Wednesday, December 10, 2014

McCalls 6992: Tacky Christmas Sweater



My family has been sporting "tacky" Christmas sweaters for years now and I'm not even sure if they are actually tacky or are in fashion now. I think it may be a little of the latter....or at least I'm hoping! Cause I wore this one out in public and will again. I knew that it was okay when my son's girlfriend complimented my sweater...mind you she called it a tacky Christmas sweater but I took it as a name of sorts and not a description of distaste...


I was inspired to make this after seeing a jacket made by a lovely lady I know. She made Vogue 8430 using a boiled wool and then felted the design as was on the pattern sample. It turned out quite nice! I got to thinking about how I could make a sweater out of a camel colored boiled wool I had bought. Then I remembered that Lauren of Lladybird had made a sweater and I reread her post and took into consideration her tips and sought to find the perfect pattern to use.




Since boiled wool doesn't have much give to it, I knew that I needed to choose a loose fitting pattern. I also knew that I wanted a turtleneck to make it cozy. I have been really liking raglan sleeves lately so it should be no surprise that I choose one with raglan sleeves! McCalls 6992 fit the bill, except that it is crew neck...so I got busy drafting a funnel neck and it worked out great.


One of my favorites aspects of this pattern is the shoulder dart. These darts are not often seen but when used with a raglan sleeve, reduces the bulk in the front of the shoulder. I love how well this sweater fits! I also felt that the dart would stabilize the boiled wool as it easily stretches and would do so at the shoulders. 


Here is a close up of the felted reindeer I added...I debated back and forth as to whether or not to add the nose but now I'm glad I did. I had tried my hand at needle felting while taking a tailoring course at our local design school...not exactly part of the tailoring curriculum but it was fun to do and I was given a felting needle to keep! I didn't know at the time that I would ever really use what I learned...


My new sweater was perfect for our family outing to the u-cut for our Christmas tree, a favorite Christmas tradition for me! Roaming around the woods with the family then home for hot chocolate and tree decorating....what could be better?


30 comments:

  1. That's much too stylish to be an 'ugly' sweater! The boiled wool looks like the perfect fabric choice. And you definitely need the red nose to make the sweater perfect.

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    1. Thanks Christa! My husband said the same thing about the nose...a must have!

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  2. You're so creative! I mean there's the sewing, and then there's the embellishing of the sewing that takes it to a whole other level. This is not ugly at all, just super cute. IMO, the ugly sweaters are over embellished with too much embroidery. This has just a bit to make it playful but not tacky. Love it!

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    1. Awww thanks Amanda!! This sweater was so super easy to make.

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  3. So cute! I love his little red nose!

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    1. Thanks Heather! I'm glad that I added it now.

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  4. False advertising Margo...I'm still waiting for the tacky Christmas sweater, LOL! Seriously, this is seriously adorable! And so very you! Even your tacky sweaters have designer class!

    Some great and inspiring tips in your post too! Thanks also for the link to Lauren's boiled wool post. This could be a fun little DIY for me too!

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    1. Thanks Sue! Lauren's post was so helpful to me...I HAD to share it.

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  5. This is fantastic! Such a great Christmas sweater and it looks great on you! Not tacky at all - I would defiantly wear this lots! You did a fantastic job on the felting too!

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    1. Thanks Heather, I have been wearing it lots already!

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  6. Far from tacky!! I seen similar sweaters when I was out shopping yesterday.
    This is super cute!

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  7. Cute and funny. Plus the pattern looks like a real winner.

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    1. This pattern is a winner for sure! I will be making it again.

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  8. I think your sweater is classy and festive! Also, it's nice to see where that dart hits a normal-shouldered person for comparison... :)

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    1. Classy Christmas sweater....well thank you Morgan!

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  9. Very cute! Great idea for adding a cowl. Another possibility for this pattern!

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    1. Thanks Teri! The cowl gave it a more cozy feel.

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  10. Love, love, love your sweater (jumper).

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  11. I love it. So cute, yet stylish. I'm glad you put the nose on Rudolph!

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  12. Look! McCalls has your red dress posted on their office fan board! http://instagram.com/mccallpatterncompany/

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    1. Thank you for letting me know Gillian!! You are so supportive of everyone in the online sewing community. Super exciting!

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  13. Margo, how could I miss this post. I really love your sweater and the reindeer felt is so cute. Nice fabric and style :)
    Thank you for the link of boiled wool

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    1. Thank you Hana! I was grateful to Lauren for posting it!

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  16. Beautiful sweater I really love your version especially the cowl neck you added. I just completed the same pattern recently.

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