I've been looking to add more light layering pieces to my wardrobe, and this cardigan is exactly that! This is the True Bias Brynn cardigan, and I decided to make it with the Minerva Core Range Heavy Viscose Rib Stretch Knit fabric in the Ivory colorway. It's especially tricky to find a rib knit fabric that's the right weight and that has the right amount of elasticity, and I'm happy to say that this fabric is a great match!

I chose to make the long-sleeved and hip-length version of this pattern (View C) for maximum versatility. I find that hip-length cardigans are easy to wear tucked or untucked, and the long sleeves can always be pushed up to the elbows. That way, I'll be able to wear this cardigan in most of the weather that the shoulder seasons throw at us.

This fabric was surprisingly easy to cut out and sew. It wasn't too shifty or squishy, and it especially didn't get sucked easily into my machine's needle plate, as very stretchy fabrics have a tendency to do. I used a stretch needle and my machine's walking foot, as well as a lightning-shaped stretch stitch on most of the seams, and a three-step zig-zag stitch for any topstitching.

I was especially worried about making sure that the hems wouldn't turn wavy as I stitched them. To prevent this effect as much as possible, I cut out strips of double-stick Vliesine Stretchfix and ironed them to the hemline to help keep the hem in place as I stitched it. I'm not sure if it was this or how well the fabric cooperated, but those seams turned out relatively neat! Hooray!

I am very happy with the way this cardigan turned out - both in shape and versatility! I really love the V-neck neckline and softly curved side seams. I made a straight size 0 corresponding to my bust and high hip measurements, and I think the fit turned out just right. It's not too loose or too tight and is very comfortable to wear.

The shape and fit of this cardigan especially remind me of my high school years in the early 2000s, and playing with the different ways this cardigan could be worn (with certain buttons fastened or left loose to create different silhouettes) immediately brought me back! I can't wait to wear this cardigan more often when the weather turns chillier.

Thank you for reading,

Sarah

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