Back in March, I made the Cashmerette Club Westmore Cardigan view B, and it turned out to be exactly what I wanted: a spring-weight coatigan with a bit of polish. I was looking for something that could bridge the gap between a cardigan and a jacket; something warm but not bulky, easy to layer, and with a little more shaping than the oversized coatigans I’ve seen floating around. What really drew me to the Westmore was the princess seam design. It’s such a small detail, but it makes a huge difference in terms of silhouette. It feels just a little dressier, a little more intentional, like something you could wear out to dinner or to the office (if I ever went to an office) without it reading too casual.
I made the size 16 E/F, as seems to be my Cashmerette size at the moment. The only change I made was shortening the sleeves by two inches, which is pretty standard for me. I also decided to skip the pockets. While I like the idea of them, and they are drafted to actually be anchored to the front princess seam, the fabric I used is very light in color and I worried the pockets might show through. In the end, I don’t miss them much. But if I made it again in a different fabric, I would probably make the pockets.
The fabric itself was a pleasure to sew with. I just love working with wool. It pressed well, had enough drape, and gave the coatigan the cozy-but-structured feel I was going for. That said, it’s definitely a little scratchy against bare skin, so I only wear it over long sleeves. It doesn’t bother me enough to regret the choice, but next time I might reach for something softer to get a bit more comfort and versatility. In hindsight, this fabric is better suited for a lined garment.
Construction was smooth overall. It’s a straightforward sew, except attaching the center fronts to the side fronts and back, which makes a 90 degree angle at the neckline. You have to clip into the seam allowance to sew it and that can be a bit nerve-racking for some people. Because I was working with thick fabric and it doesn’t fray, I didn’t finish the visible raw edges on the facings for the center fronts. You can, of course, serge, bind, etc. if you are using fabric that does fray. I did notice that they had a tendency to flip outward. I ended up stitching them down in a few discreet places to help keep everything in place.
I’ve worn the cardigan a lot since finishing it, and I love how easy it is to throw on and instantly look put together. It’s that rare combination of simple to make, easy to wear, and genuinely useful. I’d absolutely make it again, especially in a fabric better suited to indoor wear. And if you’re thinking about trying the Cashmerette Club Westmore Cardigan yourself, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s a great pattern for transitional weather, and a nice alternative to both a casual cardigan and a more formal coat.
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