I was excited to sew up my first project from Colette’s monthly Seamworks, online magazine. This pattern, the Oslo, was the reason I actually signed up in the first place. We don’t have a printer at home at the moment, so my husband was instructed to print out a few of their patterns at work. Unfortunately he didn’t check the test square (or the ink cartridge…), but I knew better than to ask him to print them out again 😉 ie he’d never print me off any ever again! It was only out (too small) by 1/2 “, so I figured that if I went for the S rather than the XS, I wouldn’t be too far out. Knits are pretty forgiving in terms of sizing too.
I used some more of the grey, striped fabric that I used for my last Mabel skirt, see here. It was pretty reasonably priced, so good for a first run-through. I also thought it might be nice to wear them together as a very casual suit (sounds rubbish in print, but in my head it looks pretty good. I’ve not had chance to try it yet, we’ll see…).
I overlocked the whole of the main body (still not tired of it yet). Switching to my regular machine for hemming the sleeves and bottom edge. I decided to omit the cuffs, and used 3/4 length sleeves instead, which was perfect. The most time consuming part of the whole process was easing the sleeves in, but worth it as I overlocked them in, so I needed to get them right first time.
As promised, this was a quick and easy project, which was a good job, as half of the instructions were faded out. It was pretty simple to just follow the images instead though. The finished cardigan was a little plain for my tastes, in this particular fabric, so I opted to use some trimmings to ‘pretty’ it up. What I really wanted to use was a really thick band of black lace, which would have more or less filled up the whole collar area. But I didn’t have quite enough, so nipped to my local HobbyCraft, where I picked up this lace number, with a velvet ribbon threaded through it, complete with black, bead detail. A bargain for a £1 a strip (I used up two).
I was was really pleased with the end result 🙂 Worn here with my overlocked scarf (which has had loads of use, because it’s so darn cold here at the moment). The magazine also featured an article on sewing with more ‘knitted’ fabrics, so I’m looking forward to having another go at this soon, but being a bit braver with my fabric choice. Has anyone else tried a Seamworks project yet?
Still haven’t managed to get rid of my ‘selfie arm’ yet…
navybluethreads 
This is so nice! And I was hoping you made the scarf, I love that too! You are getting whizzy on your overlocker aren’t you! Perfect for this weather 🙂
Thanks Beth! It really is a great, little machine. Ideal for casual, everyday projects like this cardigan 🙂 And, yep, layers all the way at the moment…
The black trim takes it from casual to smart and I can also picture it working well with the skirt. At least the selfie stick means you don’t have to ask anyone to take photos of you any more:)
Absolutely! My husband’s plan worked 🙂 I was pleased with what bargain the trim was too, so glad it worked out. Feels a lot more solid, than some of my earlier attempts at adding trims.
It looks great! I think that making the sleeves 3/4 length was a good choice and the trim is gorgeous. Both give the garment a completely new look and breaks up the colour. I haven’t tried a Seamworks pattern yet but I am intrigued by the concept. PS: I would never have noticed the selfie stick until you mentioned it! 😉
Oh, funny! It’s the first thing my eye was drawn to 🙂 I’m really pleased with my subscription so far and I’ve always loved their pattern. This month’s issue has even got me considering underwear, seriously not something I would have considered without my subscription…
I’ll have to look into this. Underwear? There’ll be no stopping you! 😉
Well, I did say ‘considering’… We’ll see 🙂
Oh I love this. And so versatile too!
It’s great to be finally able to tackle more casual wear 🙂
It turned out really nice! I like the trim you added.
Thanks Teri! I need to be braver with my fabric choice next time though 🙂
Really suits you! Can’t believe I forgot to check out Colettes new mag! Doh! I am now a subscriber, thanks for the reminder. I missed out on the Oslo, but will have to make knickers instead! 😀
I know! Never even considered underwear before, but seriously tempted by the ‘sleep bra’ too 🙂
I bet it could even be adapted for a bikini top now summers nearly upon us!! Haha, I wish! But seriously, I think it might……..watch this space!
My to-do list is getting out of hand, i need a plan! 😄
Now that I would love to see 🙂 My list’s getting pretty long too, so many new projects to try…
I spotted the selfie stick! Very amusing 😉 lovely cardigan
Thank you! Going to have to work on my angles to get rid of the ‘stick’, still better than moaning husbands 😉
Oh this looks gorgeous! I can see it looking good as a casual suit too!
Thank you! I must try them out together…
Your’s is unique.. With the trimmings on it. Good idea! That’s why I love reading other’s blogs! About the selfie arm.. How about if you rest your arm on a railing, then your arm is supposed to be sticking out anyway and we wouldn’t notice that your arm is sticking out! If that makes sense? LOL
🙂 Oh, I like it! 1980s catalogue-style pose! Watch this space 😉
Love the trim it does make it very classy! Well done for mastering the overlocker! I haven’t tried Seamworks but I’m not a big fun of Colette patterns plus so far I haven’t seen any unique patterns in the mag! As for the selfie stick, initially I thought you were holding a remote and then you mentioned it and it was all I could see haha!
Thank you! The subscription is a bit of a gamble, I’m hoping there aren’t too many bags (three and counting so far…), but I’m pleased so far. It’s also making me consider items, I wouldn’t have generally been drawn to, so maybe it will make me more adventurous, maybe…
Love it, looks great on you! The trim is inspired, really smartens it up! I’m loving sewing with knits at the moment – it’s so much quicker!!
Me too, and you end up with a much more practical wardrobe 🙂
I can see that it would look really good as a ‘suit’ but you’re right – does sound a bit formal. Paired garments? I had a look at the latest issue – I think bras are scary!
Kind of got me excited too though… Never say never 😉
Great looking cardigan and with your skirt and a bright colour top, I think it could look quite good for work.
Thank you! I’m really loving my Mabels, so this cardigan should work perfectly with them 🙂
That looks super cozy! 🙂
Thank you! I’m looking forward to making an even cosier one soon 🙂 It was a really simple make.
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