The blanket is made from many vintage jerseys which I collected over a few months. I went for neutral colours as I wanted a light coloured blanket.
If you would like to make one yourself, here are some pointers:Flatten the jersey by cutting it open along the sleeve seams and along one side seam. Cut as many large squares from the jersey as you can. I included button-up detail and some seam lines in some of the squares.
When you can't fit any more large squares out, cut smaller squares a quarter of the size of your larger square, but with seam allowances added. This means that you can sew 4 smaller squares together to form one large square.I joined all the squares with my overlocker. This finished off all the raw edges of the cut knit and made the seams quite textured and not as smooth as if it was hand sewn.
I made 8 strips the width of the blanket and then joined the 8 strips together.I rolled and blanket stitched the entire hem of the blanket. Some of the knits were very thick and didn't roll too well, so I went round again and slipped stitched these to keep them securely in place.
The weights , pattern and yarn of the squares differ quite a bit. I just love the rich texture and quirky character of the final product. It is so warm and comforting! I did catch myself having a nap under it once, as I was blanket stitching the edge. It's a great way to use up jerseys that are worn in patches or slightly moth eaten! I've started collecting for a really colourful sequel!
18 comments:
WOW! Absolutely LOVE this! I've been wanting to make something like it...thanks for sharing your inspiration & tips!
HOW BEAUTIFUL!!!! You are an inspiration, D.
Shew, I cannot imagine that I would ever attempt such a mammoth task. You are more of a woman than I am (-:
Wow!! Beautiful. So much work to make something like this.
Amazing! It's beautiful and such a great way to use up jerseys that can't or won't unravel well!
I absolutely LOVE this! Great job...
what stunning textures & tones in this true work of art!
Oh this is gorgeous Denise! The light neutrals are delicious - so luxurious & toasty.
Congratulations, it has come out really beautifully. Something to treasure forever.
This is a great project, nice job. I have been admiring these repurposed sweater quilts for some time. I might try making a throw soon. Never enough time at the sewing machine... :-)
wow, it's very beautiful!
Ooohhh....I love it! All the texture is really great :)
Wow. You clever person.
how wonderful!!
You are so, so clever, you brilliant thing!
this is fantastic! Hope all is well!
I had started a similar project a while back but it's not finished yet. Before I cut the sweaters, scarves, etc., I washed them in hot water in the washing machine and dried them in high heat in the dryer. This knitted the fibers together and I don't have to worry about unravelling issues. Plus, I'll be able to wash the blanket when necessary.
Hello there, I am so glad to have found your blog post about your amazing Jersey Blanket! I am in the middle of trying to piece together a crazy style quilt for my daughters birthday later this month and was desperately looking for a way to use up some of her knitted garments and to create a backing to her quilt. Not all of them are 100% wool so I knew that the felting option was out - and I wondered whether just sewing strips and squares together would work! Thanks for the inspiration!
I have very fond memories of Durban and the South coast! I still miss it enormously...
Oh, I love this! I was thinking about making something like this the past few days and happened upon this post. You say that you overlocked the squares together. Did you have any problems with the fabric stretching out? That's what I was worried about. I was thinking of adding a fabric backing, too, to hide the seams. Lovely job! :) Lisa
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