One of my prizes from the Sewalongs and Sewing Contests group was a pattern from Thread Theory. As these are mostly men’s patterns, I let Archie choose the pattern and he chose the Finlayson Sweater, with the warning that the fabric had to be “just right”. Right! Anyway he bunked off on a 4WD odyssey up north with a couple of mates, so I had free rein and shopped my stash for a hoodie version for Mark.
He wore it to the Bridgetown markets with some new corduroy jeans that I also made him. He’s been asking for a pair for more than a year and I’m so happy that I finally managed to make them. I used Kwik Sew 4045, as usual.
I have to say that I really like the Finlayson Sweater pattern, it is beautifully drafted, the instructions were really clear and it went together with no unpicking (most unusual for me). For the next one I am going to go up a size and make it longer. The neckline is crossed over creating a really nice shape and ensuring that the hood lies flat. I used a lovely cherry red fleece from Knitwit, but didn’t quite have enough, so lined the hood with some grey leftover fleece, which I also used for the cuffs and bottom band. Mark adores it!
He made like a badass and put his hood up for some of the photos. He’s carrying some new plants that we bought at the markets and there is native indigo among them, so I’m hoping to get some dye from them in a couple of years.
On the way back we called in at the #7 Tank Stand. Strange name but it’s a water tank on top of a hill with stunning views of the local Nannup area. It was a terrible day, but the view was still pretty good.
and here is the famous tank stand which was painted by some local school kids. On our bush block we are visited daily by a flock of the red tailed black cockatoos depicted here and they are both noisy and beautiful. They seem to roost in our trees at night and really like strolling around the edge of the dam, which gives me endless pleasure. The red feathers in their tails are absolutely stunning.
I shall be paying this tank (and the view) another visit in better weather!
I made the Finlayson Sweater whilst camping, along with another Seamwork Paxson modelled here with the lovely Blackwood River in the background. I used some leftover fleece from Mark’s dressing gown, and there’s not a lot to say about this one.
and a couple of photos looking out over Nannup and beyond – how green is it?
Sweater and Corduroys both look great! Am going to purchase the Kwiksew 4045 and attempt some trousers for ‘Mein Herr’.
…are they kwik to sew???
Haha Rachel, the first pair might take a few minutes, but after that they are a breeze!
It looks great. He looks very happy in his outfit. The red and grey are great combination.
Thank you Sonja. Yes, I agree about the red and grey
The jumper and cords look like great warm clothes. Think I might have a go at the Finlayson pattern, you’ve inspired me. The countryside around you looks lovely in it’s wintry state, nicely greened up with all the rain.
Thanks Nicola. I can really recommend the Finlayson, I’ve just cut out a second one! And yes, the countryside is looking fabulous; we’ve had good rains!
Your menswear sewing is so inspiring. I have offered to make the Findlayson for my hubby but he doesn’t like the style. For someone with zero interest in fashion, he is very picky about what he will wear. You make some great garments for Mark and he always looks happy to wear them Your photos are really lovely too. We are heading over to WA mid August and will be spending a few days in the Margaret River region which I believe is not far from this area.
Shame he doesn’t like the style, and I must say I wasn’t totally keen when Archie picked it, but I’m a convert now. Margaret River is 30 minutes away from us, so let me know when you’ll be there and perhaps we could arrange a meet up?
That sounds like a plan Sue. It would be lovely to meet you in person. We will be staying in the area for three nights 16th 17th and 18th of August.
Right, I’ll be around. The Nannup Flower and Garden Festival is on from the 18 -21 so I’ll be in nannup for that – I might have to get there early and swing past MR. Alternatively if you have time you might like to visit me? I don’t mind which way we go.
In case you want to check it out – here is the flower show – http://www.nannupgardens.org.au
very snazzy! Will Archie be shopping from your stash when he gets back then?
No, I suspect that I will have to buy said “right fabric”!!
maybe he’ll surprise you and bring some back that he picked up while he was away!
I doubt it, he is in the outback without even food shops!
How do you get so much detailed sewing accomplished in such a short period of time? Your skills are amazing!! Loved the scenic shots as well as the great garments you made your guy!!
Thank you! I no longer work for a living and I don’t really do housework – I just sew all day!
Nice to know the pattern works out so well. Mark’s looks better than RTW. Thanks for the shots of the scenery too!
Thank you Linda, such a good pattern.
Its always nice to see what people make with their prizes.
I really like the hoodie. I might have to make some for Christmas gifts. The red and gray works well together.
Do you sew most of Mark’s clothes?
Yes Sidney, I sew all his clothes and knit his socks! The Jedediah trousers are in the queue for him too.
This new set looks fantastic on Mark and I love the colours you picked, but I must say that the backdrop definitely steals the show here! The misty contryside is truly enchanting, somewhat evoking England. Can’t wait to see what is the perfect fabric according to Archie.
Thanks Hélène, the countryside is gorgeous at this time of the year and you’re right about it being evocative of England!
Love your recent makes for your husband. Interestingly, I made the Jeds in brown corduroy for my own husband. We are both quite pleased with them. I would definitely recommend the Jeds pattern. My husband does not care for the Finlayson sweater because he doesn’t like pullover styles but I do like your red version–the color is great on Mark.
Thank you for the recommendation re the Jeds Elizabeth, I just bought the pattern so will give it a go.
You have been busy! A very cool hoodie, I love it 🙂
Marks top looks great – but he looks far too nice to ever be a badass!
Haha, Kim!
Great looking hoodie for Mark and those cord jeans look pretty good as well.
Thanks Sharon, I have another hoodie cut out and ready to sew, so we’ll see how that goes!