Hey, there, preening pumas! Hope you are all well! After finishing my coat project, I was in the mood for a simple sew, and I also wanted to get in on the Jungle January fun. I’ve been LOVING all the fun animal-print projects populating my blogroll these days– keep up the good work, duders!
This leopard-print sweater knit has been hanging out in my stash for a while, and I knew as soon as Jungle January 2 was announced that I wanted to bring it fabric to life! I bought it at Fabrics for Less for some crazy low price, but this is reallllly similar, if you fancy a gaudy garment as well. The pattern was an obvious choice, too. It’s the new (and FREE!) Deer & Doe Plantain T-shirt— go and download it, if you haven’t already!
Now I know what you’re thinking. “Ginger, this is pretty deplorably tacky, but, somehow, I expected you to bring it a little harder during Jungle January”. I’m sorry, guys, but I decided to exercise a little restraint and keep things classy.
JUST KIDDING, I DOUBLED DOWN ON THE HOT PINK ANIMAL PRINT. Look at these truckerlovin’ elbow patches!!!!! Hot pink tiger!!!!!!! This fabric came from Girl Charlee (here’s a similar fabric, although I’m sure the one I ordered two years ago is long gone) and was part of a failed garment a while back (tried to make up a woven pattern in a slouchy knit, ended up with Sharpie all over the fabric, tears were shed, etc.). When the inspiration struck to work this into the top, I tried to calm myself and use basic black for the elbow patches, but I thought to myself, “What would Anne and Heather do?” and then I forged ahead with my unholy animal-print union.
Just casually scratching my head and not at all showing off my ELBOW PATCH OF JOY!
Let’s talk about the pattern for a second. It’s basically the quickest thing in the world to sew, everything matches up nicely, and, again, it’s FREE! It’s a departure from my usual style (not sure I’ve ever worn anything with a scoop-neck), so I don’t need a whole closet full of these or anything, but it looks like something my mom and sister would wear all the time, so I’m planning several versions for them.
Luckily I overcame my fear of twin-needling when I was making the Romy Anorak, so it was a breeze to hem. The only difference was that I needed to lower my tension allllll the way down to avoid tunneling between the stitch lines when I sewed on this sweater knit. That’s it! I used my walking foot and a ballpoint needle for the bulk of construction, which worked well.
Obligatory wild kitty face!
I get really happy whenever I look at these silly elbow patches and I feel like a sort of human nacho dip when I have this on– I’M BRINGING THE PARTY, PEOPLE! Also, my hubsy-wubsy HATES this, so it will be fun to wear in a sort of gleefully antagonistic way. Anyway, thanks again to Anne for unleashing the Jungle January beasts, and to Eléonore for the pattern! Now, what are you guys sewing? Have you made this pattern? Are you playing along with Jungle January 2?
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Great top – the two prints are really fun together. I just made a Plantain too, mine’s covered in stars rather than being jungle-inspired though!
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I just had a sneaky-peeky at your starry tee and it’s way cute! Nice job!
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Holy beep!! Those elbow patches are BRILLIANT!!!!
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Those elbow patches are ridiculously fun! A very unexpected combination, but if you go animal print, you might as well go all out! And how great is that FREE pattern? I absolutely love mine and wear it quite often…
I would wear this all the time around the house if my human pet wasn’t into it, just for the fun of it!
Job well done!
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“gleefully antagonistic”=my new life motto
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That top is hilarious in the best way. 😀
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Rawr! I’m so glad you went with the zebra elbow pads! Makes it such a fun shirt. Now I really want a Plantain too!
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Do it! This shirt is right in your wheelhouse– knit, relaxed fit, free pattern! If that doesn’t say Gillian, I don’t know what does! I predict you’ll be making these in a rainbow of colors. 😉
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I just love your face in that last shot – priceless!! I have downloaded the pattern, just need to stick it together. It’s a quiet afternoon at work, perhaps I’ll go do it now 🙂
Your version is super cute, I love the print mixing – so fun! I’m not doing jungle january, I just can’t do animal print, it’s just not my thing, much as I love it on everyone else. I am more a flowers kinda girl 🙂
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It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure! Oddly enough I never wore anything animal print until I started sewing, and now I’m addicted! I just picked up the most awful bright pink and blue striped leopard print fabric today… it’s truly terrible, but I love it so much!
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Oh my gosh, this is so fantastic. Your unholy animal print union is pure genius!
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Haha, thanks, Liza Jane! 🙂 Does Baby Jane like animal print yet? 🙂
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Haha great shirt! I love the double animal print of the elbow patches 🙂 I’ve downloaded it, but still need to tape and cut it.. I’m planning on using the sleeves for a thicker winter knit dress. Just need to finish my Anna first!
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Thanks, Kim! A winter knit dress sounds fabulous!
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“Unholy union of animal print”–omg dyin’…………LOL………………….. I like it, why don’t you wear scoop necks? It looks fab on you. 😀
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I don’t know why! They feel a little too feminine, maybe? I don’t really know!
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Love the print mix! 😀 The scoop neckline looks really great on you!
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Thanks, Anna! You’re the queen of the scoop neck (and the Plantain, while we’re at it)!
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This makes me think of one of my favourite Frasier quotes, “If less is more, think how much more ‘more’ will be!” This is fabulous. And men don’t get it (see: wedge heels) so whatevs, Mr Ginger xxx
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Ummmm, YES, with the wedge heels– why IS that? Boys… More IS more!
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Haha! I love how we went in totally opposite direction with this pattern. Mine is so serious and boring and basics essentialness and wow, those elbow patches on yours are the best thing ever!
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I’m guessing yours will get more wear… or at least people at your office won’t start laughing when you wear yours!
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Ooo. Welcome to the Jungle! The print mix is my favorite part of your new shirt!
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Ahahahaha, now I totally have that song stuck in my head! Thanks, Michelle! 🙂
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This is such a fun tee… Pink and jungle… That’s so cool
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Thanks, Rachel! 🙂
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Love the pattern mixing, this is a great top to cheer up dull winter days 🙂
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Thanks, Kerry! 🙂
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OMG the elbow patches are killing me with their awesomeness!! That is one fantastic addition. I love it!
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Thanks, Tasha! 🙂
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HA!!! I LOVE IT!!! There should be more husband antagonizing garments in this world…
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Fantastic pattern combination
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