote a blogpost and it feels great to be back!

Today I am excited to share my daughter who hasn’t graced the blog for quite sometime. Now that my children are older, I have to always get their permission to take photos and share. It took a lot of convincing to get my daughter to rock this FAMU (Florida A & M University) inspired cardigan.

I originally planned to make the Blackwood cardigan using the orange and green ponte knit for myself to represent my alma mater FAMU but then realized I cut the wrong size.

I was a bit disappointed at first that I cut a medium instead of a large but knew my daughter would rock it. Additionally, even if I wanted to squeeze in the cardigan, it just could not even pass my elbow when I tried it on.

It was definitely a learning experience because I now know that you cannot add a non stretch ribbon around a fitted knit garment sleeve. It must be added to a loose sleeve as the ribbon stops the fabric from stretching.

On a positive note, here are a few tips when when adding ribbon around a garment sleeve.

1. Use a quilting rule or draw a straight line.

2. To avoid the ribbon from shifting, use a 2 sided wash away tape to hold it securely in place while using the quilting ruler as the guide to keep it straight. No pins necessary!!

3. Separate each row at 1/2 inch and keep it consistent. Next time around, I may separate it at 3/8 inch and place it at least 3-4 inches above the elbow.

4. Sew the ribbon at the edge and go slow for a clean finish. An edge foot would be ideal but not necessary.

I definitely plan to try it again possibly on an oversize sweater sleeve. This was my first time trying this technique and making the shorter version of the Blackwood cardigan. This weekend, I plan to cut a color block version using some of the newer color ponte knit I purchased at Fabric Mart.

For my top, I was somewhat disappointed and wish I had used a different fabric type such as a fleece or thicker knit to make the hoodie portion a bit stable. I am not convinced that I would make this pattern (Simplicity 9636) again with ponte knit even though it is a quick and easy sew.

Overall I truly enjoyed making both looks and was able to take capture a few photos with my daughter, moments that I will cherish. Thank you so much for reading and following my sewing journey. Don’t forget to stop by my Instagram page (heymaricamitchell) to see what I am currently working on. Have the most amazing Thanksgiving and Holiday break when it comes! See you in 2023!!!!

One Love,