Gift Sewing: Cardigan / OOP Butterick 5760

It's been a few years since I made a cardigan with out-of-print (OOP) Butterick 5760.  The last time I made one was in 2018.  And then another request came for one with pockets and more ease.  I'm not quite sure what happened to my original copy of the pattern, lost in time I guess.  So I felt very grateful that I found an uncut copy of this pattern through a reseller.  

There were a few more changes to the pattern this time around.  The shoulders, armhole and neckline were cut at a size fourteen.  The sides were cut at a size twenty-two and the lower centre back was fanned out from the neckline to the hem on the centre fold to give a little more ease.  The sleeves and bodice pieces were shortened.  And front patch pockets were added.  

The fabric is a bonded knit that I found at Marshall Fabrics and one that has been seen before.  I used this fabric to make this top.  I found that this fabric worked best with OOP Butterick 5760.  It was a lovely fabric for the cardigan.  The fabric was previously pre-treated and ready for the cutting table.  There is still a couple metres left so there may be another appearance in the future.  

Sewing IS Political

This is another Canadian made and tariff free project.  Everything used to make this cardigan, except for the pattern, was found in the stash.  The fabric, as previously mentioned, came from Marshall Fabrics, a Canadian fabric outlet.  The out-of-print pattern, circa 2012, is a product of the U.S.A but did not contribute to the convicted felon's tariff econony.  I found the new copy of the pattern through a Canadian reseller.  The scissors used to cut this project were made in Taiwan and were purchased at Fabricland, another Canadian fabric outlet.  The cotton thread used in the sewing machine is Gütermann threads and were made in Greece.  The threads used in the serger were from H. A. Kidd, a Canadian company and they were made in China.  All of the threads were purchased from Fabricland.  

Project Details

Seams:  Knit (lightening bolt) stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  1.6 metres

Pattern:  OOP Butterick 5760, circa 2012

Additional Tools and Supplies:  Cutting table, measuring tape, tailor's chalk, pins, pin cushion, fabric scissors, paper scissors, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, Jean-a-ma-jig®, thread clippers, Janome AirThread 2000D serger, tweezers, iron, ironing board, measuring gauge, clapper, sleeve roll, good tunes and tea.  

Elbows up and keep sewing.  

Me Made May 2025: The First Week

 Days 1 to 7:  

The first week of Me Made May arrived and there are a few observations that I can make.  

1. I feel like I am working with a new wardrobe as there were a couple of pieces that I haven't been able to wear the last couple of years.  The red floral Eva dress (Tessuti pattern) and a plaid skirt (OOP Vogue 1378) were packed away after I gained weight.  And now these were reintroduced to the wardrobe after some weight loss earlier this year.  
2. What I chose to wear is mostly dictated by how I feel rather than what I want to wear.  Clothing choices are sometimes limited by the need to wear the scoliosis back brace.  Pullover or pull-on garments rule over zippers and buttons.  
3. If I could get away with it, I would live in pajamas.  I might want to sew one more pair.  
4. I would really like to try my hand at sewing a sports bra.  Something that I can modify to accommodate the physical changes happening to my back caused by scoliosis.  Something that doesn't hurt when I wear it.  And something that I can pull over or that has front closures.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Year in Review

Well, I guess I will start with some stats.  In 2024, I focused on two things, sewing from the stash and no more polyester.  Let's start with what I managed to make this year.  There were a total of thirty-eight projects created this year.  

Aprons (one for moi, one was gifted)

Boy's shirt (gifted)

Caftan (for moi)

Cardigan (for moi)

Dresses (four were gifted, two for moi)

Foam block Covers (three, for moi)

Garment Bag (for moi)

Pajama Sets (two for moi)

Panties (six for moi)

Reusable Grocery Bags (eight for moi)

Skirts (three for moi)

Sweatpants (two for moi)

Table runner (for moi)

Tops (nine for moi, six were gifted)

Tuque (gifted)

Winter Coat (gifted)

Winter Jacket (for moi)

During the year, I used Vogue patterns eight times, Butterick patterns four times, Simplicity patterns seven times, McCall's patterns ten times, The Assembly Line once, Tessuti patterns twice, The Littlest Studio once, Closet Core patterns four times, Sew House Seven pattern twice and SD Patterns once.  

January

Top L to R:  French terry Sweatpants (Vogue 8909), cotton pullover tops (OOP Simplicity 2372), cotton flannel pajama set (Butterick 6296 and OOP Vogue 9217).  Bottom L to R:  cotton table runner (no pattern used) merino wool pullover top (Vogue 9330), cotton reusable grocery bags (OOP McCall's 4851), merino wool tuque (The Littlest Studio, free download).

