DIY V-NECK CARDIGAN

Its week one over at Project Run & Play and I'm sewing along. This week's challenge was to choose an artist, art movement, or artwork and create a children's look inspired by your choice.

My inspiration is from Chicago artist Tom Fedro of Fido Studios. I discovered his artwork while staying at the Hotel Allegro in Chicago years ago. The large scale pop art complemented the hotels modern decor perfectly and i just had to have one or something similiar for my home. There was no way I could ever own one of his pieces right? They had to be worth thousands of dollars especially since they were hanging in this fancy smancy hotel, right? Wrong!

Luckily, I never let something like money, stop me from getting what I want. While in Chicago, I called him, yes the artist answered the telephone.  I was pleased to learn his prints were available through Ebay!!! My first purchase was "A Good Friend" and it currently hangs in Mingo & Grace's nursery. We've named him Ruff Ruff. Sadly, its the closes they'll get to having a real dog because, daddy is "allergic".
This is Mingo trying not to model for me. Lately he has shown interest in posing for pictures, but takes off running as soon as I approach him with the camera.



This kid is constantly in motion. Tutorial is after the jump
 

TUTORIAL: DIY V-NECK CARDIGAN

Skill Level: Intermediate
Here's what you'll need:

The first step is to make a  pattern using the Make Your Own Cardigan Pattern. (I promise it's super easy!!!)
1 yard of fabric
1/4 yard of knit ribbing
4 - 6 buttons
Sewing machine or Serger

Using your self drafted cardigan pattern, cut the following:
2 sleeves on the fold
2 front pieces
1 back piece on the fold
About 50-60 inches of ribbing
About 14 inches of knit fusible interfacing

You should have pieces that look similar to the above photo.


Attach the front and back pieces together at the shoulder seams. Use a stabilizer to prevent the shoulder seams from stretching if you are using a knit.

Measure the distance around the entire front edge of the cardigan. (the two front edges and around the back neck) Cut the ribbing/trim to that measurement, allowing 1/4 inch seam allowance on both ends to sew an encased edge. Iron the fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric. You only need interfacing where the buttons and button holes will go. This is probably 5-8 inches from the bottom edge of the cardigan. Fold the ribbing/trim in half and sew the edges to make an encasement. Flip the ribbing inside out and press. Set aside, you'll need this later.

Pin in the sleeve and sew.

Add the ribbing/trim to the bottom of the sleeve and sew

Sew the front and back pieces together.

Add the ribbing/trim to the bottom edge of the sweater and sew

Pin the ribbing/trim around the edges and sew. Be sure to line up the sewn edges on the ribbing with the bottom edge of the cardigan.

Press the ribbing/trim so the fabric will lay flat during top stitching.

Using a double knit needle, add a top stitch (optional)
Pin the faux pockets wrong side down and sew. Flip the pockets right side up and top stitch in place.(optional)

The only thing left to do is to sew the button holes. Unfortunately, I did not take photos of this process. Sewing button holes is my least favorite thing to do. I try very hard to avoid using them in general. That's kind of difficult when sewing a cardi because the buttons are a part of the overall look, not to mention its functionality. Anywho, I'm sure you got it from here.

Don't forget to add your label

Linking to:
Make It Wear It Thursday