January, I believe, should be a time for rest. After the whirlwind that was December we are still in the middle of deepest, darkest winter and whilst I love the idea of setting goals, resolutions and intentions for the year ahead I don’t think now is the time to go full throttle on changing our lives.
The world is still in hibernation, we go to work in the dark after scraping ice off the car and come home in the dark craving comforting bowls of soups, stews and pasta and getting cosy on the sofa with a good book or new series. Talking of good books…
Current Read
I’ve always read a lot but with trying to spend less time mindlessly scrolling on Instagram I’ve been swapping that time for reading – whilst eating breakfast or lunch for example – and have read so much more in the last couple of months.
Currently I’m reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo which I am really enjoying. Reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn shares her story with reporter Monique, from her rise to fame in the 1950s to leaving show businesses in the 80s. Ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship and forbidden love. I’m about half way through but it is clear that there is a reason she has chosen Monique to share her story with which I’m really intrigued as to what that reason is.
Making Marlo
Leaning heavily into remaining in the cosy season, this month’s make is definitely hitting the spot. The True Bias Marlo Sweater. A gorgeously oversized cardigan that is pretty quick and simple to make and works perfectly for sumptuously snuggly sweater or cable knits. This beautiful blue sparkle viscose blend cable sweater knit was kindly gifted to me from Lamazi Fabrics and is honestly the softest squishiest fabric – perfect for a cardigan (although not the easiest one to sew with, more on that in a minute).
My measurements put me between a size 18 at the bust and a 28 at the hip, and this is why I love sewing! With such a big difference between my bust and hip trying to find a longer length cardigan or sweatshirt that I can wear more like a dress with leggings in the shops is not easy. They are either too big at my shoulders or far too small around my bum.
For the Marlo, I took a look at the finished measurements and decided to blend between an 18 and 24 as there was enough ease around the hips to keep it loose and comfortable. The only other alteration I made was to lengthen it by 4″ as I knew I’d want to pair this with my fleece lined leggings on really cold days and prefer a bit more bum coverage!
Fabric Vs Neckband
There are two options for finishing the neckband. The first is slightly easier and has you fold the neckband in half and sew the two long raw edges to the neckline in one pass before edgestitching the sweater to the seam allowance. The second method ensures all the raw edges are enclosed inside the neckband and is labelled as an intermediate method.
This is definitely more steps and a little tricker but super achievable, however… I caution you to consider which method you use based on your fabric. I have made two Marlo’s, both in a type of cable knit. The first pressed well and was a little easier to handle so was no problem at all with method number 2.
This blue cable knit, did not want to make friends with my iron which made version 2 really tricky. But I persevered because I prefer the finish and largely it turned out fine, however there is a little hump of fabric at the hem of the neckband that is bugging me. I know however that taking a seam ripper to cable knit won’t turn out well for me, so the hump stays and I’ll add my “It Is What It Is” Little Rosy Cheeks label inside!
So I would recommend you consider how your fabric behaves before you make your choice on which neckband method to sew. If it presses and handles well then crack on with whichever method you’re comfortable with!
Sewing Buttonholes in Thick Knits
One final tip I have for you, especially if you have chosen a thicker fabric is that you might have to sew your buttonholes upside down!
The seam where the neckband is attached to the sweater is quite thick so the buttonhole sensor that tells your machine (if using a one-step buttonhole function) how long to make the buttonhole kept getting triggered by the seam. Once I turned my garment upside down so that the bulky seam was on the right of the presser foot it was absolutely fine, no problem at all!
Final Thoughts
I need to make more! My personal preference is the longer length cardigan which pairs really nicely with a belt to cinch in around my waist and give a little extra shape. It has helped me get out of my “jeans and sweater” rut I often find myself in at this time of the year!
I will absolutely be making more in lightweight knits as well for the spring – more cable knits, brushed knits, waffle knits, sweater knits… you name it!
A big hats off to Andy who took these stunning photos at Lepe Beach in the New Forest on New Years Day – yes it was freezing and my coat went straight back on after we finished, but the results were well worth it, just look at that sky!
