OOP KwikSew 1235 jumper and tee, and Mini Hudson pants for Trixie

 

There are two patterns that live permanently in my cutting trolley.

Kwiksew 1235, a very cute 1980's pattern with puff sleeves and ruffles.

This jumper (and tee) is a great scrap buster as it is quite slim through the arms and body and not overly long. The ribbing band adds length.

True Bias Mini Hudson pants.

I keep them close to hand, as they are drafted in small sizes, perfect to ninja cut up those scraps when you are making a larger garment.

As I am cutting a small size, I find if I lay out the pieces when cutting another garment I can jiggle more bang from my fabric buck.

This pattern would be my most frequently sewn pattern and I always try to ninja cut as you waste very little fabric that way.

*PS save those scraps when you are cutting tees for the pocket bags on Hudsons, they are less bulky than cutting from the main fabric.

I have made both these patterns before, for Trixie, and they are well loved and worn frequently.

We have spent a lot of time at home this year so leisure wear has been the go to outfit.

This little ensemble was put together from the scraps of an outfit I was sewing for Jed. (To be blogged)

Trixie LOVES matching Pops!

The fabric for the jumper is a remnant from Bull Rush  , back when the lovely Kerry used to sell off her fabric.

It is a lovely, thick, unbrushed cotton knit in a gorgeous emerald green. The ribbing is very, very old. It came from my Mother's stash and I remember her buying it to make stripe-y stocking legs for cloth Strawberry Shortcake dolls.

The pattern directs you make wee shoulder pads from polar fleece but I omitted those. I may try them next time.

The silk screen is my plaid stencil kit which I purchased from Fabric.com. It's no longer self adhesive and I have to tape the letters in place. I have almost used up all my Plaid paint so I have been trying the Tulip paint from Spotlight. It is okay but does not have the colour intensity through the mesh of the stencil. I dare say it is meant to be applied to bare fabric.

Trixie chose the wording.

The wee shoulder ruffles melt my heart.

Trixie calls them her 'wings'

The Hudson's are sewn in some navy, cotton, un-brushed knit I purchased in bulk, from Lloyd Curzon in Adelaide.

I purchased a 25m roll fifteen years ago and needed an ABN to buy from them.

It is not overly thick but washes very well. Trixie is wearing track pants I made Hugo!

I sew a double elastic channel, leaving an opening in the back of the waist band for adjustments.

When constructing the waistband, I stitch the two short edges together, 1.5 cm then leave a 2cm gap, then finish sewing. Press the seam open and then fold in half and baste the long edges together. You just need to make sure the opening is on the inside when you attach the waistband to the pants.

Beatrix's tee is also from Kwiksew 1235, I cut it at the same time I was cutting Zara's Lekala polo  

I cut the size 6, which was the same pattern piece as the jumper, and it has lots of room.

The fabric is also Bull Rush, a very stretchy, thick cotton/lycra knit.

I didn't have quite enough fabric to make long sleeves so I sewed a casing and threaded elastic through it for a sweet puff sleeve.

I added an elephant iron on transfer, Trixie's choice, I purchased it from Spotlight where they are frequently on sale.

~Trixie's Verdict~

I love that tee, I hope I can wear it Monday.

I am happy with it, the elephant looks really cool.

I love the jumper, I really, really like the green colour. It makes me think of plants.

I like the trackies, I wear them to school, I feel really cool when I wear them.

~My Verdict~

I am not a huge fan of sports wear. If I am honest, I much prefer sewing pretty dresses. But, needs must!

I try and make the same effort with knits as I do with woven ie pressing, topstitching and trims, it makes for a more satisfying project for me.

It is a bit sad Trixie is almost in the largest sizing of this pattern, I will definitely use the ruffles and trims on a larger size Kwiksew.

I am a fan of 'ninja cutting'.

If you cut multiple patterns at the same time you can make the most of your fabric.

It's also a nice little challenge for your brain, playing fabric Tetris.

Thank you for reading .... xx Nicole