In an an earlier fabric buying excursion, I had purchased nylon backed merino in a fetching maroon shade, because 1. I had not sewn with nylon backed merino knit before and suffer from fabric curiosity, and 2. The fabric was a mere $8NZ per metre. (Global Fabrics, Dunedin). When I gleefully reported my fabric score, the more knowledgeable (that would be Mary Nanna) cautioned me that nylon backed merino can be absolute rubbish (although she may not have used that term), with a lower price generally indicating the rubbish end of the spectrum. Just last post, she commented that her nylon backed merino had shredded after just a few washes. Aaaagh!
I tried really hard to find some other fabric to pad out my 60cm oversupply, but just do not have a sufficient stash to cater for this sort of problem (He,he) I will just have to buy more fabric.
I had to use the cheap, and probably rubbish, nylon backed merino. It is much more stretchy, thinner, and has less robust recovery than the brownish-grey expensive stuff from the Brisbane shop (The Fabric Store), so I used as little as possible, and cursed it every time it rippled in the seam, which was frequently. It will probably shred after a few washes and ruin the garment, but I prefer this option to having a useless 60cm length of expensive fabric leer at me from the stash for the next 10 years.
This is what I came up with from my old favourite Jalie 2795.
Alterations to the pattern include a zip facing, having the merino side of the fabric against the neck on the collar, eliminating the sleeve cuffs, reducing the depth of the bottom band and using a contrast bias binding to cover the neckline seam.
I have previously only made this jacket in Polartech 200, and as the nylon backed merino is far less bulky than the Polartech, the jacket is a little too big - particularly in the collar.
It will be just fine for a warm up jacket, but it reminded me strongly of this.
Vintage Men's 1970's tracksuit, photo credit here.
Being a child of the 70's, this amuses me, but I find it very ugly.
Maybe it is a good thing that this is likely to shred after a few washes.
6 comments:
I have a few pieces in my stash as a result of "fabric curiosity".
Sewing sports gear is very satisfying, though maybe not if it shreds after a few wears. For me, one of the enjoyable aspects of the Olympics was studying all the different uniforms for various countries in the different sports.
I've never heard of nylon-backed merino, although it may be called something different here (merino's a rare term).
The lines on this jacket are very nice. And it's the perfect pattern for small but big leftover fabric.
Yes good luck with that Merino - I have had such mixed experiences with the nylon backed stuff - including aforementioned shredded items and some very robust ones too that have held their shape well and the nylon has even strengthened the fabric by providing good recovery.
I'm not sure if I can spot the difference between the good sports Merino (as it is branded) and the bad - it is all sold at Nick's (Global fabrics outlet) so it's all the same price point.
I just wanted to warn you in case you had the super craposo stuff - but you may have chosen more fortuitously than me, so this warm up jacket may prove hot stuff for quite some time.
You really inspire me with the types of fabrics and garments you make. This looks so professional....I like its styling, nothing wrong with a throwback to the 70s in my book! I hope it lasts for you, would be a shame for your work to be short lived.
Your jacket looks great. I understand buying fabric because it's different. And you've done the best thing and used the 60cm so that it's no longer in your stash. Nice job.
I'm not generally into sports gear, but this jacket is fantastic.
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