Sewing Pattern Review: Halla's Comfy Cozy Wrap & Essie Cardigans

I love being warm and cozy - and being able to layer up is important to keep me from freezing in my basement office!

With our shocking news about Gideon's Osteosarcoma last month, my sewjo has been reduced to a trickle.  Providing hospice care for an 80lb lapdog Rhodesian Ridgeback takes priority. 

Once the initial shock wore off, and I wasn't crying every few hours, I finally made myself a Comfy Cozy Wrap Cardigan

I love the options available for this cardigan - but my favourite is the cross over cardigan top - I can pair it with a tank top underneath (or not, as it covers my bust area perfectly). 

It is warm enough that I can wear it on its own, or layer it if I'm going out in the deep cold. 

The options include:

- Cross front cardigan

- Cross front sweater

- Midline button up cardigan

- Half or long sleeves

- Cuff option for sleeves

It was an easy sew, and I made another one this past weekend - It's love!  

It covers my hips, the sleeves are perfect, and the instructions are easy to follow - no seam ripper needed!

I used Cotton Lycra for the sleeves and Star Wars Cotton Lycra for the main bodice - both from Water Tower Textiles. 

The Bands are actually from an old Le Chateau top that was just too small and weird - I wore the top twice, so the fabric is pretty new.  Upcycling at its best!!

The Essie Cardigan goes in line with my current adoration for Peplums. 

I am HIPPY. I have an hourglass shape. But after making my first Peplum last summer, I'm hooked. 

I got Essie on its release, but with no pattern testing going on during the holidays, I actually had time to make one of my non test patterns.  

This is my first project from 2019, and I love it! 

 

This isn't going to be my first Essie either - I love the fit, the flow, and diversity of the options, which include:
- Half & Long sleeves
- Short or Tall Cuffs; Bands
- Circle or Handkerchief Peplums, or Straight Cardigan
- Regular or Wide Shawl Collar
- Waistband with Waist Tie
- In Seam or Patch Pockets. 

Of course I love pockets, so mine has POCKETS!

 

Another easy to follow sew with the perfect fit as usual - this is why Halla is one of my main go-to patterns. I know it won't take me half a day to sew up a garment, and the fit will always be perfect based on measurements. 

My Fabric includes funky Canadian wild Cotton Lycra from Okee Dokee Fabrics, and Cotton Lycra Scraps for the band & waist tie along with lightweight sweater knit - both from Water Tower Textiles.

I think I will make the straight cardigan next - I lack a normal cardigan!  

Thank you, Halla, for your fabulous patterns xoxo

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