April 1981 – Cardigan Finished!

​This is one of the bigger things I’ve made from these magazines and I think it turned out well.  I was concerned about the size being off but after blocking the sizing was fine.
 
About the pattern:
 
This pattern uses a crossed double crochet stitch that I really like the look of.  It makes the pieces in a way that reminds me of cutting fabric for a top.   You make these separate pieces; the back, the left front, the right front and the two sleeves as a flat piece.  The finishing instructions are: “Sew shoulder seams.  Set in sleeves.  Sew underarm and sleeve seams.”  
This pattern assumes you have some garment construction experience. 
 
How it went:
 
I didn’t have a lot of problems with this pattern but I did change a few things.   It starts each piece with a chain row and that felt a little flimsy when I worked the crossed double crochet stitch into it.   I took that out and did a single crochet foundation row instead and I think that made it a little easier to work into. 
 
After I sewed in the sleeves and tried it on I realized that the sleeves were way too long so I took a chance and make a small cut on each of them and unraveled that row to take out 3 inches on each of them.   Then I made a row of single crochets into the open loops to finish the sleeves.   It worked pretty well but after blocking they’re still too long.  I could have taken out another 3 inches on each side.   If I made this again I’d measure my arm from the shoulder to just below my elbow and make them ¾ length sleeves.  

One sleeve has been cut.

Here's their photo and mine:

​Next week I'll have the May choices ready!