A cropped cardigan (Agnes/Coco hack!)

A Coco/Agnes cropped cardigan by thisblogisnotforyou.comA Coco/Agnes cropped cardigan by thisblogisnotforyou.com

A Coco/Agnes cropped cardigan by thisblogisnotforyou.com
A Coco/Agnes cropped cardigan by thisblogisnotforyou.com

A Coco/Agnes cropped cardigan by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Dreaming of Spring

Ohhh, how I can’t wait for spring to come! We took these pictures just before Christmas, actually. It did look a bit like spring was coming early this year, but now we’ve had some really long weeks of heavy snow, ice and super low temperatures. Today is the first sunny day in a long time and this reminded me to finally blog this little project.

pattern: self-drafted variation of Coco/Agnes (Tilly & The Buttons)
fabric:jersey with flower print by Königreich der Stoffe 
amount: ~ 1m
cost: 10,99€ (+ zip from my stash, ~4€)
duration: ~2 hr

Yep, this is yet another T&TB Coco/Agnes hack! I love to use both patterns as base for self-drafted garments. For the bodice I used mainly the Agnes pattern, adding to the waist and bust, so I can easily fit a sweatshirt underneath. I used the Coco sleeves and also added a bit of width. I didn’t have a lot of this fabric, and I wanted long sleeves, so I had to crop the bodice to fit all pattern pieces and have enough left for the cuffs and pockets. Initially, I didn’t want it to be this short, but then I found this matching light-blue metal zip in my stash which was too short for the length I had planned. So I cropped the pattern a bit more to fit the zip.

I really don’t mind the shorter length, as I wear sweatshirts underneath, anyway. Also, I now have a perfect cardigan for all my high-waisted skirts and jeans. Hurray!

All in all, this was quite a quick and successful project! Next time, I would probably change the size of the pockets, though. The opening is a bit too narrow and they’re not deep enough to fit my phone. Bummer. So basically, they’re mostly decorative! Well, we learn with every project, right?

A Coco/Agnes cropped cardigan by thisblogisnotforyou.com

A Coco/Agnes cropped cardigan by thisblogisnotforyou.com
A Coco/Agnes cropped cardigan by thisblogisnotforyou.com

A Coco/Agnes cropped cardigan by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Oh, Aslan can’t go unmentioned, right? He did a great job modelling alongside me for this shoot, hehe. He’s grown into a massive, crazy ball of fur. I’ve made quite a few Dog Diy projects last year, I wasn’t able to blog yet. So keep your eyes peeled, if you’re interested!

Also, thanks so much for all your lovely comments and appreciation on my last post about making our hobbies way too stressful. I really appreciate the feedback and feel encouraged to write more mental-health related posts, which is amazing as this is my second biggest passion! You guys rock! x

xx

Charlie


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A KEIRA Hack: The Waterfall Cardigan

Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.comKeira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com
Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Hello everyone! I hope you are all cosy and warm behind the sewing machine or on the couch. As gorgeous as it looks, the weather is quite unpleasant at the moment. I spend most of the time these days on the sofa, I have to admit. As much as I love sewing, nothing beats a hot tea or coffee and a great book when it’s freezing outside. I will try and squeeze in some sewing tomorrow, though. I’m in desperate need of some thick, cosy sweaters!

Today I’m sharing another version of the KEIRA Cardigan with you. This time I tried hacking the pattern into a waterfall cardigan. They’ve been fashionable for the last few years and are super comfy during the cold season while looking quite chic. The extra fabric at the front ensures a bit more warmth even when you’re wearing the cardigan open.Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.comKeira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.comKeira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.comKeira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

The pattern hack is quite simple. First, print out and assemble the PDF pattern. (You can download it for free or pay whatever you think is appropriate.)

Once you cut out your size, you’ll need the front and back pattern pieces and a large piece of paper. Dot-and-cross paper works really well, but you can also tape together some printer paper.

As I wanted to preserve the original pattern that I had already assembled, I traced it first. I’d recommend keeping one set of original pattern pieces to use and trace for multiple hacks, if it’s a pattern you use often. If it’s a one-time project, you might as well glue additional paper onto the pattern and apply all changes directly onto it.Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Once traced, I lengthened the shoulder seam by 3.5 cm, as I did not want to add any binding. Thus, the neckline would sit a bit higher up and closer to the neck. I then moved the centre front by 36cm (14in). This is the extra fabric that will create the waterfall effect.

You will need to redraw the curved neckline which now doesn’t plunge down as far (approx. 5cm) and then proceeds as a straight, perpendicular line until it meets the centre front line. There are two style options for the hem. You could either  just draw a straight line towards the centre front or, as I did, go for a curved hem and shave off that lower corner on the new front pattern piece.

