Oh, this hoodie. It looks so innocent even on my pouty model. It is no exaggeration to say that it almost didn’t happen. There was so much fabric wrestling and brow-furrowing involved in making this damn awesome hoodie.
I like how it turned out but man, oh man, I could have used many more pictures in the pattern. Ever since I bought the Sewing for Boys book I’ve admired the Luka Hoodie, it’s a fun, boy style and I had the perfect echino linen-cotton blend fabric for it. I should have anticipated that with all the cute details it would be a tricky one to sew.
That said, it sure seemed like many of the steps required a few more pictures to make it easier. At one point yesterday, I was literally tangled up in fabric. Sometimes I can read a pattern and visualize from step to step how it is going to come together but I just couldn’t with this one. I moved step by step in complete bewilderment about how it was all going to happen. Of course, this could be the effect of sewing way too much and too obsessively all week long. Come to think of it, that sort of makes sense.
It really does have great details…a front secret pocket, a kangaroo pocket, covered button placket, a super cute hoodie with an elasticized rim and it is fully lined. I mean seriously, it’s like the James Bond of coats for boys. There are secrets everywhere. It combines a stylish look with the comfort of being lined.
Like I mentioned the contrast fabric on the sleeves and hoodie are an echino linen-cotton blend from several seasons back. I’ve been hoarding it. Echino has some of the best ‘boy’ fabrics that aren’t baby sweet as well as, of course, amazing fabric overall. I love their stuff but it’s definitely a splurge. The brown corduroy was a fabric I snagged at Jo-Ann. The lining fabric is my pride and joy, it’s an old jersey knit bed sheet that had been dyed long ago. It wasn’t quite enough fabric so I had to use a stripe of black jersey for lining the hood. It actually came out looking like something I had done on purpose. I love when making-do and being cheap work in my favor.
The hoodie is done and J loves it. It fits him and I’m happy I finally made a Luka Hoodie. What I should do is churn out another one right away because it would probably take me half the time. I’ve got two explorer vests left to make, however, and I’m not sure I have the emotional strength to make another Luka.
Why does Kids Clothes Week always descend into madness for me? Kids Clothes Week has turned me into a non-showering, frenzy of sewing obsession. It’s not that far off from where I started but still, it’s something of concern.
This looks like such a fun project for boys! I love the cord fabric.
Thank you! It’s so hard to find fun sewing projects for boys. This was a fun one, despite all of its challenges.
Despite the pain it caused you, it looks like it was worth the effort! It looks great (and I love the pout – too tragic for words!).
Oh, you are right about that. Perhaps the pain even makes for an even more accomplished feeling afterward? Could be. Thanks for the compliment. And, yes, the pout. Pretty good, right? He might be ready for the catwalk.
Adorable! Glad you finished it, despite the pain 🙂
Ha! Me too. Done and done.
this is precisely why I haven’t had the guts to tackle the Luka hoodie. It’s such a cute design but I know there aren’t enough details in the instructions for me. It does suck the emotional energy out of you having to wrestle through a whole project. You’re better off moving to another project that won’t give you a headache now so you can recharge. lol. I’m glad you got it done though because it turned out very cute. Looks like there’s plenty of room for growth in it too.
hmm, I tried to leave a comment but it seems to have been sucked up into the internet. Anyway, long story short – It turned out very cute and I’m glad you were able to complete it. But I do understand the emotional drain of a frustrating project. The reason I never tackled that one is I knew there weren’t enough details in the pattern for me. Go do a project that will recharge you now : )
Argh! This whole ‘internet sucking’ thing has been happening to me lately with all WordPress blogs. Driving me nuts. I”m so happy you persisted with a comment anyway. Yes, the jacket has room to grow in it….thank goodness. And, it is soul sucking to struggle with a project. IN the end, though, I think the instructions were really clever, I just needed more picture to help me figure it out. I’m glad I know how to do it now. But, yes, I moved on after that. Had to.
KCW always descends into madness for me too! ahh and then exhaustion and a need to step away from the sewing machine for a bit…Love the hoodie though! Despite all of the frustration. I’ve loved that one too, but now I’m scared to try it!
Yes! Madness! I realized that what I really do is rather than abide by the one-hour rule I set goals and try to reach them….even if it means I end up sewing myself off the edge! Thanks for the hoodie love. I don’t want to discourage anyone from making it because it is so cute! And, I think the construction is really smart, I just needed some pics to help me figure it out.
There was so much fighting to get our steps published with all the details. Thanks for fighting through, because this hoodie is awesome!
If you EVER have any questions about the instructions or anything about the book, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly: ringmaster@Onegirlcircus.com
You are so awesome!! I am so sorry for the publisher challenges, I can imagine how tough that must be. This hoodie is awesome & I learned so much through the process of making it. Thanks for this comment! I will definitely email if I run into future problems! 🙂