Wool Jersey Top for My Mom
My mom wearing the top I made for her.
Happy holidays, everyone! Hope you’re enjoying celebrations with dear ones and staying warm (if you’re in the northern hemisphere, that is)! Like some of you, I bet, I swore off handmade presents this year. I’ve spent far too many Christmas Eves feverishly knitting at 2:00am, desperately trying to finish a gift before the morning. Not this year! No handmade gifts, and no stress for me! But when I spotted this gorgeous, heathered wool jersey at Mood, what could I do? It’s my mom’s favorite color, and I knew I could make her a top quickly and easily, so I broke my vow.
This is yet another Renfrew top, a versatile pattern that’s a snap to fit and sew. Since I only needed two yards to make a version with long sleeves and a cowl, this sweater turned out to be a serious bargain and, in my opinion, a lovely gift. Wool jersey and sweater knits are perfect for sewing for others– you don’t have to do much fitting, but the wool adds a luxe quality to the finished object that’s really nice (plus it’s WAY faster than knitting a sweater for your mom… and your dad… and your sister… don’t ask me how I know that!) (Here’s a very similar wool jersey at only $14/yd, if you’re interested).
So what about you? Did you stay up later than Santa making homemade gifts? What are your favorite handmade gift ideas?
anne jewell
December 28, 2012
looks warm and cozy.
Ginger
December 28, 2012
It really is! I was tempted to keep it for myself!
Erica B
December 28, 2012
Great top. I hope your mom gets lots of joy out of it!
Ginger
December 28, 2012
I hope so, too!
Carolyn
December 28, 2012
What a nice gift for you Mom! I’m sure she will treasure it.
Ginger
December 28, 2012
I really hope so!
Cidell
December 28, 2012
I think I may have to succomb to the Renfrew! This is really nice. That cowl is everything to me!
Ginger
December 28, 2012
Do it! I love that it has so many variations– cowl, v-neck, scoop-neck; long sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, short sleeves… definitely worth the price of admission!
Amy
January 1, 2013
It’s definitely a great pattern, Cidell. And, Ginger, your mom’s cowl looks so cozy in that beautiful gray.
Amanda S.
December 28, 2012
What an awesome daughter you are!
Ginger
December 29, 2012
I love making stuff for my mom! She has a really defined style, so it’s easy to pick out patterns and fabrics that she will like.
Karen
December 29, 2012
Great top! Your mom is very young looking.
Ginger
December 30, 2012
She really does look young (she is pretty young for a mom, too). People often mistake us for sisters!
Cathe
January 1, 2013
What a great and thoughtful gift!
MzSweetpea
January 10, 2013
Good show on your Mother’s gift….but I don’t understand What pattern for your Mom’s sweater top? Fabulous job BYW. Help me out here….
Hmmmmm….always make ‘something’ for my sewist friends and give at our Holiday luncheon. This year is was a simple pillowcase…we have an annual sewing retreat, 4 days in Feb. but we needed 10 people to go—-I got on the phone and sold 2 of the spots needed…..so each of these pillow cases we’re different, and they each can use at the retreat! Not very exciting……but worked. Keep stitching….