If you leave that corner, the fabric will dip down below the hemline as the fabric drapes into the waterfall. I tried that at first, but it wasn’t for me.
Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

There are only minor changes to be made on the back pattern piece. Just add those extra 3.5 cm at the shoulder seam line, so both pattern pieces match up in the end. You’ll also need to redraw the neckline here.
Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

And that’s basically it! You can now cut out and construct the cardigan as shown in the instructions. Instead of using a binding, I folded the hem over twice by 1 cm, stitching everything in place close to the edge of the fold. This needs a bit of skill where the hem curves. I used a lot of pins to create a smooth, even curve and gave it a thorough press before machine stitching the hem. Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.comKeira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com
Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Cardigan: handmade (Keira Cardigan)
Dress: handmade
Lace trim socks: Primark
Shoes: Clarks
Jewellery: Skagen

Hope you liked this easy pattern hack! Feel free to download the pattern and try it yourself. It’s such a quick project – perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon! I’ll definitely make another one. Next time probably is an even cosier fabric, such as wool or fleece-back jersey.

Have a great weekend & keep warm!

You can DOWNLOAD the pattern HERE.

xx

Charlie


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Keira Cardigan in Black

Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.comKeira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.comKeira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com
Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Lately, I was so busy sewing (and reading and knitting in order to muster some willingness towards the cold season) that I completely forgot to blog some of the makes we photographed a little while ago. One of these is another version of my KEIRA CARDIGAN, which I released a few weeks ago:

Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

The KEIRA Cardigan pattern is a pay as you wish pattern – so it’s basically free unless you choose to pay for it. You can download it here and read more about it here.

Pattern & Adjustments: As mentioned above, I used one of my own patterns for this cardigan. This one is actually one of my test versions I made prior to releasing this pattern. I sewed it up pretty much over a year ago, as I was planning to release the pattern last winter. I made the version with the wide binding around the edges. I only tweaked the sleeves a bit after this one, as the fit was a bit too snug – still wearable though.

Fabric: This jumbo ribbed jersey, which I suspect is almost certainly 100% polyester, is really comfy and was a breeze to sew with. I bought it ages ago in a local fabric store when I still lived in Queen’s Park, London. It was £1.50/m, 60 inch wide. I bought 2 metres of it. The fabric has made an earlier appearance on the blog, as a Lady Skater/Ultimate Pencil Skirt Frankendress. A little black dress I made with a self-drafted sequinned cardigan which is the original KEIRA cardi I based the pattern on.
After wearing this cardigan for more than a year, I am surprised how well this fabric holds up. As you can see in the picture we took recently, there’s no trace of the innumerable times this garment has been in the wash. Pretty good for spending no more than £3 on it considering I managed to squeeze out two garments.

Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com
img_8764

Keira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.comKeira Cardigan free pattern by thisblogisnotforyou.com

cardigan: handmade, KEIRA Cardigan by Audrey & Me Patterns
skirt: handmade, Ultimate Pencil Skirt by SEW OVER IT
belt: Primark
T-shirt: C&A

I’ve worn this KEIRA loads in the past year. All through last winter and spring and now again since it’s become really chilly again. Through summer I sometimes wore it instead of a light jacket. It goes with pretty much anything; mini skirts, fitted dresses, skinny jeans – it really is your wardrobe BFF! So far I’ve made four KEIRAs which are rotating pretty quickly as I love wearing them at the moment.

What’s your favourite (handmade?) garment this season?

Have a great week!

xx

Charlie


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New Pattern: Hello, Keira Cardigan!

Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.comFree Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.comFree Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

  HELLO KEIRA!

Have you been looking for the perfect chic little cardigan to go with most of your outfits? Well, look no further! Say ‘hello’ to KEIRA, everyone! This lovely lady is the newest addition to my little pattern family! 

She is a true allrounder.

KEIRA is incredibly comfy with a wide cut around the bodice and snug sleeves for an elegant, feminine silhouette. The minimalist design will allow you to go wild with adding your own touches. Add a binding for a sleek finish or play around with decorative trim to add fun details.

Made in a warm wool or knit fabric it will be the perfect companion for cold winter days. Use a lightweight jersey and it will be perfect for layering in the warmer seasons. And if you don’t want to go without it in summer, whip one up in a breezy chiffon!

