Seamwork Elmira cropped wrap cardigan, v.2
2025-Jun-25, Wednesday 01:00 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
chebeSeamwork's Elmira is a close fitting, cropped cardigan, in a ballet wrap style. I have previously made the front-tie variation, but didn't like the (lack of) front coverage. On top of having made v.1 in only a size L, and with a knit fabric with insufficient stretch, it wasn't comfortable to wear.
Coming back to the base pattern, I wasn't vibing with the bulk of the wraps, nor the excessive amount of fabric that goes into them. Then I noticed that the inner layer is kept closed with two buttons and button loops, and resolved to have both sides close in the same way, eliminating all ties. And this time in a size 2X.
I'm using my usual Bamboo Jersey Fabric in black, 95% Bamboo, 5% Spandex (60% crosswise and 40% lengthwise), 220 g/m2, for the fabric. But from scraps of multiple lengths. I had to piece sections together to make it go far enough, keeping those seams up around the shoulders where they should be less noticeable.
The pattern has the two front pieces doubled / self-lined, so there is no visible stitching. The back piece however is only one piece. The neckline and waist are simply turned under and top-stitched. The sleeves are finished with cuffs, also leaving no visible stitching.
I used lightning (narrow zig-zag) stitch everywhere, with black thread. For the closures I'm using 3 half-inch buttons, each side, for a total of six. This was my first time, iirc, using thread loops. (I learned how to make them from Bernadette Banner's book 'Make Sew & Mend'.) It took a few tries to get the size correct, but they're functional, which is all I need. I used the only heavyweight top-stitching thread I had to hand, a dark grey.
I over-corrected from v.1. The 2X is too big, and in such a stretchy and drapey fabric it's kind of ridiculous. But also kinda a fabulous level of slouchy? It's very comfortable, I don't even need to undo the loops, just pull it on and off over my head. The four layers of fabric in the front makes it front-heavy. I do need to wear it a bit more, but I hope it's giving easy elegance.
Coming back to the base pattern, I wasn't vibing with the bulk of the wraps, nor the excessive amount of fabric that goes into them. Then I noticed that the inner layer is kept closed with two buttons and button loops, and resolved to have both sides close in the same way, eliminating all ties. And this time in a size 2X.
I'm using my usual Bamboo Jersey Fabric in black, 95% Bamboo, 5% Spandex (60% crosswise and 40% lengthwise), 220 g/m2, for the fabric. But from scraps of multiple lengths. I had to piece sections together to make it go far enough, keeping those seams up around the shoulders where they should be less noticeable.
The pattern has the two front pieces doubled / self-lined, so there is no visible stitching. The back piece however is only one piece. The neckline and waist are simply turned under and top-stitched. The sleeves are finished with cuffs, also leaving no visible stitching.
I used lightning (narrow zig-zag) stitch everywhere, with black thread. For the closures I'm using 3 half-inch buttons, each side, for a total of six. This was my first time, iirc, using thread loops. (I learned how to make them from Bernadette Banner's book 'Make Sew & Mend'.) It took a few tries to get the size correct, but they're functional, which is all I need. I used the only heavyweight top-stitching thread I had to hand, a dark grey.
I over-corrected from v.1. The 2X is too big, and in such a stretchy and drapey fabric it's kind of ridiculous. But also kinda a fabulous level of slouchy? It's very comfortable, I don't even need to undo the loops, just pull it on and off over my head. The four layers of fabric in the front makes it front-heavy. I do need to wear it a bit more, but I hope it's giving easy elegance.
Finished, back
Photo by chebe
Finished, front
Photo by chebe
