Do you recognise this pattern? Yes this is the Aster cardigan designed by Vanessa from lbg studio for Willow and Co.
Everything you have heard about this pattern is true. If you have not come across the Aster cardigan before - it is a fabulously designed pattern with great clear instructions suitable for a confident beginner. The result is a gorgeous cropped cardigan with 3/4 sleeves, cutest collar (regular as shown or with faux piping) and romantic button closure. It is perfect for spring. Little Monkey's cardigan is size 3 around her chest and size 5 length. She mainly grows upwards, so I am hoping she will get a lot of wear out of her new cardi.
While my daughter needed a new cardigan, I needed a positive experience sewing with knits. You see, last time I tried to sew knit fabric my machine chewed on it. OK, I prefer to blame the machine because I don't want to admit the operator (me that is) may have done something wrong.
Little Monkey's Aster is made out of Ponte Drill fabric I bought from House of Cloth. This fabric slightly damaged by bank balance but it was great to sew. It is stretchy enough and has great recovery. It is relatively thick, so once I got to attaching the collar I had to rethink what I was going to do with the binding. I didn't have any matching lighter weight knit fabric so I used a scrap of grey fabric I had left after making this little dress a long time ago. Hoarding scraps of fabric totally paid off this time!
I wanted a cardi that my daughter could wear with just about anything, so when it came to choosing buttons I was not sure what to do. I had a few navy buttons, but they looked too boring on a navy cardi. Going for a different colour did not feel right. Then my eye caught these three buttons I scored from an op shop - the blue on the buttons matched the colour of the cardi perfectly, while the golden edge made them stand out and added a little fun factor I was after.
Very nice Jenya. I do love the Aster cardigan pattern, although I made one with a light to medium fabric, I think your choice of fabric is much better. Should try the next time.
ReplyDeleteThank you Maria. Yes I wanted thicker fabric. The collar binding needed thinner fabric though. Gotta find your version!
DeleteThis is adorable!
ReplyDeleteThank you Krista :)
DeleteThe buttons are the perfect way to finish off this sweet little cardigan, Jenya.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam. I could not believe my luck when I finally saw those buttons! And I have only had 3 :)
DeleteThis is amazing! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachel. I want to make at least a couple more!
DeleteIt come out perfect Jenya! This is such a great pattern right?!!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a fabulous pattern :) Love it!
DeleteCute!! I vote Aster as one of my all time favourite patterns ever. Ponte would add warmth too - great choice!
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee :) Yep I am totally in love with this patter now too. After my initial freak out about the collar I now think Ponte is a great choice for this pattern. I do want to try lighter weight fabric, too :) And faux piping :)
DeleteSuper cute cardi! And your button choice is great, as it also makes it easy to wear with other colors. Isn't this a great pattern? It's just a great basic to have on hand and lends itself to so many customization options. Eager to see the others you sew up!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lucinda. Oh I am in the camp of Aster lovers for sure! I have already seen a few customised Aster cardis, and they are all wonderful!
DeleteThat is so adorable great job Mummy!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mel :)
DeleteVery cute cardi, the fit seems perfect!
ReplyDeleteThe little kids do say something funny don't they...recently I had to correct my daughter what "jealous" means...she was using the word to describe "mad" ;o
Thank you Annie. Jealous... mad... almost the same thing ;) Kids do say the funniest things!
DeleteSo cute! I want one in my size :)
ReplyDeleteOh thank you! I want one in my size as well!
Delete