I’m rounding off the last few days of this year with my final two makes of 2025. I thought I would combine them into one post because they’re both repeat makes.
First up is yet another Marlo cardigan by True Bias. Clearly, I can’t get enough of this design. This version is in a luxurious pure wool cable knit in a classic cream shade. I bought it from Croftmill, and it was quite a pricey purchase, but very worth it in my humble opinion.
The cleaning suggestion on the website for this fabric is handwash or dry clean. I have another Marlo in the brown version of this fabric (see here), and I was extremely careful about washing that. I spot cleaned any spillages, and when I finally got around to washing it, I used some pure soap flakes that I pre-dissolved in hot water and added them to cold water. I then laid the cardigan in the water and barely agitated it around in the water. Next, I lifted it out, gently squeezed out a bit of excess water, then laid it flat on a bath towel and rolled the towel up like a towel/cardigan burrito to squeeze out more water. Finally, I left it to dry on a flat, mesh sweater rack. It turned out great, so when the time comes, I’ll do the same with my cream version.
I made a couple of slight changes to this Marlo. The main one is that the neck and hem bands are quite a bit wider than the original design, and the second thing I did was to add a bit of extra length. I didn’t add any pockets, and just like my brown version, I used extra-large snap fasteners for the closure.
The day after I took these photos, I wore my cardigan when I met a friend in a local cafe, and it felt so cosy and warm on such a chilly day. I love it! I just know it’ll get worn a lot.
Next up is another Grasser turtle neck with exposed seam detail. See my first teal version here. Once again, I used some lovely merino jersey, this time in burnt orange. When I sewed my first version, I made a few slight adjustments to the fit around the neck, as this merino jersey only has mechanical stretch, unlike some cotton or viscose jerseys that contain Lycra. And I *thought* I had added all of the changes to the pattern pieces. Unfortunately, I was wrong 🙁 , and when I put on the finished top, it was too tight around my neck and difficult to pull on. Thankfully, I had some decent-sized scraps left, and I was able to add in a gusset down the front. We’ll just call it a design feature, shall we? 🙂
I actually rather like how the gusset looks with the extra exposed seaming, and I have to say that I love the finished top so much that it’s already been worn a few times. I love a hard-working wardrobe item, don’t you?
Well, I think this post rounds off 2025 nicely, and like many of you, I’m looking back over the year and hoping that 2026 will be a good year. At the top of my wishlist is good health x
Happy New Year! I’ll be back in very early January with a quick round-up post. I didn’t do one last January, but I’m feeling in a reflective mood 🙂
See you soon!
Wow! The neck gusset is a stroke of genius! I don’t think I would have thought of that. It looks great with the exposed seams.
Glad to see you posting regularly again. I always enjoy seeing your makes. Wishing you health, happiness, and full bobbins in 2026.
Author
Aww, thanks, Kathy! I was pleasantly surprised at how much I like the gusset addition to that top, so I’m glad you like it too. Have a wonderful 2026!
I love your cable cardigan — so well done, and the wider bands look great!
While I love your teal Turtle and trousers (did you post on those teal trousers?), the new rust version with gusset at the neck looks entirely intentional, particularly with the exposed seam detailing — quietly interesting, as it frames your face.
Happy New Year, Diane! Wishing you health and happiness in 2026!
Author
Thank you so much, Joan. I think I agree with you…I prefer the gusset detail, it appeals to my love of details that are interesting, so I’m glad you love it. Happy New year to you!
FOUND THEM in March ’25 — Fibremood Opal. Really lovely wide wale cords!
Author
Ohh, thanks Joan! Yes, I love them. So happy with these.
Sometimes our “design features” that arise from our sewing tricky spots turn out to be great style points. I think your pullover probably looks much more interesting with your gusset insert. I’m currently working on a coat that is going to need a “design feature” and I think I have it figured out what to do. This is what makes sewing good for our creative minds LOL (I tell myself that anyway). Love the Marlo cardigan. I have some knit stuff squirrelled away and you have motivated me to give something like this a shot. Happy New Year and happy sewing adventures. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
Author
Thanks, Susan. You’re right, these unexpected design challenges stretch our creative muscles don’t they? I hope you complete your coat in a way you find aesthetically pleasing.
As others have said, the neck gusset looks intentional and has worked really well. I love the cable cardigan but it would be dirty far too often if I were to wear it!
I hope you have a happy and healthy 2026.
Author
Thanks Helen. Yes, light clothes can be challenging to keep clean, but I seem to get away with it more often than not…maybe its some kind of suoerpower? Mind you, k=now I’ve said that I’ve probably jinxed it!
Great job with your turtle neck! I love it 🧡
Author
Thank you so much!