The Juniper Cardigan was the latest pattern to be reviewed in the
Pattern of the Month review series that I've been running.
There are so many wonderful creations, and they're all so different — from modern colour blocked long-line Junipers to stunning bright red cropped versions that wouldn't look out of place on an old Hollywood movie set.
There are also plenty of little tips in each review as well if you're thinking about adding a
Juniper to your handmade wardrobe, so make sure you click through to read the reviews in full. Oh, and I did a full
Juniper Cardigan Sew Along in case you're interested :)
I'm taking a small break from the Pattern of the Month this month as I tie up a few little loose ends here and there. There should be a new one of these in a couple of months though, and if you've been wanting to join the group, keep an eye out, as I'll be opening it up again soon :)
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I am having a dusty-pink moment at the moment (having nearly finished my Wainthropp cardi in just that colour) and this amazing cropped Juniper by Wis really has my heart singing.
With the addition of the contrast plaid, I'm planning to somehow raid Wis's wardrobe so I can have a turn wearing this beautiful Juniper. Planning my trip across the world as we speak...
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Elly made both versions of Juniper, a fun springy (dusty!) pink cropped version and a stunning, long-line quilted black version.
I love the pop of colour the buttons lend to Elly's black version, and I love that she chose to button it all the way down. It really changes the silhouette of the long-line version, and it's an easy adjustment to make (just add extra buttons!!).
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Everyone needs a cropped Little Black Cardigan in their wardrobe, right?! And when made from a ribbed fabric (or quilted like Elly's above), it really elevates the piece and gives it some subtle interest.
Plus, the stripes on the saddle shoulders will run horizontally across the shoulder, adding even more perfect detail. Add some shiny jet black buttons and you have the perfect wardrobe staple.
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Sharon's fabric choice is just stunning! I love how she has styled her long-line Juniper with slim-fitting pants. I know I usually tend toward vintage-styles, but Sharon has really showed how modern you can make the Juniper silhouette.
I'm looking forward to seeing more of Sharon's Juniper cardigans with additional pockets (which you can
download for free here).
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Donna has gone one step further and turned her long-line Juniper into the perfect robe! Just add a little waist belt and you're done. And made up in a rib, you can really see the saddle shoulder detail: subtle but perfect.
I don't know why I hadn't thought of this, but Juniper made up in a cosy merino with some flannel pj's is just about the cosiest outfit I can think of right now.
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Now that autumn has nearly settled in down here, I know I'll be craving bright colours and handmade clothes that lift the soul. Maider's Juniper is just what the doctor ordered.
Made from soft velour and with a contrast burnt orange waistband and sleeve cuffs (and paired with a little crab decorated dress!!) you can't not feel happy in the depths of winter.
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Jodi went for classic greys when choosing her fabric combination. All three tones complement each other perfectly and show off the design lines in the cardigan so well.
Also, Jodi's is another gorgeous example of a modern take on Juniper. This is definitely one of the things that excites me most about these reviews — seeing how people can take one of my 'vintage inspired' patterns and make it modern simply with colour choice.
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Angelica's Juniper is going to be such a pretty garment in spring — especially when paired with a full skirted fit & flare dress like the one she's wearing in these photos.
I'm so looking forward to seeing Angelica's rainbow of Junipers, I would very much heart that <3>3>
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I've seen this Michael Miller fabric around and have been eyeing up a length for myself (I shared a beautiful Gable Dress by
Emily made up in this exact fabric on Instagram a few months ago...) and I was so pleased when I saw Vanessa use it to make her cropped Juniper.
I love the contrast of the pink button bands, cuffs and waist band, and the addition of the pink snap buttons really do just top it off.
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Even though Lise didn't end up being a fan of the fabric she chose, I love how it looks in pictures! The subtle shimmer of the threads really does catch your eye and you can see that there is something different about the shoulder line, so it draws you in to have a closer look.
I can't wait to see the grey wool jersey version Lise has in mind (when she finds the perfect fabric. If you know of any, leave a link in the comments, I'm sure Lise would be very grateful!)
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It's getting cold down here now, and after seeing all of these amazing Juniper Cardigans, I think I might need to lock myself away in my sewing room for a bit and whip up another for the chilly mornings ahead...
xx
J