Simplicity 2603 Cardi-Wrap...like the DKNY Cozy

Check it out. 10 Ways to wear the Simplicity 2603 cardi-wrap (almost identical to the DKNY "Cozy"). I just finished sewing this today and thanks to my personal photographer, you can see 10 different ways to wrap and tie this cardi-wrap-cozy. ... beginning with ...


Here are some of the alternatives...




Keep in mind I didn't have a mirror as I wrapped and tied these variations standing out in the driveway. The ties in the previous picture and in this next one are uneven. I said to B: "I need a stylist, so she could get my garments to look just right before the shoot.... or maybe the stylist would be a he"

B. says "Both. You need two stylists, baby. Minimum"

Here's the strange shape of this thing. I've never cut out such a huge front piece for a garment, and never sewn anything this unusual. Isn't it wierd?

The next three alternatives would look better if I could have seen what I was doing (or if my team of stylists had been there ). I hope you can get the idea.

This one really turned out wrong. Extra bumps where they don't belong.



Here's the review I posted on patternreview.com

Pattern Description: Cardi-wrap

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Exactly

Were the instructions easy to follow? The first time I made it, I cut out the wrong back piece, and that was a disaster, resulting in a horribly bumpy shoulder line. After I bought more fabric and made it again, it was easy as can be.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love everything about it. So easy. Can be worn so many ways. It's warm and cozy.

Fabric Used: cotton rib knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: 1. I added 5 inches to the sleeves (without the added cuff). They hit right at the wrist. I wish I had added another inch or two. 2. I added 2 inches to the center back and then cut a gentle curve to the side seam because on my first one it looked shorter in the center back. That probably due to my back. One inch would have been enough, but I don't mind how it's slightly longer in the center back now. 3. I didn't narrow hem the outer edges, since several reviewers didn't ... but my fabric looks like it will need it. It's not that it ravels, but it has already started to look tattered on the pointed edge where I've tied it in knots. I'm worried about ruining a totally cute cozy by hemming that looks awful. Any advice before I screw it up would be greatly appreciated.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I will. I will.

Conclusion: Most fun pattern I've made in a long time.

Oops...The Cozy that bit the dust: Simplicity 2603 cut out wrong

I started this last evening. I was having a heck of a time fitting the upper neck and shoulder seams, matching dots, etc. But nothing lined up. I couldn't figure out what "they" had done wrong in the drafting. I went back to the pattern review gallery to see if anyone else was having the problem I was.

Finally I figured it out: I had cut out the WRONG back piece. The pattern includes 2 different back pieces: one for the cardi-wrap and another one for the sleeveless shell. You can see (below) how radically different they are, and clearly explains why nothing lined up. But I forced it, stretching everywhichway. Result: ugly lumpy shoulder and neck edge. I was going to rip it out and re-do it, but wasn't inspired. I set the whole mess aside, went out today and bought new fabric and started over. It's almost done ... just need to hem the sleeves... (that's what I get for staying up too late to sew).