The Blackwood cardigan is a pattern from Helen’s Closet. I bought a while ago a coupon for another project but sadly the coupon wasn’t enough to make it. Then came the Breaking Ground Blog Tour around. I decided to try if it was possibly to use the knitted bouclé fabric for this pattern. It was doable with some small alterations.
Something about the Breaking Ground Blog Tour and Helen’s Closet
The Breaking Ground Blog Tour is all about sewing a pattern from a new to you pattern designer/company, preferably a lesser known pattern company to promote the Indie pattern designers. This Blog Tour is hosted by mahlicadesigns.
Helen’s Closet is a Canadian based Indie designer. She designed six patterns (the seventh pattern is to turn a pinafore into an apron) and when you mix and match them all you can make a complete wardrobe out of them. The level of all these makes are marked from beginner to advanced beginner.
Pattern
The Blackwood Cardigan has a fitted shape and is perfect for layering. It has minimal excess fabric in the front so the cardigan can be worn open. It has a close fit around the neck and shoulders so perfect to wear with good fitted T-shirts. It comes in two lengths: at the hips and mid-thigh. The mid-thigh length has patch pockets at hand level.
My version
I made size S, made the sleeves shorter, skipped the cuffs and bands. The bouclé fabric was easy to sew with some extra intention like basting and pinning both fabric pieces together to keep them in place.
My cardigan has flat seams that are finished with a locker first. The sleeves are set in after closing the side and sleeves seams. Two evenings later and some last finishing the cardigan was ready to wear.
Time and Costs
Tijd: pattern printing and assembling 30 minutes; laying pattern pieces on fabric and cutting 60 minutes; rijgen, stitching and finishing 6 hours
Costs: pattern was a gift after winning a TMS Indie pattern month challenge (Helen’s Closet Blackwood cardigan $14.00 € 12,25); printing and assembling € 2,50; fabric € 10,00; yarn € 2,50
My experience with Helen’s Closet Blackwood Cardigan
I ended with having a nice and perfect fitted cardigan. The pattern will certainly be used again in the future. It looks a bij like my Chanel styled jackets that also have no closure. Ik found two leftover pieces of jersey that match perfect with the bouclé fabric. One is already on the table to cut. You like to see what the colour is? Next week the result will be on my blog.
Other Breaking Ground Sewers
This week over 25 bloggers from around the world are sharing their makes from a pattern designer that is new to them, try new techniques, new styles, or whatever way they want to push themselves.
Monday March 11 That’s Sew Lily, Mijn 11jes & ik
Tuesday March 12 mahlicadesigns, Embrace Everyday, Jot Designs, auschick sews,Raising Stripling Warriors
Wednesday March 13 Musings of A Seamstress, Very Blissful, Sew4Five, Just Sew Something, Hazelnut Handmade, Crafting Through Time, Tales From A Southern Mom
Thursday March 14 Make It Sew with the Bear and Pea Atelier, Ronda B Handmade, SequioaLynn Sews, Sewing with D, The Sewing Goatherd, OOYAmade, My Golden Thimble, Custom Made by Laura
Friday March 15 Sew Cute Couture by Kathy, Sewing Novice, Ronda B Handmade, Momma Bear Sews, MeMade, My Golden Thimble, Lulu & Celeste
Give away and a challenge for you
Breaking News: our tour sponsor Phat Quarters is offering 2 patterns of choice from her pattern shop to one lucky winner.
Enter Here for the give away!
We’d love to see how you’re Breaking Ground this month. Share with us what you’re working on by using the hashtag #BreakingGround2019 across social media.
Cute! Simple, yet gorgeous!
Thank you so much.
Great job! It looks like a really versatile piece!
Thank you so much. My cardigan really is a chameleon. I’m so pleased with it.
Beautiful and classic!
Thank you so much.
I don’t think I have seen the Blackwood in the short length and it is really stylish and a classic wardrobe piece!
Thank you for your kind comment. I’ve two long cardigans in my wardrobe and I don’t find them very wearable when I’me working. This short version and bouclé fabric makes it more suitable to wear it at work but also for presentations.
Such a lovely elegant make. I have only made the long one, but now I want a short one!
Thank you so much Sue. I’m so happy with my short version. Looking forward to see your make.
Cute cardigan! You are right, it does look similar to a Chanel jacket. I love the boucle fabric!
Thank you. It really is a great cardigan and this fabric was one of those lucky founds.