This was one of the earliest garments in this excellent book to catch my eye, and as it turns out probably the easiest.
Only one or two basic measurements and very few seams…
While the design is called “wearing a square”, well yes, the pattern piece is a square. That is if you can be bothered drafting a pattern piece, which I did not… I just measured straight onto my fabric, marked with pins, and cut out using my big old quilting ruler and rotary cutter to get the straight lines, yes, it is that easy. However the fabric piece is actually a rectangle; a double square, on the fold.
My only advice? Check your forearm circumference measurement, I “drafted with my own measurements” as recommended, but allowed for a few extra centimetres on my sleeves and I am glad I did! I do not have big arms, but I am guessing there are very few who would be comfortable with a 20cm sleeve on their forearm…
I find little cardigans very useful, so am very pleased with this one. The draping on the back and the very subtle drape on the back neckline caused by the straight lines of the garment are both flattering and unusual. I decided to go for an open-ended zip for closure at the front, so it can be unzipped all the way if I wanted it hanging open. But I tried this out and probably won’t, as it has a tendency to slide off my shoulders if it is left open…
It’s a cute little thing, no? I just love it! The fabric was given to me by my friend C, part of her late mother’s stash so I’m not sure of the composition. It is quite thick-ish, and looks stretchy, but is only very slightly stretchy, and has a tendency to fray. So I finished the lower edge and sleeve hems by overlocking the raw edges, turning under once by 1cm and stitching down, and the neckline edge has a 4cm hem. The fabric has this blue, grey and white marle on one side whilst the other side is a grey and white marle. I have plenty left, so might make something with the grey marle on the outside next time…
Details:
Cardigan; the “wearing a square” design from Pattern Magic 2 by Tomoko Nakamichi, made of blue/grey mystery fabric
Dress; Burda 8511 modified to be fully lined, made of tobacco coloured wool mix
Tights; Kolotex
Boots; Andrea and Joen, from Uggies in Dunsborough
Pattern magic again!!
this is a design i want to make and no time till now…
We are always in need of a lovely little cardigan, and this one is really perfect on you.
i like the combo "formal dress" + "design cardigan". Work well!!
xxx from france!
I love your cardigan. I will definitely make this when I get the book!
Cool! looks fab on you!
Your posts using Pattern Magic, are just egging me to take out my book and get drafting! but alas they will have to wait till Sew Skirts September! but are surely the next thing to do after the earlier twisted dress of yours!
You carry off that cardigan so beautifully. I would make it up, but I don't think that it would look anywhere near as cute on me. I loved your Marni inspired jacket from the previous post as well.
That's really neat. besides being an interesting trick, it looks nice on you!
Okay, I think I may have to make this. I love how unique, yet simple it is. All the colors in your outfit look fantastic together.
Very chic and modern looking 🙂
What a great cardigan. I am itching to find some suitable fabric and to have a go at sewing a cardigan. The dress looks good too. Love the colour combo.
Love this! The construction looks so interesting, and the finished cardigan is really cool!
I always love seeing your Pattern Magic designs. They're always so groovy and 'cutting edge'. They seem to really go with your personal style. This is just another fabulous example.
Great jacket. I love the edgy designs in this book. Perhaps I should make up one of my blouses or tshirts from the Japanese patterns.
adorable! you make a square look so good!
An interesting design which looks great. Love the zip closure. I love seeing your Pattern Magic designs, they always look so good.
BTW thanks for letting me know about my profile access. I didn't realize the settings were changed. All fixed now! I hope.
That's amazing! When I studied fashion design, pretty much all I did was played around with draping squares and circles on the dressmaker's dummy and it's amazing how much cool stuff you can make.
Wow. I love the simplicity of the design *and* how cool it looks worn. Very nice!
IncrÃvel! You're wearing an arrow!
Kisses.
This top fascinated me too. It is great to see it irl.
I just bought both the books, and this was the pattern I wanted to start with! This looks great!
Amazing to see the end product…after the pattern.
That jacket is so cute! Is it comfortable to wear?
Thank you all! Yes, shams, it is comfy to wear, although I say again to check your forearm measurement. MIne is about 22cm, and was still a tad snug to start with, over the course of the day it happily stretched out and is now perfect…
What a cool cardigan design! Looks so comfy.
The cardigan looks so edgy, but lis perfect with the classic dress. I like the front zip, nicely casual.
Amazing how that turns into a cute jacket!
Reblogged!
http://technosnobbery.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/radical-self-reliance-wearing-a-square-tomoko-nakamichis-pattern-magic-2/