Dodgy dye job cardigan.

I have had Kwik Sew 2759 for a long time, ever since I saw Gigi review it on Pattern review (oh look, that was back in 2001). I made it a few times but I think I have only made it once since I had a coverstitch machine.  I had never come across a tutorial that addresses how to start off on the coverstitching and get a nice finish that doesn't ravel, so I had filed making cardigans in the  it's-all-too-hard-for-me-to-wrap-my-brain-around basket and not given them much thought. Then one day it occured to me that I could hem it before applying the band. Yay, I can make cardigans again.

 The fabric is a silk metallic knit that I did a dodgy dye job with. I used food colouring and vinegar. I actually have procion dyes that I could use with vinegar, but I decided to go the food colouring route so I could just shove it in the oven and not buy a special pot to dye. I was really very slapdash. Wet the fabric, added vinegar and colouring to a bucket with hot water, swish around, pour into an oven tray and keep warm in the oven. Acid dyes need heat, unlike the dyes I am used to doing with  regular tap water.

 When I trying it on, I remembered why Kwik Sew was my favourite pattern company years ago. The fit is not skin type. Pattern piece match correctly. Instructions are super clear. I actually adjusted the length and made it 5 cm longer, but I am not sure if it is the right decision. It feels a little too long now.

This is the photo to show that it does sparkle - a lot. I am going to wear it to a wedding later this month I think.

Here I have shortened it back to about the length drafted by Kwik Sew. I am thinking it might be slightly less dowdy at this length. I am also thinking of tracing the next size down at the shoulders, as it seems a little too wide there.

Can't wait to sew a couple more. I love cardigans.