Cardigan Jacket (Make It Easy, 1984)

 Real Life™ is getting in the way this week, so I don't have time to do anything fancy.  It therefore seems like a good time to post Pattern 5 in the "Make it Easy" sewing course.

For those who don't remember, "Make It Easy" was a sewing course/magazine issued by Marshall Cavendish in the mid-1980s.  Each successive issue had a slightly harder selection of patterns for the novice dressmaker to try her hand at making.  This cover features a "cardigan jacket":

Super simple to make, this casual jacket with a traditional cardigan shape, has set-in sleeves and optional neatly-finished pockets with piped-edge openings.

There were detailed instructions for making up the accompanying pattern inside.

"Make It Easy" Pattern 4 (1984)

 Here is Pattern 4 in the Make it Easy series.  As I said in my post about the first pattern in this series, Make it Easy was designed as a course for new sewers, with each multi-size pattern getting progressively harder. 

 Pattern 4 is for a pinafore dress and a skirt—with instructions on how to alter it to make different garments.  The editors of the booklet which accompanied the pattern decided to put a couple of the variations on the cover.   The pinafore dress has been converted into a "drawstring gillet" and the skirt into culottes.  This outfit has the square "boxy" look which was so typical of the mid-eighties.

"Make It Easy" Pattern 3 (1984)

In Part 3 of the "Make it Easy" sewing course we're given a pattern for a blouse and a jacket—shown here with a fluted collar and a skirt in matching material.

As our beginner sewer gradually gets more experienced the lessons become more advanced.  In this issue we learn about fitting that most eighties of fashions—shoulder pads!

Fitting Shoulder Pads

Foam rubber shoulder pads can be bought in two or three thicknesses.  These last longer if they are covered with lining fabric, cut in one piece on the bias and folded over at the armhole edge. Ready-covered pads are also available.  Check that the cover fabric is washable, or remove the pads before cleaning.

Before sewing in the pads, adjust their position until they look right.  Pin on the outside, on one side of the shoulder seam, not all the way through the pad, but just enough to hold them in place.  Stitch inside to the shoulder and armhole seam allowances only.

Make It Easy Pattern 2 (1984)

Following on from this post we have part 2 of the "Make It Easy" dressmaking course.  The second pattern sheet in this series is still fairly simple: a batwing top and a pair of pull-on trousers.

"Pull-on trousers have moved from sports field to city streets—a real bonus for beginners as they are so simple to make.  There are no fly fronts, zips and darts, but you still create a great fashion look."

The publishers of Make It Easy decided show the trousers and top made up as an exercise outfit (so useful for aerobics or jogging!) and accessorized with a sweatband on the cover of their magazine.  However they also made it clear that the patterns could be adapted to different uses with different materials:

"Trousers are an essential part of any wardrobe and are so versatile.  Make them in cotton or lightweight wool  for city days; jersey towelling for sportswear, or silk for evening or leisurewear. Cropped length trousers and bermudas, cut and fit in exactly the same way as long trousers, are a new fashion plus.  They can be made to look cool and efficient for working wear as well as for weekends and holidays.

The current look calls for a more generous fit, which is best made up in softer fabrics.  These are easier to handle—another reason why these trousers are not difficult to sew."

Besides giving step-by-step instructions—with photographs!—on how to make up this simple, two-piece pattern, Make It Easy also provided instructions on how to modify it to make laced trousers, bermuda shorts or tracksuit trousers.

"Slip into this super batwing top.  The neck, cuff and hip bands can be made in a matching or contrasting colour, or you can use ready-made ribbing."

It was also possible to modify the pattern for the batwing top, converting it into a drawstring top, a cardigan or a dress (with a choice of two necklines).  Make It Easy encouraged readers to create a "Mix & Match" wardrobe by:

..."extending or shortening patterns, or altering the type of fabric used.  Colour co-ordinate spearates for a total look."

—A total eighties look, that is!