Have you heard of the new pattern collection Willow & Co.?  Its a collective of 7 amazing designers that all created new patterns for this upcoming Spring/Summer line Wanderlust.  The collection is being released April 22nd but as a bit of a sneak peek I am joining others in the blog tour to show you one of the patterns being released, the Aster Cardigan by Vanessa of LBG Studios.

When I saw the call for testers I knew this was a piece that I would not only love to sew but would be a huge part of Sophie’s wardrobe, sure to be in constant rotation.  Who doesn’t love a cropped cardigan with peter pan collar and 3/4 sleeves.  I secretly want to find a way to upsize the 12 so I can have one myself.

The cardigan is best made with a medium weight stable knit like an interlock, ponte de roma, french terry or pique knit.  Since I can’t seem to steer away from stripes I grabbed this luxurious ponte de roma out of my stash, thanks to the always amazing Girl Charlee, because really could it be more perfect for this pattern.  I also love a good challenge of matching up my stripes.  Does that make me crazy?

The weather here in Seattle in the spring and summer is variable and layers are a must.  This cardigan is a perfect layer for the cool mornings and evenings of spring as well as those cool summer days.  Sewing for my kids requires pieces that are going to have use in multiple seasons as well as practical to wear on a daily basis.  The Aster Cardigan fits those requirements to a T, with the added bonus that Sophie absolutely loves it and wanted to wear it to bed last night.

The Aster has two collar options, a regular and a faux piping peter pan.  I tested the regular collar but after seeing the pictures of the faux piping I will definitely be making another to try out that method.  Vanessa does an amazing job of taking you through the steps for creating a fully enclosed placket as well an amazing looking collar.  Her steps and pictures are so clear that even if you start to doubt what you are doing, like I did, if you follow along you will arrive at a truly professional looking garment in the end.

I had such a great time testing this pattern.  Make sure to check out the Willow & Co. collective pattern release on the 22nd.  The other patterns included are sure to be just as amazing as the Aster Cardigan.