Has anyone ever sewn their own jerseys/shorts?

[alpinerabbit]

There was a lady called Mary on here some time, she did it. It's just that in the monetary sense it's probably not worth it...

[shootingstar]

There was a lady called Mary on here some time, she did it. It's just that in the monetary sense it's probably not worth it...

If one sewed more than 1 jersey same pattern style, it would probably work out to be under $23.00 per jersey (based on Seattle Fabric's discounted prices for their fabric) ..cost of pattern will go down if used more than once.

Of course, it doesn't include labour of oneself. but that's not really the point for those who are interested and enjoy creating something that doesn't disappear overnight from consumption.

If I used that logic..to constantly think of my own labour, I wouldn't have had a business-dressy wardrobe for over a decade..where my clothing fit me, with colours that I wanted and the compliments that I got because people could see how properly fitted clothing was if one knew how to adjust a pattern before cutting the fabric.

No different, from gardening...and then eating up all that hard work..in a few days.

[mthr3brghtys]

I've done it, actually the only jerseys I have are ones I've made. (That is until I finally break down and buy one of the TE jerseys this year, I love flourishes!)

I have the green pepper pattern, but found one I like better from a company called Jalie- you can find the pattern on the Seattle Fabric site - here's the URL. http://www.seattlefabrics.com/jalie_...ghts%20Pattern Cap sleeve, two pockets, side panels. Really pretty easy to do, the worst part is the slippery fabric issues - the zipper installation was different than I've ever done before, but went well. Also pretty easy to adapt the pattern if you want to make changes.

I made a pair last year, and will do it again this year - one for me and one for my the guy I ride with and he wears it as often as he wears the ones from his past teams so I suppose he can't tell the difference...

Finding the wicking fabric is always the challenge for me. I haven't tried ordering from Seattle Fabrics, but that's the plan for this years jerseys.

I haven't made shorts, although I have found that you can order just chamois on-line, I can't remember where right now but will see if I can find it.

Let me know what you come up with.

[Medianox]

If one sewed more than 1 jersey same pattern style, it would probably work out to be under $23.00 per jersey (based on Seattle Fabric's discounted prices for their fabric) ..cost of pattern will go down if used more than once.

Of course, it doesn't include labour of oneself. but that's not really the point for those who are interested and enjoy creating something that doesn't disappear overnight from consumption.

If I used that logic..to constantly think of my own labour, I wouldn't have had a business-dressy wardrobe for over a decade..where my clothing fit me, with colours that I wanted and the compliments that I got because people could see how properly fitted clothing was if one knew how to adjust a pattern before cutting the fabric.

No different, from gardening...and then eating up all that hard work..in a few days.

Yep.
Its more about the creative process for me (there is an artist lurking underneath my gainfully employed healthcare worker skin) than it is about saving money really. I love to make stuff-I knit, weave, make glass beads and jewelry, and do multimedia art projects like altered books and stuff. And I sometimes sew. LOL. I love biking but there isn't much that I can *make* related to it. I am working on a knitted woolen vest for the rainy season, but what I can make and use is limited....hence my interest in sewing the actual clothes I wear to ride.
If the fabric is found on sale then the savings is greater obviouslyand who doesn't love that, but the real attraction is having something original.

[dakay]

I have sewn my own shorts and jerseys. I have been very happy with the jerseys. The fit is great and I can do whatever I want with the style. They are long enough and the sleeves are a comfortable length. I usually add a zipper pocket for stashing my ID and some cash inside one of the back pockets. Wicking fabric isn't too hard to find, but I like colors that can be seen and those are hard to find.

As for the shorts. It's hard to find wicking fabric that has the stretch and weight that I would like. I have some from Seattle Fabrics that might fit the bill but I haven't tried it out yet. I have a chamois I purchased from Seattle Fabrics and that is no where near as comfortable as the ones in my purchased shorts. I have been wanting to try bibs but don't want to spend the money in case I don't like them. I've got a pattern and some fabric so I just need to get around to making them. The pattern has a piece for a chamois made out of polar fleece so I may give that a try.

Jerseys are easy to make if you are comfortable sewing with knits. A serger is a plus but not necessary. So go for it and have fun.

Kathy

[shootingstar]

I have sewn my own shorts and jerseys. I have been very happy with the jerseys. The fit is great and I can do whatever I want with the style. They are long enough and the sleeves are a comfortable length. I usually add a zipper pocket for stashing my ID and some cash inside one of the back pockets. Wicking fabric isn't too hard to find, but I like colors that can be seen and those are hard to find.

As for the shorts. It's hard to find wicking fabric that has the stretch and weight that I would like. I have some from Seattle Fabrics that might fit the bill but I haven't tried it out yet. I have a chamois I purchased from Seattle Fabrics and that is no where near as comfortable as the ones in my purchased shorts.
Kathy

Could you post a pic or 2 of your sewn cycling garments?

Medianox, I was feeling really guilty few wks. ago after hauling out my sewing machine and altering a pair of dress pants: I was underutilizing machine and my skills. (But then guilt feelings come up whenever I see my pile of art supplies and pile of canvasses of paintings. ) I used love looking, imagining possibilities and selecting fabrics, etc. I still have over 150 different sewing patterns...
For certain sewing allows use of much higher quality of fabric for much lower price and finished garment lasts longer/is often more durable because the seams are stronger.

You could even try a fun cycling applique design on the jersey back pocket(s). At least the stitching of design would not be against your skin to bother you when cycling/moving around.

Or even better, sew some skorts for short rides..if you can ride shorter distances without cycling chamois..which I can. Not all skorts are designed for lycra/stretchable fabric.

For certain having done alot of sewing in the past, makes me a fairly picky/demanding consumer when I buy clothing and price that I am willing to pay/not pay.

[dakay]

Don't have any pics right now. Will take some when I get a chance early next week. My favorite is a red long sleeve jersey made of polar fleece. I would like to make another out of wind pro polar fleece as it is the wind that makes me cold.

Kathy

[solobiker]

I know Irulan does a lot of sewing. She has made some great things. I make quilts. I don't have the perceptual skills for sewing clothing

[shootingstar]

Looks excellent, dakay. Even the elastic hemline on jersey looks pro. (And obviously you like a elasticized hemline. I'm not as keen...)

someone made a comment about dealing with slippery fabrics. For sewing accurate seam lines, do some quick large hand-basting on the pattern pieces that you need to sew together. Of course after the machine-sewn line is done, you remove the hand-basting threads. Not a big deal.

[dakay]

[QUOTE=shootingstar;454411]Could you post a pic or 2 of your sewn cycling garments?

I took a couple of pictures of a few of my jerseys that I made. I believe I used a Jalie pattern for the blue/white short sleeve jersy and a raglan sleeve pattern I drafted with Wild Ginger PatternMaster software for the other two. Hope this works.

Kathy

[Medianox]

Those look really nice!! I think I'll invest in the Jalie pattern too (I ordered the green pepper one already).
You did a great job-thanks for sharing!