Today is the first day of Self-stitched September, and what better way to start it off than with a brand new garment?
Pattern: Simplicity 2603, the infamous DKNY cozy knock-off
Fabric: Bamboo/lycra jersey from Fashion Fabrics club, about 2 yards for the XS size.
Notes: I have wanted to make this cardigan since I first saw the DKNY ads – it’s a great concept, very versatile, and flattering to all sizes and shapes. But I’ve been suffering from a bit of knit fear, after I made the mistake of using an incredibly slippery ITY knit for my first knit project (which turned out great, but was such a pain!) I’ve been working up my courage with double knits and pontes, and finally felt I was ready to tackle this pattern.
This fabric is a whole different animal – the bamboo jersey is thin, drapey, and ever so slightly sheer. It cut easily with a rotary cutter, unlike some poly jerseys which seem to repel it! I cut the whole thing out on the floor, which took longer than the actual sewing. I was able to get the sweater out of 2 yards, but I didn’t use the sleeve cuffs, so I changed around the layout. I made two alterations to the pattern. I left out the elastic in the back neck, and to be honest I can’t see why it’s necessary – my collar lays just fine, and I hate the thought of elastic behind my neck. I also opted to leave all the edges raw – this jersey won’t ravel, and I think it has a nicer drape this way than with a rolled or baby hem. By leaving the sleeves unhemmed I was able to get away with using the 3/4 length sleeves as nearly full length. I sewed the whole thing on my machine, with a zigzag set to .7 width. I didn’t have any matching serger thread, and besides – I felt like I wanted to avoid the bulk of a serged seam. It turned out fine that way!
Of course, the whole thing about this sweater is that you can warp and tie it in about 900 different ways. I like it with a belt, as above, and today I’m wearing it like this:
The great thing about this fabric (or a rayon jersey, I imagine) is that it will cling to itself. I don’t need a pin or snaps to hold it here, it stays quite nicely. I have the usual singer’s obsession with scarves and things draped about my neck, and the drama of this really appeals to me.
I don’t like the tied ways of wearing the sweater quite as much, because I like the drape, but I took a photo anyway!
I don’t know what happened with the lighting, or why my face looks a different color, but hey – these are photos I took of myself, so I’m pretty proud! To do this I crossed the fronts and tied them behind my waist. The DKNY website shows 12 ways to wear it, and I tried them, but I’m pretty happy with my ways.
Leon, as you can see, really wants to be in my photos (actually, he really wants to go out that back door, but he’s not allowed!)
I plan to make two more light cardigans this month, so this isn’t the end of the knitwear. I love sewing with wovens, but I do realize that I wear a lot of knits, so if my plan is to replace most of my wardrobe with self-stitched (it is) then I have to get over my fears!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
FABULOUS colour! You look sensational in it! I hope we see a lot of this versatile wrap this month.
I love it! You aren’t the last to make the pattern. I really want to. And now I want to more. In like a billion colors. 🙂
Wow, you look so tall and regal in that first picture!
It’s so pretty and so versatile! I made one last year and think I need another one this year. 🙂
What a fabulous start to the month! LOVE the colour and of course, love the versatility to this awesome piece.
My favourite view is the belted one 🙂
I think you’re going to have a great September if this is your first piece for the month!
That is really nice! I have never sewn knits before but would love to learn. Did you use your normal sewing machine? I don’t have a serger so would need to use my normal machine. Would this be super hard?
Jessica, it looks fantastic – especially in that colour! I think I’m going to have to go and get that pattern today – you’ve inspired me once again!
Stunning! I love how the photos turned out, especially against your lovely indigo wall.
So glad to hear you did not serge this since I do not have a serger and in my sewing days occasionally tried to tackle jersey with so-so effects. Guess it depends on the sewer and the jersey. And, of course, it looks beautiful on you.
Wonderful cardi/wrap! Great colour on you. I have had this pattern for a while now just never got around to making it. Now after seeing yours I want one :0
Great color. Way to go with another knit project. It looks wonderful.
Beautiful! I love things like that. I wear a drapey cardigan to the office on days where I know I just need to put my head down and get a lot done, e.g. writing reports as I always feel better if I’m in something comfy and cosy for some reason.
STUNNING! What a great colour on you… and in your room!
That is absolutely gorgeous. I love how those colours sing.I want to make this now! But then I always end up wanting to make what you’ve made because your posts are so inspiring… I just love those photos.
Lovely! You’re adding to my pattern queue of course, but lovely.
My favorites are the last, and 2nd to last ways. That is an awesome piece! 🙂
beautiful!
the color is perfect for you. I made a dress from bamboo/rayon this summer and I love it (and I used my walking foot to take care of the slippery).
:)S
Beautiful, and SO inspiring. I can’t believe how many looks you can get out of this one piece!
I love your cat, by the way. He’s so fluffy!
I Like the various ways you photographed the cardigan… it looks fabulous on you and the color is perfect.
Love it!! I agree, I like it better untied too. It makes you look very long and lean.
Wow! Fantastic colour. I want one just like it!