After two years, Audrey & Me Patterns (which is me!) is finally releasing a new pattern and I am so excited to share this one with you! Have a look:

Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com
Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.comFree Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com
Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

This KEIRA is made with a lovely warm double-sided wool knit, which is the perfect fabric for this pattern! It’s super cosy and has enough stretch for the snug fit of the sleeves. As the armhole seam hits the upper arm just above the elbow, it is perfect for layering over t-shirts and thick jumpers without feeling restricted in your movements. Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.comFree Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com
Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.comFree Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

This pattern is a really quick sew and suitable for beginners. It offers different ways to add own touches and variations, so advanced sewers will have fun with it, as well! Included are sizes 6-22 (UK), all nested together so it is easy for you to grade between sizes. (Edit: Don’t be confused by Size 22 missing in the sizing chart. It IS included, I’ll update the chart asap!)

The pattern includes instruction for two different styles of finishes. You can add a wide binding for a clean, minimalist finish or leave the edges raw, decorated with fun trims and ribbons!

Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com
Free Pattern! Keira Cardigan by Thisblogisnotforyou.com

Oh, the best part? As my first pattern, The Fairy Tale Cape, this pattern is a Pay-As-You-Wish pattern! This means you can download it for free or donate whatever amount you feel is appropriate. So feel free to try out the pattern to see whether you like it. And if you do, you can show your appreciation by making a small donation if you want.

I’ll share some more variations and simple hacks of this pattern on the blog in the next couple of weeks – so keep you eyes peeled for more!

You can DOWNLOAD the pattern HERE.

xx

Charlie


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Sewing for my man

hooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comHi my darlings, guess what happened? After all those years of selfish sewing I have finally made something for my man. It had been on my to-sew list pretty much every year, and last year I even went as far as making a muslin for a men’s shirt. The Mr doesn’t really wear shirts, so as you can imagine this project didn’t go very far. (I have to say though, I finished a shirt for my dad in December – not blogged – so I could tick “men’s shirt” of last year’s resolutions list).hooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comA friend of mine made her boyfriend this pretty awesome hooded cardi and I promised the Mr to make him one as well.

The pattern is self-drafted by my friend who is a seamstress by trade. She traced it off for me and the Mr even carried it in his suitcase all the way from Germany to London – that’s dedication! Obviously, I couldn’t postpone it much longer and finally ordered some fabric and a zip, the latter being ridiculously expensive!

The Pattern: Is self-drafted, EUR size 48. It has raglan sleeves and an extra side panel just underneath the armhole which makes the cardi just a tad more fitted, which I think looks great, especially men’s patterns this size can sometime just look huge. I lengthened all bodice and the sleeve pattern pieces by 5cm (the Mr always has troubles with sleeves being way too short). I did not bother cutting any facings and now am really glad that I didn’t. My sewing machine struggled quite a bit with 3-4 layers of this heavy sweatshirt fabric, any more would’ve killed my little machine, I guess.hooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comhooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comThe fabric:
The sweatshirt fabric I ordered online (I think it was Minerva Crafts) and I used less than 2m for this cardi. I also bought the zip (75cm) online, which was really expensive. But it’s a metal one and works really great. I’m glad that I got it in the end, it adds a great feature to the jacket.

hooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comhooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comThe sleeve cuffs and the “waistband” are made of the same fabric as the rest of the cardi. I had trouble finding matching ribbing fabric, and the one I ordered did not work at all. I just used the same fabric in the end, cutting the strips much shorter than the actual hem width and it worked really well! I sewed them in with the overlocker, stretching the fabric evenly while sewing and they went in without any puckering and cinch in the hems quite beautifully.hooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comAnother great detail of the pattern is the hood. It had really interesting seaming details – the hood consists of three different pattern pieces. All the seams on the bodice match up exactly with the seams on the hood giving it a really great shape and sporty look. I lined the hood, under-stitched the lining and top-stitched it with my 4mm stretch twin needle (approx. 2cm from the edge). I used the same technique on the pockets.hooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comhooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comhooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comThe Mr loves his music, so I had to add tiny buttonholes to the back of the pockets where the audio jack can go through when the phone is in the pocket to avoid the cable dangling on the outside of the cardigan.

The only thing where I messed up a bit it the seam matching on the pockets. They are almost off by 5mm which is quite annoying. That happened when I sewed the zip in. All other seams match up perfectly, only the most visible ones don’t. Meh. At least you can’t see it, when the zip is open :)hooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comhooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.comhooded cardigan men by thisblogisnotforyou.com

The Mr is super duper happy with his new cardigan and wears it pretty much every day. I am planning to make a hooded sweater from the same pattern and already have super soft dark brown fabric waiting in my stash. Unfortunately I broke my stretch twin needle, so it will have to wait a bit. (And we don’t want the Mr to get used to all this selfless sewing, right?)

Have you ever made anything for your other half? It’s quite rewarding, me thinks. And finally, I wasn’t the one in front of the camera – much more comfortable, ha!


Happy sewing!

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