Going Knot-ical with Style Arc's Abby Cardi

Trend: Cardigans with front ties.

I purchased the Abby Cardi with another Style Arc pattern last February and received the "Izzy" as a free pattern of the mongth.

 From StyleArc: "Great jersey cardi to have for all occasions, wear it over your cami or dress, knot it at the front or leave it casually hanging down casually. Optional 2 sleeve lengths." Available sizes are misses' 2-30.  I ordered a "12".

Fabric Used:
First version (green and black): ITY jersey knit from fashionfabricclub.com, on sale for $4.95/yard 

Second version (gray with waves): thin sweater knit from emmaonesock.com

 My first Abby cardi untied.  I prefer the "knotted" look

 

Instructions
I consider them satisfactory and sufficient. They consist of a list of steps assuming that you have experience in sewing basic garments.  They are not "user-friendly" and detailed with helpful diagrams found in Kwik Sew.   I used Thornberry's method for a clean and neat finish for the collars and folded front facing (using the "burrito" or "sausage" method) per Clothing Engineer's review of this pattern.

Likes/Dislikes
I have sewn Style Arc patterns in the past  and have been impressed with the available on-trend and classic styles that are wonderful additions to anybody's wardrobe.  It was easy to cut out and handle the pattern pieces that were printed on sturdy paper.  After use, they can be easily stored in the clear resealable envelope that the pattern illustration/directions and folded pattern sheet originally arrived in.

Nothing to dislike here.


Pattern alterations/Modifications
* 1" petite adjustment at the waist.

* For my green/black cardi, I lengthened the sleeves 1".  I did not do this to my gray cardi, due to paucity of fabric.


*Sewed a strip of interfacing to the shoulders of the back.


* Used the instructions for the a neat finish of the inside collar and placement of front facing with respect to the shoulder seams with the "burrito method" as described in Thornberry's blog I would not use this method for heavier knits.


 View of the collar and upper portion of the front facings from the inside. It was tricky to stitch at the inner corners:

*Turned in a narrow hem and topstitch along the fronts (reinforcing a little triangle turned in at each corner of the front ties)  and the lower edges of the sleeves and the entire cardi.  Using a serger would facilitate the construction.

Future Plans/RecommendationsI became "hooked" on this pattern after my first attempt and was able to make my second version on the same day (part of my spring vacation from work).

I plan to make my third cardi when I have some "free time" in the next month or so.

I definitely recommend this pattern due to the simplicity of construction, working with only five fabric pieces (two front, one back, two sleeves). A change of fabric produces an entirely different look and feel.