Ottobre Design Woman 02/2015 no. 13 Knit Cardi | x3

Can one have too many layering pieces?  Methinks not as I've recently completed 3 knit cardigans of Ottobre Design Woman 02/2015 no. 13 Knit Cardi pattern, with no modifications or alterations to each.  Simply carbon copies so to speak.

Outfit details here

The photo above and below is of the exact same cardi.  This was my first 'test' version and as you can tell from the lovely Fall backdrop, made back in November 2018.  My 'test' version turned out to be my favorite!  This fabric is a strange sweater-ish texture on the right side and almost net-like on the wrong side that I got at WalMart years ago for a mere $1.00/yard.  Because of the net-like weave, thought it'd be a weird thing to wear, but am finding it perfect to layer.  It keeps me warm, yet no bulk, and what you 'see' is a sweater texture.

Outfit details here

This ribbed black knit, below, with a silk-like 'wrong' side was THE fabric.... and this is my least favorite version.  Go figure!  Anyway.... this fabric is s-t-r-e-t-c-h-y and within a few wears has stretched out into an almost oversize type of wear than a tailored wear.  See how I have to shove the sleeves up?  If I didn't they'd swallow my hands.  Because of the slouchiness am wearing this more around the house and to casual places.

Outfit details here

And oh what a lovely back drape/cut the pattern gives you.  With a shorter front tapered gently to a longer back, it covers the derriere nicely.  Particularly when you want to wear a pair of leggings and want..... um.... need!..... some coverage back there.

The 3rd and so far final version is out of this utterly lovely lightweight sweater knit I bought a few months ago at my local only open once a month fabric textile outlet center All About Fabrics.  When I was checking out, one of the owners told me this was a designer knit they'd sourced from California.  I thought the print was interesting and quite different from what I'd usually choose.

 A bold, graphic print of gray, black, rust red with faint silver stitching throughout..... I tried to take all that into consideration when placing my pattern pieces.  This pattern only has 3 pattern pieces.  I drew out pocket pieces and cut out of fashion fabric, but am worried my knit is too thin to properly support them so this is still sans pockets as are all the versions made to-date.  There are no closures on this pattern.  It is designed to simply meet in the middle like it's styled below.

It pairs perfectly with the new Itch to Stitch Turtleneck and this is how I wore it today.  The front pieces are simply turned under 5/8" and top-stitched.  I chose to top-stitch with a zig zag on this version, as on version #1.  On the black version I used one of my machine's decorative stitches.

 I like the way Ottobre has you finish the neckline all nice and tidy.  I used some black binding from the stash and even though the instructions neglect to mention clip that seam..... please clip that seam as I forgot and my binding pulled horribly on this knit in an awful way and there was lots of unpicking, clipping and re-stitching to be done.  It lies nice and flat now.  She also has a nice finish for how the front turns back on the back neckline binding and has you stabilize the shoulder seams with elastic.  Feel I am finally mastering that technique well.  All seams were serged.  The sleeves are sewn in flat and with the gentle armscye curve, is easy to do right on the serger.

You can see here how far the length comes down on the Ottobre miniskirt.  Am also pleased with the back fabric placement.

 Trying to show the angle from front to back here.  It's nice and gentle.  Adore this length.

Overall I really like this pattern and will definitely make more.  Once you get going, it can be completed in a couple of hours.  And with no head-scratching or frustrating construction.  Nice.

Burda top, Ottobre leggings

EDITED TO ADD:  New cardi in play.....

Outfit details here

Happy Sewing All!  :)