The El Niño that started in the later part of 2023 continued into the new year.  Even though there were some winter ready pieces made this month, they didn't see much use this month.  It became one sad January for those of us hoping for snow to transform the region into a winter wonderland.  

February

Top L to R:  Cotton Tessuti apron (free downloadable pattern), cotton sateen dress (OOP Simplicity 2372).  Bottom L to R:  Cotton foam block cover and the first sewing blooper of 2024 (self-drafted without coffee), raw silk dress (OOP Simplicity 2372) and cotton foam block cover (self-drafted pattern).

Our local winter festival typically fills the landscape with snow sculptures, but this year with the winter heat wave and lack of snow, plans changed.  And then irony came into play and dumped snow the day after the festival closed.  

March

Top L to R:  Feather print cotton knit pajama set; top (Closet Core Ebony), cotton knit bottoms (OOP McCall's P349), cotton knit pink and gray floral knit t-shirt (Closet Core Ebony).  Bottom L to R:  Merino knit cardigan (OOP Kwik Sew 4192), cotton knit gray and white cotton knit t-shirt (Closet Core Ebony), cotton polka dot foam block cover (no pattern used).  

March came in, as the saying goes, like a lion and out like a lamb.  With the exception of an early March low pressure system, it didn't feel like we experienced winter at all.  

April

Clockwise L to R:  Cotton colour-blocked oversized sweatshirt (OOP Simplicity 8529), lined wool winter coat (OOP Vogue 8934), cotton tile print cotton pullover dress (Butterick 6784), cotton knit pull-on skirt (OOP Butterick 5790) and cotton chambray DVF wrap dress (Vogue 2000).  

Before mid-April came around any resemblance of snow had mostly disappeared.  Only gray mountain-like piles left by snow clearing trucks remain in shopping malls parking lots.  And tulips in flower beds tried to bloom.  

May

L to R:  Cotton French terry sweatpants (Vogue 8909) and colour-blocked cotton knit pullover dress (SD Patterns).  

It was a quiet month at the work table as yard work took up most of my free time.  

June

Top L to R:  Cotton sateen top (Closet Core Ebony), cotton caftan (McCall's 8516), cotton denim gardening apron (Tessuti apron).

Bottom L to R:  cotton white shirt (vintage Simplicity 7840), cotton blue and white butterfly print top (out-of-print Butterick 5891) and white cotton sateen pull-on skirt (The Assembly Line, S:403).  

Sewing, for the most part, was about making clothes that I hoped could be worn over the back brace.  And there was one gifted project as well.  

July

There was sewing this month, lots of slow hand sewing.  And lot of yardwork.  

August

Clockwise:  cotton patchworked garment cover (no pattern used), cotton panties (OOP Simplicity 8229) and reversible wool coat (OOP Vogue 2571)

You wouldn't know by the type of sewing projects completed this month that we're experiencing heat warnings this month.  I'm longing for cooler temperatures and the end of summer.  

September

Five more pairs of cotton knit panties (OOP Simplicity 8229).  

A few cooler days, lots of yardwork, and then the return of the hot summer temperatures.  

October

Top row, L to R:  Cotton French terry t-shirt to be worn under a scoliosis back brace (OOP Kwik Sew 2899), gray merino wool oversized pullover sweater (Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater), gray merino wool elastic waist maxi skirt (OOP Butterick 5790), four cotton reusable grocery bags (OOP McCall's 4851).  
Bottom row, L to R:  black cotton knit pullover top (OOP Simplicity 2372), black merino wool oversized pullover sweater (Sew House Seven Toaster sweater), yellow cotton French terry hoodie (OOP Butterick 5790).  

A snowless October and a break from yardwork allowed for some time at the sewing machine.  

November and December

No more sewing, this journey has come to an end as my reusable grocery bag collection is full, I have a full drawer of knickers and clothes that I need to lose some weight to make sure they are wearable.  My sewing life has been quite a ride, thank you for sharing this journey with me.  I have moved on to other things, most importantly and firstly prayer, exercising and maybe I will find the time to pick up a book or two and read along the way.  

Happy Sewing and New Year!  

March in Review

Happy Easter!

Photo from the 2024 Easter Parade in NYC {Photo Credit:  Joanna Moriello, New York Daily News}

This is a scene outside St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.  No such festive sights in this part of my world but I do appreciate looking up photos from this annual event.  I hope you are all enjoying a blessed Easter season no matter where you are or how you're celebrating, Happy Easter.  

