New Fall Cardigans…

When I was a kid, I used to divide my closet between “summer” and “winter” clothes. Despite living in California, where the seasons were typically pretty mild, I enjoyed having a stark division in my closet, and had strict rules about not wearing “winter” clothes in the summer, and visa versa.

Looking back on it, this was the fiber equivalent of keeping food separated on a plate- it helped me keep track of the passage of time, and as a child of divorced parents who traveled to visit my Dad in the summers, and stayed up north in the winters, I think it also helped me cope psychologically.

However, as an adult, I love mixing things up, and enjoy stretching my wardrobe staples to fit all seasons with the help of layering pieces. One of my favorite ways to layer is with a tank top under a cardigan- and sometimes, a vest on top of that, depending on how cold it is!

Right now, as things are just starting to cool down, the tank/cardigan combination is enough on its own, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to test the new Boston Cardigan by So Sew English. 

I know what you’re thinking…isn’t that a fabric store? Yes! But just as many pattern shops are now offering fabrics, some fabric companies are starting to develop patterns to suit their inventory. I guess I’m not the only one who likes to mix things up around here?!

The Boston Cardigan appealed to me, not only because I need some more layers to wear, but also because of the huge drop pockets, that aren’t hemmed.

I love a big pocket to hide my perpetually cold hands, but I also love soft edges- and the Boston cardigan has both. The way the front is constructed, it’s essentially folded over on itself to make the extra deep, hemm-less pockets, which not only lends a really clean, minimalistic look, but also cuts down on sewing time, as there are only 4 pattern pieces and 4 seams to sew (plus the hem).

I experimented with pressing the front band both ways, and I think I prefer it pressed toward the pocket, and topstitched.

Speaking of the hem, I wanted the look of a mitered corner without all the work, so I just folded the top corner in a bit to meet the bottom while I was hemming (held in place with a little wondertape), so it wouldn’t stick out at the front- which is one of my top 5 cardigan pet-peeves.

Here’s a closeup- see that little folded corner? Keeps things nice and neat looking from the right side.

Both Bostons are made from french terry- the navy blue is  slightly stretchier vertically (and therefore looser feeling) than the red plaid, but both are very pleasant to wear. The pockets are perfect for warming my hands (though without some stabilization they are too stretchy to hold a phone properly without sagging), and the casual look is perfect over jeans or leggings.

I was initially intimidated by the idea of plaid matching the red and black version, but it just said “fall” so well, that I decided to give it a try, ready to chuck it in the bin if things started going sideways.

Fortunately, that didn’t happen, and while all the seams are not 100% perfect, I think I was able to get a decent match on the ones that matter most (sides, top of the sleeves, and the bottom of the band).

You can check out my stripe matching tutorial and apply the same techniques to cutting and sewing an even plaid, like this one, HERE.

And the best part? You can get the pattern FREE today if you order $50 of fabric! Happy shopping!

Note: This post contains NO affiliate links! I purchased this fabric and tested this pattern because I wanted to check them out and share them with you! If you enjoyed this post, you can show me a little love by following me on Instagram or Facebook! XOXO

 

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4 Comments

  1. Carmel S on October 25, 2019 at 9:18 am

    I love that plaid one! Great job matching those pockets up.

    • Sarah on October 25, 2019 at 7:52 pm

      Thank you! The way the pattern has them folded, it wasn’t too bad!

  2. Bridgid on October 25, 2019 at 9:36 am

    Those are so cute!! Great fabric choices. And these photos are gorgeous!

    • Sarah on October 25, 2019 at 7:53 pm

      Thank you so much Bridgid!

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