Review: Paprika Patterns Opal Cardigan (a reversible version!)
I never thought I would be reviewing a long oversized cardigan. But lately I'm feeling the need to curl up on my couch in the most comfortable clothing possible. Sundays are my lounge days, so here I am wearing a typical Sunday outfit: leggings or thights, over the knee socks, long t-shirt dress and a cosy cardigan. *love*
So, when I read Lisa's call for pattern reviewers for her new Opal cardigan, I jumped upon the opportunity. I mean, oversized, long and knits. That sounds very comfortable to me!
After making the Onyx shirt, I was also pretty sure that this pattern would be top notch in terms of drafting, so I got to it.
I decided on using a bulky knit I've bought in Paris last November. There was one problem: I couldn't decide which side of the fabric I prefered. So I decided to make the cardigan reversible. This also meant all instructions were put aside. I read through them and I can say, as always, Lisa's instructions are on point and guide you through all the steps necessary to complete a cosy cardigan. I must warn you though, since I made a reversible cardigan, this post is picture heavy!
Last weekend I wore it to a weekend with friends and upon arrival the house we've rented was SO cold I was very happy to have packed my Opal! Since it's a wool fabric, it's super warm and it made for perfect layering over all of my other sweaters. It also doubled as a robe over my pajamas. No double packing for me :-)
Next time, I might size down a bit or use a slinkier fabric for a less bulky look, but with the purpose in mind, this cardigan really rocks!
PS: looking for the perfect fabric for your Opal cardigan? Lisa has teamed up with Gorgeous Fabrics and if you order through their sweater knit section (only full-priced fabrics) you get a 20% discount! The code is PAPRIKA20 and it lasts until March 15th!
*Disclaimer: I received this pattern for free in exchange for a review. All opinions and views are my own!
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First: let's check out the pattern!
The Opal cardigan is a PDF pattern, that comes with a copy shop version too. I don't mind taping pattern while watching Gossip Girl or Project Runway, so I went with the print-at-home version. Everything lined up perfectly, so I was happily taping away! Opal is described as a cardigan with a relaxed fit and dropped shoulders. It comes with 2 sleeve lengths, 3 hem lengths and 2 types of pockets, designed to work with the different lengths. Front openings and neckline are finished with bands. The sleeves have wide cuffs and the hem is finished using a turn and stitch method.
I decided on using a bulky knit I've bought in Paris last November. There was one problem: I couldn't decide which side of the fabric I prefered. So I decided to make the cardigan reversible. This also meant all instructions were put aside. I read through them and I can say, as always, Lisa's instructions are on point and guide you through all the steps necessary to complete a cosy cardigan. I must warn you though, since I made a reversible cardigan, this post is picture heavy!
Details
- Pattern: Paprika Patterns - Opal Cardigan
- Fabric: Les Etoffes du Sentier, Paris - wool knit, €30/metres
- Size: 3
- Version: B, medium length with long length sleeves, no pockets.
Alterations + Construction
- I altered the neckline into a V-shape. I don't like round necklines on me. I simply connected the shoulder seam to notch A on the front (Stéphanie tried it and I loved the look on her)
- I cut out all pattern pieces single layer to save on fabric; I plan on using it for other items too.
- Even though I picked length B, which hits Lisa on the mid-thigh, I'm quite shorter so ended up with a knee-length version. Which was exactly what I wanted! I'm 5'3" on a good day, so if you are equally short and want a shorter cardigan, you will need to adapt your pattern pieces!
- Since my cardigan was going to be reversible. I sewed all seams on the overlocker and topstitched them down using a zigzag stitch. I tested it out on a scrap first and really loved the look. Below are some detail shots of those seams.
- I finished the neckline and front with one continious piece of binding. I used the selvedge of the fabric on the "white" side of the fabric and the other side on the darker side. This added some embellishment to the lighter side.
- The hem was finished using the overlocker. You can hardly see it but it's finished.
- Since it was reversible, I omitted the pockets. I love pockets in my cardigan, but a set on each side would have been way too bulky!
Last weekend I wore it to a weekend with friends and upon arrival the house we've rented was SO cold I was very happy to have packed my Opal! Since it's a wool fabric, it's super warm and it made for perfect layering over all of my other sweaters. It also doubled as a robe over my pajamas. No double packing for me :-)
Next time, I might size down a bit or use a slinkier fabric for a less bulky look, but with the purpose in mind, this cardigan really rocks!
PS: looking for the perfect fabric for your Opal cardigan? Lisa has teamed up with Gorgeous Fabrics and if you order through their sweater knit section (only full-priced fabrics) you get a 20% discount! The code is PAPRIKA20 and it lasts until March 15th!
*Disclaimer: I received this pattern for free in exchange for a review. All opinions and views are my own!
Want more like this? Subscribe to the happy mail to stay in touch!