Pattern Review: Madison Cardigan by Style Sew Me

I need another cardigan like I need a hole in my head!  Where did that saying come from lol?  I have a few ready to wear cardigans and a few handmade cardigans, I really didn’t need another but this one was soo cute!  I’m less picky about big 4 patterns because of their sale price, but I wanted to try this one, it was long and it had a nice curved center front.

Style Sew Me is an indie company, small woman owned, minority business.  The product is good and she was having a sale.  I took the opportunity to try something different, from someone different and added a piece to my collection.  This cardigan is anything but basic and I’m happy with the outcome.  Most people think most indie patterns are too basic, this isn’t the case here. 

I wasn’t for redrafting or grading up an ungodly amount of sizes (insert triple eye roll) so I was happy this was a multi size pattern.  I’m not sure if the size chart was extended but I thought I recalled the earlier patterns were on the smaller side of the size range, I can’t remember.  I’m just not sure why I haven’t’ tried this pattern company before, there are so many independent pattern companies that have great designs, I need to try a few more, maybe I’d have less patterns lol.  What are a few of your favorite independent pattern companies and why?  I’m looking for size inclusive brands.

Pattern Description:

 
Madison is the stylish cardigan your closet needs for the fall. Her drape will turn heads and she’s a quick and easy sew!

SEWING LEVEL: Confident beginner (knits, princes seam, curved hem)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

 
Yes, however the pattern drawing doesn’t show that this caridgan has back princess seams, this is a really nice surprise.  It also doens’t show that it has a two piece sleeve which is also a very, very nice feature for a knit.  When you see photos of the designer you can tell there’s a two piece sleeve.  Also there’s a sew a long on Youtube and you’ll also see a few of these details.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

 
Yes, very easy, these are basic instructions and for an indie pattern they closely resemble what you would get from Burda, however it’s such an easy piece, it’s not really necessary to go into sooo much detail.  Also, there’s a sew a long so that’s a great supplement to the written instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 
I really like the back princess seams and the two piece sleeve, this allows for great fit with the shaping opportunities.  The length is good too, I’m tall and I didn’t need to make a length adjustment for the hem.  however in the future I will need to lengthen the sleeve, I feel they are a bit short.  I also think the armscye could be a bit short for the larger size, even with fabric with stretch it felt a little tight. 
Fabric Used:

I used a light weight Jersey I purchased last year on black Friday.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I lengthened the back shoulder length increasing the length of the armsye in back.  I did a forward shoulder adjustment, broad shoulder adjustment and a bicep adjustment.  I also did a  cheater FBA but cutting the 1x at the shoulder and neckline and grading up to the 1X at the bust and 2x at the hip. When I placed my basic block on the front and back bodice portion, I could tell the shoulder slope was good but the armscye was too short and I would need a little more ease through the bust.  I forgot to lengthen the sleeve (insert eye roll) but I add a little rouching to the sleeve to make it three quarter sleeve.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, I think it’s a good pattern and totally worth the money.  I hope to make it into a coatigan this spring and maybe figure out how to crop it for a shorter cardigan.