This is my version of the Edie cardigan. It’s the latest pattern release by Valentine & Stitch, a dynamic pattern designing and producing duo comprising of the fabulous Helen and Rich, the brains behind V&S.
Backstory:
…..Several weeks ago the #cosycardichallenge was announced on Instagram. It’s being run by @amanda_isewalot @sodburysewing and @shesewsvintage and the finish date is October 31st so it’s not too late to enter if you fancy it and you may be lucky enough to be picked to win one of the fab prizes on offer. A little while after the challenge announcement I saw Helen modelling a lacy version of the Edie cardigan and a lightbulb went off in my head….I knew what I could do for my offering in the challenge. You see, I remembered some rust coloured lightweight lacy/crochet-effect fabric in my stash that had previously got me scratching my head about what to do with it I’m sure you’ve got some fabric like that lurking in your stash too (or is it just me that buys random pieces of fabric with no idea of what to do with it….?). Friends, I nearly gave the fabric away, so when the challenge and the Edie appeared, the stars aligned and my rust fabric got a lucky reprieve. The fabric (that I bought from Stone Fabrics a couple of years ago) seems to have a fair bit of cotton in it. It has next to no stretch down the grain but quite a bit cross-grain. It presses beautifully and behaves surprisingly well for lace fabric.
Tell me about Edie, I hear you cry…well, it’s a maxi or finger-tip length cardigan that has a sweeping curve shape to the fronts, which as they fall, create a lovely subtle waterfall effect. The back is sleek and straight and the sleeves are slim fitting with generous length. I chose to make the shorter version and cut it on the size medium for everything but the length, which I decided to grade shorter to the small size. I followed Helen’s instructions for stabilising the shoulders and also for adding something across the back neck to prevent over-stretching. I actually used a bit of white tape for the shoulders and for the neck I just used a piece of firm jersey cut cross-grain and folded double, then basted within the neck edge.
My cardigan was stitched together with a four-thread, two-needle set-up on my overlocker and all hems were just overlocked, then a narrow hem was turned back and stitched. The instructions state that if you wish you can finish the edges by using the rolled hem setting on your overlocker for a pretty finish. It looks especially nice if you set your machine up to stretch the edges slightly to get a frilly effect. I would love to have tried this on mine but my fabric is too holey a texture for it to work. My edge finish is fine but if I want to get an even nicer look I might look for a very narrow bias satin to sew around it. Getting a good colour match would maybe prove tricky though. Either way, I like the finished result and it was a lovely straightforward make and a very user-friendly pattern with a lovely flattering fit.
I realise now why I struggled with my original fabric choice and I think it’s because of it being a very lightweight fabric, yet in a more Autumnal colour…. However, I can now see myself wearing this more in early Autumn or early Spring and late Summer. I actually love it paired with my cream jeans, however, this time around I decided on styling it with black trousers and light-coloured ankle boots which seemed perfect for the warmer weather we have in the UK this week. I also have a cotton sheath dress in cream and brown tones over which it would make a great topper. I like how it looks fastened with a brooch at the waist, but also love how wafty (is that a word??) it is left loose.
Now if you’ll excuse me …I have to go and waft….see you soon!
****** Edit…I have removed links to V&S as they are no longer trading.
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Love it! That fabric was meant for this cardi!!! And the brooch fastener is a really lovely touch!
Author
Ohh, thanks Sarah, lovely. It was meant to be eh?
Oh wow, this is just STUNNING Diane! I love how you’ve styled it and it is so beautifully sewn as always. I really like it with the darker jeans, but am imagining it with the cream ones and your dress too and I bet it will look fab with those as well. I also love the way you hemmed it, what a perfect choice for this fabric. It looks amazing and you have made our day over here, thank you!!
Author
Gosh, you’ll have me blushing Helen. Thanks so much. xx I’m thrilled that you both love it.
Very pretty diane. I especially love it with the brooch.
Author
Thank you so much Manju. I’m chuffed that you like it.
Oh I do love this. I knitted something very similar a few years back and love the waftiness too. I think I need to explore this pattern.
Author
Thank you so much, Sue. Yes, it’s definitely a pattern worth exploring. x
Yes, it does waft very nicely, but as for grammar and spelling, I am not sure! It is a really pretty cardigan, very feminine and floaty – I guess that is the fabric. In something heavier it would look very different. I love the side clasp styling too.
Author
Thank you, S. I’m glad you like my version of Edie. I’m sure I must have invented one or two new words too. (I’ve encountered far worse with regard to grammar on the www) I hope that my sewing skills speak for themselves though 🙂
What a beautiful fabric. Autumn colors suit you so well Diane! I love how the cardigan drapes when it’s open. I made an Ottobre cardigan with a similar front shape a couple weeks back (not photographed yet 😀 ). The option of wearing those big wrap around fronts secured in front is so nice in a cardigan, especially when the cold kicks up!
Author
How lovely of you, thanks Elizabeth. I do love my Autumnal colours. I look forward to seeing your cardigan soon too. Xx
That is a good venous sweater. Aren’t you glad you didn’t give that fabric away? I have purchased more than a few pieces of fabric with out a clear idea of what I’ll do with it, and I’m always thrilled as you were when I find the perfect project for it. Your cardi looks like it will bridge the seasons nicely.
Author
Thanks so much Linda. Absolutely. What a goid job I kept the fabric and found the ideal pattern for it. It’s definitely a good transtional piece.
I love it too – the open weave of the fabric is just perfect for this design! Gorgeous 🙂
Author
Gosh, that’s lovely of you Kathleen. Thank you!
Super gorgeous! I love the color, cut, style, everything about this cardigan!
Author
Thanks, Karie! I can highly recommend this pattern.