Paro Cardigan – Itch to Stitch

I’ll start by saying the obvious (once you see the photos of me wearing it!) I’m classing this as a Fail. In fairness, this is largely my own fault. I used a fabric with more stretch than recommended, so I sized down. However looking at the finished measurements of the garment I really should have sized down again at the waist and hip as there’s a fair amount of ease built in. That, coupled with the pleats, means that it just looks mammoth on me and deeply unflattering – I feel reeeeeally wide in it!!!!

The pattern does have really clear instructions for how to redraft the pattern to get the fit you want including how to tighten up the back which, in hindsight, I really would also have really benefited from.

If you’re planning to make it, I strongly recommend looking at the finished measurements and use a jersey without much ‘spring’ to it (or else topstitching those pleats down!)

The full review and dodgy pictures of me wearing it can be accessed via my blog! www.sewsarahsmith.com

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