I recently had the pleasure to test a new pattern from Love Notions: the Canyon Cardigan (affiliate links.)
This pattern has a lot of options and I chose to sew up the A-line sleeveless view. It was a tough decision because I felt like the long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves would have been "safer" as it was more in my comfort zone. To be completely honest, I have never worn a vest before and I wasn't sure if I could pull it off.
I went with a stretch lace, which was also new for me, because hey, why not.
I was very happy I chose to step out of my comfort zone! I feel like this is a piece I can wear a lot of ways, which can't be said for most of my clothing. I am wearing it over a tank top with skinny jeans in the pictures, but the fit is perfect for layering over long sleeves as well. It will also be easily worn with dresses or i could go the casual route with shorts and a tee.
Besides the A-line view which is what I sewed, there is both a waterfall or a gathered view. And since each one of those options can be sewn with sleeves (long or 3/4) or as a vest, there are a lot of possible looks with just the one pattern!
In-seam pockets are another option, but I chose to do without them. I know a lot of peope love pockets, but it's not that important to me. I know, I know... I will probably be shunned from the sewing community for admitting that.
All three views are sewn with a center seam in the back and include an inverted pleat on the "skirt" part of the cardigan. The shaping is great, while still having enough room for layers.
Please ignore my hair in these pictures. I showered right before we headed out the door to go play at the park. My thought process was that my hair would dry at the park and we could take pictures right afterwards. The problem was that it was so humid outside, my hair never really fully dried and I just got hot and sweaty at the park. Oh well, the pictures had to be taken, wetish hair and all.
The good news was that wearing the cardigan over an otherwise boring ensemble of a tank top and jeans made me feel put together while out and about. Yet I was also very comfortable while playing with my kids at the park.Win win.
To recap the details about the pattern:
-3 views: A-line, Gathered, Waterfall.
-3 sleeve options: sleeveless vest, 3/4, long.
-Optional in-seam pockets.
-Optional elbow patches.
-PDF pattern includes layers so you can print only your size.
-Trimless-less pattern pieces make it very fast and easy to assemble the pattern.
To see more views, pictures, fabric requirements or to purchase the pattern, click here (affiliate link.) It's currently on sale through this Thursday!
I know I say this every time I blog about a Love Notions pattern, but I appreciate all the hard work and fine tuning that the pattern designer puts into the testing process. She goes through multiple revisions to get a great fit and to make sure her tutorial is clear and I highly recommend her patterns for this reason.
