One of my favourite things to do is take one of my patterns and make a couple changes to get something new. The Carkeek that I am sharing with you today is really filling a hole in my wardrobe, lightweight layer for cool summer evenings. And with just a couple changes to the pattern as written you have what I am calling my Carkeek remix.
As you hopefully already know, the Carkeek dress is a free pattern available in 4 sizes that is available for download here.
With the weather all over the place lately here in Seattle, I am always looking for a layer to throw in my purse that isn’t too warm. I usually have one of the many Laurelhurst I have made in my purse but even that is too much sometimes. When I looked at the lines of the dolman sleeve and the shoulder accent in the Carkeek I had a lightbulb moment and thought I could just make it into a drapey cardigan which is perfect for the summer.
To modify the pattern it really was just a matter of two small changes. For one I went ahead and shortened the pattern by 3 inches. While it is pictured here with jeans I also tried it on with shorts and it was the perfect length so you could tell I was wearing shorts and not just a super super short dress.
To make it open in the front you will be cutting the back on the fold as the original pattern states and the front as 2 mirror images.
And to finish it off you can omit the bias tape and just go the easy peasy route and do a 1/4″ double fold hem on all raw edges. This leaves you with a nice finish for the inside of your wrap. For another fun element to your wrap, consider cutting your shoulder accent pieces on the bias so that your fabric pattern is a different direction.
What a great idea – I love it!
Brilliant idea Kimberly
I’m just getting ready to make a carkeek dress and now i want a cardigan too! lol You’ll have me sewing a wardrobe for myself in no time with all these awesome options!