Monday, November 11, 2013

McCalls 6844: Peplum cardigan





After having such a frustrating run of wadders I finally made something wearable! I'm still not completely over peplums yet so even though I like the basic cardigan version of this pattern I had a go at View C first.

I found the sizing quite generous, according to the finished measurements I should have been in between XL and XXL but this is a L with some adjustments. I narrowed the shoulders by about 1/2", widened the upper sleeve by 2", shortened the bodice by 1.5" and lengthened the peplum by about 2" and took in the back  waist seam by a couple of inches (more about that further down). I got a few metres of this plaid ponte from Spotlight awhile ago on clearance so I made a quick muslin to check sizes and I'm glad I did with how much I had to take the original one in and shorten/lengthen it.


I changed the front band, originally it was about double the width of this one and is meant to create a bit of a folded over collar effect but I didn't like how it sat so I replaced it with a straight band (no curve at the neckline like the original) and made it half as narrow, very much like the band that's on McCalls 6408.

Lastly, I added some elastic to the back waist seam.  When I'd finished it, it was still a bit big around the waist and I found it wasn't very flattering when it was meeting in the middle (could have been because I used plaid instead of a plain fabric). I'd already hemmed it and didn't want to add a centre back seam so I sewed elastic about 3" shorter than the seam and stretched it to fit, zigzagging it to the seam (I pinned it all first to get the right length for the look I wanted). No sure if I'd bother taking in the back if I made it again or just use elastic again, it makes that back waist seam nice and stable and I don't mind the extra gathering it does.
 

I sewed it all on the serger and twin needled the hems. First time I've sewn something just on the serger without sewing it first on my sewing machine first, makes it so much faster!

All in all I'm really happy with it, I wasn't sure if I'd like the peplum look on me especially in the plaid. I think its quite flattering and doesn't need a belt or anything to stop it looking shapeless.


I wore it today and its very comfortable to wear, the pin on the lapel is a red poppy for Remembrance Day (which is today in Australia) , Lest we forget.

23 comments:

  1. Pretty cardi, Love the peplums too. Nice outcome.

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  2. This looks fabulous- the adjustments you made have resulted in a lovely fit. Such a cute peplum!

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  3. I'm a major peplum junkie and have been dying to get my hands on this pattern... it's winging its way from the US as I type... love this version, the plaid is fabulous!

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  4. Love this cardi on you! i think the plaid looks great.

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  5. I love your plaid version of this. It really is very attractive! I like your use of the elastic in the back waist area and need to try that as I have issues with that from time to time.

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  6. Love the flattering shape of this cardigan. Great pattern matching with the plaid too.

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  7. I made this jacket too - yours is gorgeous!

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  8. I think that is very very cool! I love when you can make something both completely custom to your fit, AND something completely custom in style! I have NEVER seen a purple plaid cardigan with a peplum... and now I want one really bad!

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  9. Lovely jacket! Every time I read one of your postings I end up having to go out and buy the pattern:)

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  10. I really like this jacket. It's so cute on your!

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  11. I love your jacket and the elastic solution is very clever. Will have to keep it in mind! Congratulations. Cheers, Karen

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  12. I like your jacket very unique, wish you well to wear it.

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  13. It's gorgeous on you! I love the use of the plaid!

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  14. What a great looking jacket and to think you made it only using your serger... that makes it even better. Love your choice of fabric as it makes it look very smart and casual at the same time :)

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  15. Gorgeous jacket! I wonder if you could let me know what method you use for widening the upper sleeve? I've been admiring your clothes on this blog for a while now.

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    1. Hi Sandra, I widen the sleeves using the method out of Fit for Real People, I've found it's the best way for me (nice and easy plus it doesn't change the armscye length)

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    2. Thanks Suzy. I've just made McCalls 6408 (after reading your reviews) and now I know that what I really want is 6844. To get some shoulder definition without having to learn to tailor/line/buttonhole a jacket is really attractive to me. I've got FFRP and will use that for the sleeve adjustment and the shoulder narrowing.

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  16. I usually don't like peplums, but this looks really, really great on you. Very nice looking jacket!

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