To shrug to not to shrug?
Sometimes readers, the simplest things in life (and sewing) are the best.
Let’s talk about my new shrug… it’s a very simple pattern (number 4) from May Me.
The pattern is a large rectangle (the main piece) and two small rectangles (the cuffs). The instructions were in Japanese, but the diagrams where clear and it was a very quick sew.
The fabric is a light grey wool which I bought at the Clear It (Alanah Hill) Outlet last year. The edges of the fabric don’t fray so there was zilch overlocking involved. I decided the wool was too thick for a double fold hem, as per the instructions, so I bound the edge with some voile from the stash.
This project was just what I needed to get back into some selfish sewing. If you follow me on Instagram (@bloglessanna) then you’ll know that although quiet in these parts, I’ve been madly sewing and crafting for our school fair (all done now!), hosting a cocktail party, buying fabric, attending a knitting machine classes and making more Nessie Tops.
Back to this project… I’m definitely a shrug convert. There will be more in my life. I’m evening toying with the idea of converting this sewing pattern into a machine knitting pattern. Watch this space…
Pattern: Pattern No 4 from May Me (Japanese pattern book)
Size: One size
Fabric: Light grey wool from Clear It (Alanah Hill) Outlet
Alterations: The hem was bound with some voile from the stash.
Accessories: Necklace and dress from Scarlett Jones & shoes from Zomp.
I really like it and I think it would be perfect style to machine knit!
Thanks Kate. After battling with a tricky neckline today… a neckline-less pattern, like this shrug, is definitely my cup of tea.
Wow, Anna, it’s gorgeous! Nice photos, too.
Thanks Jane. My friend Sharon takes an awesome photo.
Lovely. I didn’t pick the finished garment from the pattern shapes – it looks fabulous on and I adore the bound hem!! Definitely more shrugs in the future 😉
And it’s so easy to wear! I felt like a cheat with the bound hem as I cut the binding on the straight grain because there were no curves & it used much less fabric!
LOVE LOVE LOVE it! And I’m so excited, I’m doing a happy lil dance in my chair because I have that book!!! It’s going on my to-sew list. I must confess that I wasn’t at all attracted to the shrug because the photos in the book didn’t look very interesting, They should use your photo instead! .Yes, now that you mention it, it would be good in a knit.
A simple pattern with lots of potential. I can’t wait to see your version(s). I’m currently tracing the green dress from the same book…
It’s so nice, it’s looks all warm and snuggly but also sort of sophisticated and casually elegant. Very inspiring
It’s so easy to wear & this one us so warm. A fancy cardigan really. We’re off on a little driving holiday on Wed this shrug will be coming with me.
Looks very, very comfy.
And it hasn’t been off my back since I made it! Dreaming of a red, teal or another bright colour for version 2.
Teal would be my choice!
I don’t how I missed this one . Stunning shrug and photo. Was thinking it would be an awesome machine knit too. Or hand knit – something with a nice simple lace or textured stitch, could even be in a bulky weight for the instant gratification.
I wish I sewed half as well as you!
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It is great! I love the simplicity of it,
I remeber when I mother knitted for me such shug/vest many, many years ago. It was always funny to see confused friends of mine who tried to figure it out how to wear it.
I think I will make one again. It is very handy.
Thanks. I’m about to blog my second shrug and I’ve already brought fabric for a third! They are rather addictive.
I am going tomrrow to find some nice jersey or other knit fabic. It is difficult now as we have summer here. I will keep it in minde for the next fabric market 🙂
Love it Anna! I keep making dresses and then wondering what to put over the top to keep warm without it being a jumper and there being no point in wearing a dress. You’ve nailed it! I want one!!
The shrug-o-lution has started. I may have brought fabric for my third version!
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