As the month is coming to an end, it’s time to share what my reviewers’ group has been making. November’s pattern of choice was the Nikki cardigan and I was so impressed by everyone’s versions.
If you don’t already know it, I have a reviewers group set up and every month there is a call for one specific pattern from my range. They have approximately 30 days to make it and post a review on their social media or blog. The only thing I ask from them is to be honest in what they say 🙂 The group is currently closed as more than 500 people signed up during the first call, but keep an eye out on my Instagram stories for future calls. I plan to have new people on board every few months to mix things up.
So, without any further ado, let’s move on to the makes and reviews!
“This is my second Nikki cardigan and it’s such an easy pattern to sew up. Two hours start to finish without rushing. This shorter length is flattering and the hem band and cuffs mean there is no tricksy hemming. The instructions are easy to follow and the pattern pieces are well drafted. The nice thing about this pattern is it looks so different, depending on the fabric and length you use. Such a useful little cardigan which will go with so much in my wardrobe -trousers and skirts!”
“This morning I made the Nikki cardigan. What an absolute pleasure! This was such a straightforward sew that I had it done in a couple of hours! It’s such a versatile cardi, you could make it in a knit or ponte for a different look!”
You can watch Andreanne’s review on her YouTube channel HERE.
“This is a great little cardigan pattern that is perfect for both beginners and more advanced sewists. It is definitely worth a look if you’re in the market for some new cardigans!”
Whitney has made the short version of the Nikki Cardigan out of a double knit fabric. Read her review on her blog or watch her video.
This is an easy pattern to sew up, especially if you have an over locker, but can also easily be done on a sewing machine. It’s designed for beginners and there really isn’t anything difficult about it, there are no fastenings and it’s made to wrap around with a belt. I made it up in this lovely sage green embossed ponte that I got from my local fabric store. It’s a bit of a snuggle cardi and that’s exactly what I was going for. I made the longer version because even at only 5’1 I do love a long cardigan and I think with jeans and boots there is no reason why us shorties shouldn’t embrace a longer length. As I have a bust I graded a size down in the shoulders and then out to my busy size, but actually think I could have got away with grading a size down overall because there is plenty of room in it. The instructions are easy to understand and Athina always does a sew a long on her you tube channel, I didn’t need that as the instructions were so clear”.
I couldn’t be happier that this was my first knit make, or how it turned out. When I started this project, I instantly knew what I wanted. Athina’s burgundy version was something I kind of aspired to but I knew how to make it mine. Trying on the finished garment for the first time I was super excited. The feel when the cardigan goes on is just gorgeous. I decided that I wasn’t going to add the belt loops to the main cardi though. I know that I will probably wear it open 95% of the time but I do like the option of the belt for every now and then and that means the loops just weren’t necessary for me. For this reason, I decided to use a contrasting thread to topstitch the belt so I could glam it up a little.
I will definitely be making another cardigan in the near future and have a few things in mind for it already. I don’t think I’ll make any adjustments to the pattern next time as I’m over the moon with the fit.
You can read the entire Sherelle’s review on her blog.
I was lucky enough to be chosen to review this pattern. It is a very well drafted pattern with impeccable instructions a beginner sewist could do well to follow. It comes together quickly and easily. What I like most about the Nikki Cardigan is it’s versatility. I made 3 versions, in 3 completely different types of fabric. I made the cropped version for all of them as this suits my figure. Spring and autumn are the seasons in which I always reach for cardigans, so this pattern is perfect for spring in Australia. Overall I recommend this pattern as easy to sew, and having the versatility to make the most casual, but also quite dressy garments. I will be making further versions- my dressy version and one in a Ponte.
You can find Carrie’s video review HERE.
And that was it for November! Can’t wait to see what everyone will be making for December’s pattern review 🙂
Hope you enjoyed seeing their versions. Until the next time, happy sewing!
Athina
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