Sewing, Mending and Alterations

Top L to R clockwise:  Feather print cotton knit pajama top (Closet Core / Ebony), feather print cotton knit pajama bottoms (OOP McCall's P349), pink and gray cotton knit t-shirt (Closet Core / Ebony), polka dot cotton foam block cover (no pattern used), gray and white cotton knit t-shirt (Closet Core / Ebony), rusty brown merino wool cardigan (OOP Kwik Sew 4192).

Sewing t-shirts on a cover stitch machine was a game changer this month at the sewing table.  How did I ever sew without one?  Sewing knits started off as a challenge in the beginning.  Over the years,  Knit 'N Stable tape had been used for sewing hems on knit fabrics.  No need for using that technique anymore.  Oh, the time that I will save!  

Mending and alterations kept me busy again this month.  There was replacing a broken button and repairing a hole on this dress and re-attaching pant hooks on these.  And going through the wardrobe to see what can be edited or transformed into something else.  I tried to make Vogue 2000 in my typical size but it didn't work out for me.  I need to go up a size.  I'm happy to have the first attempt back on the sewing table to finish.  It will be gifted to someone who fits into it.  I just hope they don't mind that I still plan to make my own chambray version down the road.  But first, there's alterations to do to the pattern pieces and a toile to sew before I cut into anymore chambray fabric.  

Stash busted and Stash Additions

Stash busted this month:  

• 13.5 metres fabric (includes the fabric used for the yet-to-be finished Vogue 2000)
• 1.5 metres interfacing
• 1 -- 55 cm invisible zipper
• 1 package of seam binding
• 1 sewing label
• 1 metre elastic
• 1 metre basting tape

Additions to the stash:

• 5 spools of thread
• one second-hand cover stitch 
• 15 metres fabric
• another copy of the re-issued DVF wrap dress pattern, Vogue 2000

Stash busted this year:  

• 35.3 metres fabric
• 4.3 metres interfacing
• 6 invisible zippers
• 2 metres Knit-N-Stable tape
• 6 metres trim
• 4 sewing labels
• 4 buttons
• 3 metres elastic
• 11 spools of thread
• 4.3 metres of basting tape

This year's additions:

• 14 spools of thread
• 7 sewing patterns
• 10--20 mm buttons
• 7.8 metres trim
• 15 metres fabric
• 1 cover stitch machine

Happy Sewing!

 

Stash busting: Wool cardigan / OOP Kwik Sew 4192

Back in September, I made a simple pull-on wool knit skirt with the intention of sewing a matching pullover top to go with it.  The pullover top was a fail in fit and even though the skirt is comfortable it didn't see much wear this winter.  This is my attempt to finally complete a set.  

There was about 1.9 metres remaining of the merino wool fabric, not enough for a pullover top but just enough for another cardigan.  Out-of-print (OOP) Kwik Sew 4192 has been a successful project in the past so I figure it could work here as well.  

The fit worked out perfectly.  And I'm thrilled to finally have a matching set.  

Project details

Seams:  Knit (lightening bolt) stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  1.9 metres

Pattern:  OOP Kwik Sew 4192

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, tailor's chalk, pins, pin cushion, fabric scissors, Janome sewing machine, walking foot, threads, thread clippers, Janome serger, seam ripper and tea.  

Happy Sewing!

Winter White Cardigan: OOP Kwik Sew 4192

This cardigan is made with out-of-print (OOP) Kwik Sew 4192 and a beautiful second-hand merino knit from Winnipeg Sews' Fabric Collective.  This fabric is a rare find in this part of the world.  According to the visual representation of the fabric store aisles, I seem to live in polyester country.  So, this really is a rare find.  It's light weight and has a beautiful hand.  I am really grateful to have found this small treasure.  

The fabric was pre-shrunk with a tumble in the dryer along with several damp towels.  Going forward, this will be strictly hand-washed and laid flat to dry. 

The pattern, OOP Kwik Sew 4192, is a tried and true pattern.  There were two previous versions of this cardigan made in black and they are staples in the winter.  It is hoped that this version will go well with these winter white wool pants.  High praises for this pattern as it is a well drafted pattern and an easy project to complete.  It is sad that Kwik Sew is not longer around but if you are lucky to stumble across it through a re-seller, I would certainly recommend giving it a try.  The only changes to the pattern were finishing with a machine rolled hem and shortening the length on the sleeves.  

