Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Boys zip front jersey - Merino

Boys Merino Jersey
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Well this year I am on fire as a mum!! I have actually made both the boys a new merino jersey for the year before winter is out. Wow normally I am sewing in September and spring has sprung. But this flush of very cold weather got me enthused. As much as I love knitting the boys wont wear knitted jersey's anymore as they are "itchy". I do have to agree BUT since discovering that I sew Merino OK (about 3 years ago) I can now make them good wool tops for very little $. This was made from two women's Op Shop (Thrift Shop) jerseys - cost of $7.50. The zips cost me $7.80 - so really for $15 they have a really well sewn, will hold together through rough wear and lots of washes, good warm Merino top. I have learnt that I need to go for the heavier merino and therefore it needs to be good brands as the cheaper brands lightweight jersey's just stretch and go a bit wonky.

I have had the jersey for Eli cut out for ages but have been trying to finish older stashed things. In between quilting my hourglass quilt, I used this jersey as time out from that heavy work.

Eli was thrilled last night when I got him out of bed (10 minutes after lights out) to get him to try on a finished jersey. He wanted to wear it to school today - so it must have the seal of approval.

Up until now I have just used my own pattern in my head. Lots of measuring of the boys and umming and aahhing. One top just was not successful, the hood was too big, the sleeves too short. The boys have always loved hoods but this time Eli did not want one.

I had a light bulb moment at the end of making Jakob's hoodie and remembered all the kids pattern books that I bought in the 1990's. Top Kids. They were amazing patterns, great finishing - I made a lot of kids clothes for my friends kids, nieces and nephews. This really upped my sewing skills and was when I got a lot more proficient at finishing and sewing. Thanks Top Kids. I had stopped sewing as my things looked homemade rather than professional. But slowly my confidence has increased as it doesn't matter if the kids stuff doesn't quite fit - they will grow into it.


The pattern I used
Anyway I pulled out the old patterns, found one for my boys size and used it as the base for this top. Putting a zip in the front and facing it properly etc took a bit of time. I find that I used stitch 15 on my Bernina 440 as that is really good for the give and stretch needed for Merino. My first tops I used the overlocker (Serger) but it did not have enough give in the seams.

Yippee all done - warm boys for the winter!!!
Happy Eli

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The facing inside the zip

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9 comments:

  1. Such s great idea, they look awesome

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  2. What a brilliant Jersey! You certainly do have fabulous sewing skills!
    Thanks for linking this to A Round Tuit!
    I would love if you came and linked this project to my clothes upcycling project page too. It has a long term linky, so your project would stay there for more than just the week of a usual linky. We have over 400 projects linked up now – some fantastic ideas.
    Do come and take a look!
    http://jembellish.blogspot.com/p/clothes-upcycling-projects.html

    Hope you have a lovely week!

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  3. Well done Karen - you are a wizz at these things :)

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  4. That is awesome....you are on fire! I found the Ottobre Pattern Magazines have upskilled me alot...absolutely gives you confidence! I've also given up on knitting large items for the boys, and am planning to make some hoodies....upcycling like this is such a great idea :))

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  5. What a great job! I am new from southern charm! I would love for you to check out my blog and hopefully follow me back! Nicole

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  6. What a pro job you've done here! That's so cute that you got your son out of bed to try it on. You can tell Eli that one of our very most favourite cats was named Eli. Hope your weather doesn't get too cold.

    Sue xo

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    1. Thanks Sue. He laughed when I told him. It is cold!! We had hot weather on the weekend and now winter has set in.

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  7. that hoodie looks fantastic, and i love that it was made from recycled materials too; win-win x

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