Hello friends!
If you’re eager to get sewing our new Melville Cardigan + Vest for yourself, I’m here with a few ideas to get you started!
As I said in my introductory post for this sewing pattern, you have a lot of options here. Not only can you sew this style in three different lengths, but you can also choose with or without sleeves. Plus, cup sizes and optional buttons and buttonholes!
What sorts of fabrics work best for this style? Any knit with at least 20% stretch will work well, but be careful with very drapey knits. The pink sweater knit I chose for View C is very drapey, and I worried how the facing would lay once it had hung for a bit. Beyond that, have fun with this one! It’s a very quick style to sew and the results are quite impressive, I think.
Inspiration for styling, you ask? I’d be happy to oblige. Let’s start with the cardigan, since that’s such a universal, cozy look for this time of year. Whatever length you choose, it’s a terrific piece to have in your wardrobe and, if you’re like me, you’ll reach for it over and over again.
Maybe you’d like to play with the sleeves a bit to make them fuller at the shoulder or at the wrist? I’ll show you some techniques to make there alterations in the near future. (You can also find complete instructions in my Building Block Dress book. The techniques I teach there are not only applicable to children’s clothing….) But the basic cardigan is also such a versatile, easy piece to incorporate in your wardrobe, so keep that in mind as well.
Doesn’t the vest look great when worn over a tonal outfit? You could do this with any color, really. Being an eternal New Yorker, myself, I gravitate toward black or navy, but even I might attempt some neutrals this year, with my new cream-colored Hollywood Trousers.
For more inspiration you can always visit my Melville Cardigan + Vest Pinterest folder. There are so many ways to make and wear this style!
So, are you eager to get started? You can pick up your own copy of the Melville Cardigan + Vest in paper or in digital format. I hope you’ll tag us #lieslandco and #melvillecardigan on Instagram so we can see what you make!
I am itching to try the newly released patterns. The Geneva blouse is cut out and ready to sew after printing the PDF pattern.
I would prefer to purchase the printed patterns but can’t find any uk shops that have them. Could you let me know if they are available in the uk yet.
Many thanks
Claire
They have shipped to our distributor in the UK. It should be another week or so until patterns are in stores that placed pre-orders.