You guys I have finally discovered Merino jersey and I am in loooove.
I get so incredibly cold in winter. Even though Perth is technically a moderate Mediterranean climate, we seem to be in constant denial over the fact that it does get somewhat chilly in winter, and as a result we don’t really build our houses for warmth. Maybe it’s all that deceptive sunshine? In recent years I’ve grown frustrated with my inability to stay warm, and that’s how the Rowan bodysuit and tee pattern was born – out of my need to feel warm hehe. The thing that was missing was a super warm jersey fabric!


Last year in November I visited my sister in law Annelise in Melbourne and spent a lovely (very long) afternoon at The Fabric Store just buying my weight in fabric. I bought so much fabric that on the walk back to my hotel the lovely paper bags broke from the strain. I kid you not. Though i do digress. One of the things i was determined to get while i was there was some Merino jersey to make some lovely warm winter tops with. There are a lot of fabrics i’m happy to buy online, but this one i really wanted to feel and carefully choose the colours in person. I’m glad I did because i actually changed my mind about which colours i wanted!
Of course when I got home I did that typical thing where i spent a few months letting my fabric acclimatise to my home before I felt ready to cut into it. I made Version 3 of the Rowan pattern, the turtleneck tee with long sleeves using the Slate Grey colour of the premium merino jersey from The Fabric Store and gosh do i love it!
I have been wearing this turtleneck all winter and it is so unbelievably warm. I would highly recommend it as one of those basic garments that kind of just goes with everything, and layers really really well. This is basically how I wear it most of the time though – with my current favourite pair of cropped flare Ash jeans and my pink Clae sneakers.
Next up I have some lovely green, and also blue Merino jersey that I want to make into Briar tees!



photography by Bronnie Joel