Crafting A Rainbow

Pop quiz: Do you know what “scroop” means? I sure didn’t, until Leimomi created Scroop Patterns! It means the rustle of silk taffeta – and isn’t that a delicious mental sound?

I’ve never actually sewn silk taffeta, but I was very happy to be a pattern tester for the latest Scroop pattern: the Mahina Cardigan! There have been a few tweaks to the pattern since testing, but nothing to change the overall look.

The highest praise I can give this pattern is that the drafting/fitting system reminds me of my beloved Cake Espresso Leggings! You pick a shoulder size by measuring your shoulder width, and choose the right sleeve size based on your bicep measurement. Combine that with your choice of small, medium, large or oval body, and about 4 different options for finishing the edge, and you get a very customized cardigan!

Here’s what I love about it:

• Great stashbuster! It works with any fabric with 25-40% stretch, from ponte to wool to jersey or ponte. I used this midweight poly sweater knit that has been in my stash for 5+ years.
• Inclusive sizing. Leimomi started making patterns after lots of experience teaching sewing classes, and she has designed for a range of figures right from the start.
• I love clever design! I’ve remembered this design for YEARS since Leimomi did her original self-drafted version… who could forget this Jedi photoshoot? I’ve honestly thought on and off about hacking my own version ever since, but trust me, whatever I figured out would not have been this smart! There are some darts helping with the shaping (but not where I would ever have put them) and I love the fitting system.

That said, I’ve already given it away! I knew even as I sewed it that it would suit my sister better than me. I tend to not like circular hems on cardigans because they tend to accentuate my wide hips. Nothing against my hips – I like ’em just fine! It’s something about the visual proportions though. I also like sharp square styles more than gentle round shapes. Finally, I find the collar ever so slightly fussy on me – as you can see in the pictures above, it sits a bit funny if I don’t pull it into place carefully. I wish it sat more snugly at the neck and stayed in place. That’s very personal though – Kibbe would perhaps say that this is a Natural or Romantic style, so it will look lovely on people who suit those soft draped feminine lines!

So there we have it, The Scroop Mahina Cardigan! If this is your style, you are going to love the pattern! It can be everything from cosy to elegant depending on fabric, and is a lovely quick sew!