Project details

Seams:  Knit stitch

Seam finish:  Serged 

Fabric:  1.5 metres

Pattern:  OOP Kwik Sew 4192

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, clappers used as pattern weights, fabric scissors, tailor's chalk, pin, Janome sewing machine, walking foot, Janome serger, screwdriver, lint brush, threads, thread clippers, iron, ironing board, measuring tape and measuring gauge.  

Happy Sewing.

Me Made May 2023: From the Me-Made Collection (Part II)

 

The sunshine came out and it's starting to warm up again but it was all about managing back pain and finding easy to wear items.  

The thunderstorm held off until the evening allowing for some flower bed clean up and errands to be done.  

After a haircut appointment and afternoon bath, a second Eva dress made an appearance.  

This week is ending like it began, not feeling my best.  Back pain.  Wrist is still not as flexible as pre-cast and just fatigued.  

I was hoping to get the grass cut today but it didn't happen.  

Sometimes I forget how much pink is sitting in the closet.  

The cotton shirt was worn with jeans and rubber boots as I tried to get the grass cut before the heat settled in for the day.  I only made it half way through before I had to give up.  I'm not a fan of the heat.  And it's tick season so long sleeves and jeans are a must.  The skirt was worn with a RTW t-shirt that I altered years ago.  

It's all about wearing comfortable cottons today.  Another hot day.  

Rainy afternoon was in the forecast so the wool pieces came out of the closet.  

What did I learn this week about my me-made wardrobe?  Well, it is true that loved clothes last and that it does not end once an item leaves the sewing machine.  Many of these pieces have required some tender loving mending over the years to remain in rotation.  And all those Eva dresses are so comfortable and have passed the test of time.  It's one of my favourite warm weather picks.  But I really need to get to work on adding flannel sleepwear into the rotation.

Pulled From the Donation Pile: A Cardigan Created From an Unworn Wrap Dress

Over a year ago, I made a wrap dress with out-of-print (OOP) Vogue 8827.  And I never wore it other than trying it on and taking some pictures for the blog.  

It was a classic case of picking the wrong fabric for a project.  

As I was sewing the new hem, my fingers were gliding over the fabric surface, I couldn't help thinking that this fabric was better suited for a skirt.  It is actually what I picked up the 2.4 metres of this fabric for, a skirt.  At the time, I was thinking about sewing another OOP Vogue 9060.  Today, I'm thinking it would make a nice skirt out of OOP Butterick 5790.  It's too late to be thinking about skirts, I'm already transforming it into a cardigan to be gifted.  

The one request that came with shortening it into a cardigan was that pockets could be added.  Easy enough.  To avoid the bulk of the edges of the pocket, I sewed a rolled hem on the serger and then top-stitched the pockets in place.  The top of the pockets were interfaced with Knit 'N Stable tape and top-stitched with a one inch hem.  

I am really grateful that it has been saved from the donation pile and it became a well-received gift.  As a cardigan this bonded knit will be a warm addition to a winter wardrobe.  

Did you know that 84% of donated clothing ends up in landfills?

Stash Busting: Wool Cardigan Sweater / OOP Kwik Sew 4192

 

If this cardigan looks familiar, it is likely because you have seen one like this before.  I made one, just like it, back in May.  And I recently gave it away to someone who needed a sweater with loose fitting sleeves.  

I missed that sweater.  It was made with out-of-print (OOP) Kwik Sew 4192.  That is why I made another one.  The first version I made, I mentioned that I would go down to a size small if I made it again, but I didn't this time.  This one is, again, a size medium because the wool knit fabric that I used did shrink a bit even though it was pre-treated.  I thought I would be on the safe side because I'm also revisiting the same fabric.  

I picked this fabric at Marshall's / Northwest Fabrics years ago.  It was what some call "deadstock" fabric.  I was told it came from a dress shop that went out of business and they were selling the fabrics for $3.99 / metre but if whatever was on the bolt was purchased, it would be sold for 99￠ / metre.  

Well, I bought what was on the bolt.  It's hard to find wool knit here, despite our cold winters.  And you don't see prices like that, even back then, except in this case.  I've made a few projects (dresses, socks, tuques and sweaters) over the years with this wool, it's lovely.  And so warm for winter clothing.  

The pattern, OOP Kwik Sew 4192, is an easy and quick make.  I actually do not have the original pattern.  I traced the pattern for the short cardigan before letting go of the pattern.  I do recommend it if you and Kwik Sew 4192 happen to cross paths.  It's a project that a beginner can easily whip up.  The only alteration to the pattern was shortening the sleeve length about an inch.  The cardigan was finished with a machine rolled hem done on my Janome serger.  

