Thursday, March 17, 2016

Review: Simplicity 8059 | The Long Cardigan for Spring 2016!

I am fully embracing spring.  I hope these amazing temps are here to stay and that Mother Nature isn't playing a joke on us because this weather has been glorious!
For this season, layering is a must.  It's chilly in the morning, warm during the day and chilly again when the sun goes down.  So this long, lightweight cardigan Simplicity 8059, fits the bill. 
I cut the size medium and I didn't have to do anything else.  It's really long, so petites should take notice.  My sweater knit is from Hancock Fabrics.
It's an open-knit, but it's not challenging to work with if handled with care.
I used a Ballpoint needle because a regular needle will catch the yarns while trying to penetrate.  You can use a zigzag stitch, but I found that a straight stitch worked fine with my knit.  And I reduced the pressure foot tension.  If your machine doesn't have that feature, I suggest using a walking foot to avoid stretching the fabric while sewing.
I took special care to match the stripes.  When I set sleeves in knits like this, I find it much easier to do it flat.  I finished my seams with my serger.  And for pressing, I barely touched those seams with the tip of the iron.  The goal is to just press the seams down enough so that they'll be flat.  You don't want to distort your fabric.  And I just hit it with steam while on the dress form to remove any other wrinkles.
I left off the gathering in the back by cutting the back pattern piece a little narrower than it is.  And I also omitted the ties.  I would never tie a garment like this.  I like the carefree look of "just throwing it on".
Styling tip:  Worn with my New Look 6343 top; And my Vogue 1323 pants.  I added a simple lariat necklace, fringe bag, leather cuff and strappy sandals for a carefree look.

24 comments:

  1. I have one of these on my spring sewing list to sew so I'm inspired to see yours! Though I'm jealous of your weather - it was warm here and now the temps are dropping again and they are predicting snow on Sunday. Spring ain't here yet in the tri-state area!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That has to suck. Thanks Carolyn!

      Delete
  2. I love how perfectly you matched the stripes. Gorgeous cardigan! Like Carolyn, I too am jealous of your balmy weather. I am surely not looking forward to the snow on Sunday...ugh!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been known to change drastically. Thanks Tomasa!

      Delete
  3. Love this! I probably would have passed this pattern by, but after seeing your make I'm definitely going to pick up this pattern next time I'm at the store. So effortless and chic@

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes your cardigan is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You look stunning as always! I love the cardigan.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great outfit, I also think it would look great with a nice pair of flat sandals, more my style so I could stroll down those cobbled streets . That place is really pretty , I love the pictures! Where is it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's downtown Birmingham. Maneuvering on cobblestone streets in heels is a great leg workout! Thanks Ines!

      Delete
  7. Love this long sweater knit topper! Great job as always. This is on my sewing list also!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love this look. Great job on matching the stripes. Where did you purchase your dress form?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great look! I love your choice of neutral stripes....so versatile.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love this!! looks fabulous - I have a great sweater knit from Mood that I purchased on a shopping trip and has been in my stash awaiting the perfect project!!! FOUND IT! Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is a gorgeous sweater coat Erica! I agree with you that it's perfect for the weather we're experiencing lately! I purchased this same fabric (in gray and cream) from Hancock a few weeks ago and it's still sitting in my stash waiting for the perfect project! Great review and addition to your wardrobe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Myra! I saw the gray and cream too. I'm waiting for the deep, deep going-out-of-business markdowns. I have my eyes on a lot!

      Delete