I really wanted to actually sew a cardigan for this tour. I had the hardest time actually finding the right pattern that I wanted though.
Which I guess was kind of the whole point of this tour.
I did some searching on Old Navy’s website trying to find the style of cardigan that I was looking for. These two were the ones that caught my eye the most.
I really like the long length of the second cardigan but not sure if that length suits me. I don’t really want to look like a big shapeless blob from the back, but it looks comfy. I also prefer the neckline on the second one. It’s more straight up-and-down, I find the v-neck ones tend to hook on to my chest and just emphasize them more than I want them to be emphasized.
But I do like the first one as well. Especially in that teal, ha and that length. (Teal and aqua are my favourite colours. I made my first cardi in a pretty teal sweater knit).
So after writing that all out, I’ve decided that my ultimate cardigan pattern would have the neckline of the second in the length of the first. With dropped shoulders like the first, although I do like the very slightly dropped shoulder of the second cardigan. 3/4 length sleeves are preferable. Buttons not necessary (I never button up my cardigans).
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Contender #1: Canyon Cardigan by Love Notions
The version on the bottom right fits the neckline I’m looking for and includes different body styles (a-line, gathered and waterfall). The pocket is a little silly though, it’s kind of high and small but I guess it’s useful for stashing your cellphone and maybe a couple tissues. Has 3/4 length sleeves but no dropped-shoulder.
Contender #2: The Grandpa Cardi from Patterns for Pirates*
The length is right. The neckline is good (it’s supposed to be a v-neck but the shawl collar versions look less v-neck, which is a plus for me). Pockets look useable (although a little awkward-looking). Front and back pieces are all one piece (as opposed to the Canyon Cardigan above, meaning it’s a faster sew). Has 3/4 length sleeves but no dropped shoulder.
Contender #3: Cambridge Cardigan from Peek-a-boo Patterns*
Not really a contender but I included it anyway. It doesn’t have the 3/4 length sleeves option, and they’re not dropped shoulder either. It’s similar in style to the teal cardigan from Old Navy but it looks to be a lot slimmer fit and a little shorter than I wanted.
Contender #4: Jalie 3248 Drop Pocket Cardigan
I really like this one even though it’s not that super similar to the Old Navy cardigans. I like the length and the neckline of this one, and the pockets. The shoulder looks similar to the second Old Navy cardigan though, slightly dropped. It doesn’t have the 3/4 length sleeves option although that’s probably an easyish mod to do.
Contender #5: Boyfriend Cardigan by Love Notions
This one is pretty much exactly the second cardigan from Old Navy. It has the dropped shoulders and the length is the same. Again it doesn’t have the 3/4 length sleeves, and I don’t want it quite that long. On some of the testers in the photos on the website the cardigans look really baggy, which I don’t want. Something loose, yes, but baggy, no.
Which one to choose?? Oh decisions, decisions.
The Jalie is on my to-sew list, and has been for awhile, so I will be sewing this one up for sure. But in terms of finding the one that best fits my ‘look’ criteria, I think I have to go with the Boyfriend Cardigan from Love Notions. Unfortunately I don’t own this one but do own a couple of the other ones I listed so I may sew one of those ones up first, ha. Eventually I will sew my ultimate cardigan. 😉
