Attempting to make a wool cover

[chase_mommy]

My DH decided one day to do a load of laundry and in it he washed and dried my Marino Wool wrap sweater. Since it can now fit a 12 year old I figured that I may have enough wool to make a cover. So, what in your alls experience is the best wool cover pattern? I was also thinking that maybe I could add some adjustable elastic in the waist so it could last a bit longer. What do you all think and is their a pattern out there for that and if not I suppose I can wing it?!? Doesn’t seem like it would be that hard to do but I don't want to ruin my wool, at least not anymore than DH has.

Also, what exactly do I need to do to the wool and is it even useable after being washed/dried like that? TIA!

[gabysmom617]

yep, your wool is good to go! Most people "felt" their wool sweaters to make them ready for covers, which shrinks the wool, fluffs and thicken it ups, and closes any little spaces between the stitches that moisture might wick through. You felt them by washing them in warm or hot water and drying them on warm/hot. Your husband has already taken care of this step for you.

So all you have to do is start your covers.

If you've never made a wool cover before, and if you use a lot of fitteds, I suggest making a butt sweater. It's the way most people start out. It's just basically a triangle of wool, with the waistband of the sweater cut off and sewn to make the waistband of the sweater and the cuff bands of the arms made into the cuffs on the thighs of the butt sweater.

http://web.archive.org/web/200506170...llary.asp?ID=3

Butt sweaters are very easy and EXTREMELY forgiving. They tend to turn out looking great and do the job no matter how crudely they are made and how "beginner" you are.

If you think you can handle something a little more complicated, you could try a wrap style wool soaker. You could turn and topstich two layers or use fold over elastic or serge around one layer and use snaps or aplix/velcro on it. You could use a regular diaper pattern for that. Lots of options. You could lay in a prefold or somesuch with wraps as well as use them over fitteds. Lots of fun you can have with wool!

Don't forget to lanolize your cover after you're done making it.

[gabysmom617]

Oh could check out this link: http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/im...a_Knickers.pdf For another type of pull on, and you could modify it different ways to add elastic to it.

This link: http://diaperdivas.proboards57.com/i...d=44296&page=1 tells you how to size down that pattern to fit a newborn or tiny baby. (Hope it was ok to post that: I didn't know if I should link to it or quote it...: )