If you haven’t guessed by now, the theme for February is Black History and proud to be Black. Last week, I did a real honest to God last minute DIY Graphic Hoodie w/ a Faux Leather Applique that is phenomenal and my favorite make to date. I’m talking about the design concept and the results but even the video and blog posts that went along with it were top notch.

This week we’re continuing on with the theme of rooting for everyone black by creating and reviewing a pattern from Mimi G. Style, someone well noted within this sewing space. I also chose to use buttons that I bought from Tabitha Sewer specifically for this style.

Annie cardigan review 1017 Delaya Briscoe

Little known fact, I first got interested in blogging in 2014. I created my first website on WIX, with the intentions of designing things, sewing them and then writing about it… much like I’m doing now… Unfortunately, it never got off the ground. As a young twenty-four year old, I dealt with imposter syndrome, not truly knowing the value of my single voice and I lacked a whole lot of vision, consistency and discipline.

Sometimes...oftentimes... I wonder where I would be now if I had put in the needed work back then. I also wonder what might have changed if I had someone to look up to in this digital space when I was starting out. What might have changed if I saw someone like me doing something similar and reaffirming the possibilities that could come? This is the value that I see in Mimi G Style, even today in the threshold of my 30s. It’s the value I see in Tabitha Sewer, Nefertiti (thecornyrainbow), Raven Maureen, BlueprintDIY, Anita Rivers, Daniela Tabois, and Kim Dave as well. All black women with different voices and styles, carving their own lanes in this sewing space and creating their own opportunities. It’s really, truly inspiring, uplifting and motivating. What I’m hoping to be myself.

Mimi G. Style’s Annie #1017 Cardigan

Pattern

The Annie is described as the perfect cardigan with a wide hem band and patch pockets. It’s a PDF printable pattern that comes with so much information, it’s not even funny. I was honestly a little overwhelmed with how much information this downloadable pattern had. It gives you the normal information, such as sizing, how to layout the patterns to cut and your sewing directions but it also gives you suggestions on the tools you should use, like the type of needle for instance. That’s something I don’t think I’ve ever come across.

Ample information aside, this style and pattern is very beginner friendly. It was easy to tape together. Might be a little easier if you have the space to lay it all out buy hey, I work with what I have.

The only negative marks I would give this pattern is because it doesn’t have button or button whole placement marks. The sewer has to determine where to put their own buttons and buttonholes and to a beginner, this could be a little challenging.

Modifications: I didn’t make any modifications starting out because I wanted to see how the pattern fit initially before altering it to my body.

Materials

Annie 1017 Cardigan Pattern

Sweater Knit (Personal stash)

Buttons

Pins

Scissors

Sewing Machine

Overlock Machine (Optional)

Buttonhole Presser Foot

Button Spacing Gauge

Cutting

Once the pattern was taped together, this style was easy to cut. Super easy. There were a handful of pieces and not many notches or marks to include so cutting was a breeze. If you’re using sweater knit, it is easy for the scissors to get caught in the open knit so I angle my scissors downward to combat that.

Sewing

Sewing is simple also. I followed the directions pretty much to the T with a few adjustments. First, I added the patch pockets on before any of the larger pieces were sewn together. This was because it’s easier to place and sew the pocket onto just the front piece and not have to worry about maneuvering and placing additional pieces while you’re sewing.

I did have a challenge with putting in buttonholes but I can’t blame the pattern for that. Looking back, if I knew where I’d place my buttonholes, I’d add fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the placket to stabilize the buttons and the buttonholes. I’d definitely recommend practicing on a scrap of fabric until you raised your confidence a little.

Critique

I like how it came out. Cardigans aren’t usually my thing but I see the patterns potential. They can look a little more elevated than hoodies and zip ups so that’s a positive. I already have other projects in mind so the pattern will definitely be put to use again.

Evaluation

It was an easy sew but I do realize that I forgot to/was too lazy to put in a step and it might have a lasting impact on this cardigan. The pocket openings droop and I don’t like that. Going forward, I’ll add some twill tape or light weight interfacing to keep that from happening.