Project Details

Seams:  Knit / Lightning bolt stitch

Seam finish:  Serged 

Fabric:  1.6 metres 

Pattern:  OOP Kwik Sew 4192

Additional Tools and Supplies:  Cutting table, scissors, assorted objects used as pattern weights, pins, pin cushions, Janome sewing machine, walking foot, Janome serger, screwdriver, thread clippers, iron, ironing board and coffee.  

Happy Sewing!

Cardigan Sweater: OOP Kwik Sew 4192

I have to admit that it was sad to hear that Kwik Sew patterns are discontinued.  There were some reliable patterns that have crossed over the sewing table over the years.  Out-of-print (OOP) Kwik Sew 4192 is another that will fall under this category.  

This cardigan (view A) is a well-drafted pattern that came together without any issues.  It was an easy project that I was able to whip up in an afternoon and fills my need for a cardigan sweater on this windy and rainy day.  

The only changes I made to the pattern pieces were to shorten the sleeves by an inch and even that wasn't enough so I cut the sleeve hem down another inch and a half.  I will say  I found it does run on the generous side.  The cardigan is a medium but I could go down to a small especially at the shoulder.  

The fabric is a wool knit that has been in the stash for many, many moons.  The fabric has been previously pre-treated when I made this dress.  The finish on the edges is a rolled hem done on my serger.  

Project Details

Seams:  Lightning bolt / knit stitch

Seam finish:  Interior seams are finished on the serger, edges are finished with a rolled hem.  

Fabric:  1.6 metres

Knit 'N Stable tape:  0.2 metres

Pattern:  OOP Kwik Sew 4192

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Flip chart paper, markers, ruler, measuring tape, pattern weights, cutting table, iron, ironing board, scissors, thread clippers, sewing machine, walking foot, serger, tweezers, screwdriver and tea.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!

In Sewing News Today...

Happy National Hat Day!  

Source

This part of the world, tuques rule my winter wear selection.  If tuques are not your thing, there is good news:  Hats are on trend for 2022.  There are many styles to chose from and celebrate.  And if you're looking from something more up-and-coming Alex Kessler wrote a piece on milliners to watch for Vogue Club.  

Now, that I chopped off my hair into a pixie cut, I might have some fun pulling out the hat collection.  

I received feedback on the squirrel print cardigan.  

I failed on the fitting portion of the project.  Boo!  Which is kind of weird because I've previously make two versions of this cardigan / jacket and going by the bust measurement, I was able to get a good fit but for this one it turned out to be "too big."  It made me sad when I think that I wasted that beautiful fabric on something that doesn't fit the person it was made for.  I wonder if it could be fixed?  I have to reach out and offer.    

Sewing bloopers seem to be a thing around the sewing workspace of late.  

Maybe I need to step away from the machine for a bit? 

But there are items waiting to be sewn for others.  

Fingers crossed the upcoming projects are more successful.  

Well that's all in sewing news today.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!  

Butterick 6495: Is it a Jacket or a Cardigan?

It's nippy out there and who wouldn't want a comfy cardigan made with a warm cotton sweatshirt fabric?  This is my hope, that this cardigan will be well received.  Butterick patterns refers to this piece as a jacket but I think of a jacket as having some sort of front closing, a cardigan does not, so I'm naming this garment a cardigan.  

I would highly recommend Butterick 6495 as a quick make for someone on your Christmas list.  Or for yourself if you've been extra good this year.  It's actually the third time I've sewn up this project and I would even recommend this for a beginner.  This cardigan has only four pattern pieces (front, back, sleeve and band) and comes together without any issues.  This is one well-drafted pattern.  I was even able to flat fit the sleeves on this one.  Easy peasy!  

This fabric is a Katia print that I picked up at Northwest / Marshall Fabrics.  The cotton sweatshirt fabric is be toasty warm and the woodsy print is too cute, don't you think?  The fabric was pre-treated in the wash cycle followed by a tumble in the dryer, before it hit the cutting table.  I was thrilled that the only pressing that was required was after sewing seams and pressing the hemlines.  It handled the cotton setting on the iron very well.  

Project Details

Seams:  Lightning bolt / knit stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  2.4 metres

Pattern:  Butterick 6495

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, measuring tape, measuring gauge, cord, marker, tailor's chalk, scissors, pins, pin cushions, thread clippers, Jean-a-ma-Jig®, iron, ironing board, sewing machine, regular presser foot, serger, threads (5 spools for the equipment), and sweet, precious time.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!