Sewmancer: Paprika Jasper sweater round II & III

It took me over 3 years to make my first Paprika Jasper sweater and only weeks to make the next 2!

This lovely sweater number is in black merino knit from The Fabric Store in Wellington that I purchased for this pattern around the same time I bought the pattern. Its luscious but pulls a little too easily.

And this hoodie version is from unassigned stash and an extra purchase to 'pad' out the fabric requirements. The Anchors knit is from Levana in Levin and the dark gray is from The Fabric Store.

The dark gray sweater knit is rather thick which made sewing through multiple levels on my overlocker a little difficult.

Both versions have welt pockets. The merino ones went in fairly easily but I had a lot of unpicking for the anchor version (even though it was round 3).

Despite the required effort, I really do like the look of them. I used a thinner cotton lycra knit for the pocket lining (as suggested in the instructions) to reduce the bulk for the ''unseen'' layer on the inside of the pocket. The merino isn't super bulky so I was able to join the pocket piece and the front piece into the hem band. Not so for the anchors. Hah! My overlocker really struggled and my 'great' idea to ensure the pocket was a little tidier inside by including in the hem band was not so clever after all.

The merino version sewed up so beautifully and easily. I was super pleased with the pockets and put it on the floor in the living room to decide on buttons. Our cat decided to investigate and pulled the front piece 😭. The fabric also tore!!! Gah! So I'm including the photo of the button test when it was pristine!

No!!!!!!!!!

But I managed to fix it as best I can and its a comfy addition to my wardrobe.

(please excuse the small person hand prints on the mirror - they're never not there it seems!)

The hoodie version isn't quite as comfy. The hood is massive and if I make another version I'll make it smaller. Also would be happier if the inside of the hood was lined. The front 'bib' also is a little high for my liking. I've left off the suggested buttons because of the two fabrics (felt that they were enough).