'Building Blocks' collection by RANT Clothing

Building Blocks is all about those great garments, wardrobe essentials that make creating an outfit easy. 

As the weather cools down layering is the easiest option, and by adding merino layers you will keep toasty warm without feeling hot and clammy. Merino wool is breathable and helps with regulating your body's temperature, has moisture wicking properties is odour resistant and really warm and cosy to wear. 

As we hadn't done a merino collection for a few years, I planned to create one in 2025. Last winter I decided not to use our heating and instead to make use of all my awesome merino garments. I pulled out of my woolly storage bag a few extras I have from past seasons, some I have had since 2009 and before. I took note of which garments I wore the most and which ones I would call my wardrobe 'Building Blocks'

I contacted ABMT in Melbourne, a mill who we have worked with for many years and the best place to get the softest merino wool knitted fabrics. They knitted us two different types of merino and dyed them in our custom colours of 'Elderberry' and 'Spirulina'. This year the spirulina is an updated colour from the one we did in the past, I had more green added to make it a stronger colour and more vibrant to match back with the elderberry which is a very lush colour. 

I added some black to the mix because black is always an essential option and then went about working out the best way to use our custom fabric which arrived just before Xmas 2024. 

The lightweight 145gsm merino jersey is the same weight we used in the 'Home' collection back in 2020 ( ruby & terracotta then) with elderberry and spirulina in Building Blocks we also made our classic Spinner Top style, as we have been asked about new colour options in this classic RANT style. It's an easy throw over anything top that has a soft cowl neck that keeps the back of your neck warm as well as your body. 

In 2018 we did a very limited edition run in black only of a long merino coat with an attached merino rib scarf, this was called the Facade Coat. Both myself and my son Dakotah love wearing this coat. It's flows out behind you when you walk and basically looks way cool! It was a 'must' in this collection as an outer layer that tops off any outfit and adds that bit of drama. 

I tweaked it a bit in the 2025 version, as it's a slightly lighter merino jersey and the contrast black pockets are a new scoop shape, along with a couple of technical changes that create a new Facade coat. 

This is a very limited edition, we have made a total of 15 spirulina, 15 elderberry and 15 black, that's 5 x small, 5 x medium and 5 x large in each colour. 

The third style in the super soft lightweight merino is the Marni Shrug. We first made this style in 2013 and I am still wearing mu original black one. It's a simple slip on soft shrug/cardi layer that you can pop over any top or dress. It has no pockets or ties like the Elixir Cardi has, instead it's a simple floaty layer. It looks especially beautiful in the lush colours and this fabric has a nice slight sheen. 

Along with the merino jersey we needed some merino rib to complete the Facade coat, but also make the Lichen top/vest and the Lichen tunic and the Cuddle top. 

Last winter I lived in all these great basics. layering them up all together depending on the temperature. I wore the cuddle top under a Lichen tunic adding a different top layer each day to mix it up. I know it sounds crazy that I wear so many layers in Brisbane but I feel the cold and without having the heating on, our houses up here can be cold as they're designed for the heat. When you wear layers you only need to wash the layer next to your skin when it needs it, the outer layers can be worn over and over, just airing them not washing them. Merino garments air out really well and many of my outer layers only get washed once or twice a season.

All three styles in this merino rib were bound in bamboo jersey, black on the black and charcoal on elderberry and spirulina. The bound necklines and armholes on the Lichen tops and tunics helps define the layers, adding to the look.

The cuddle top is a generous length in the body and arms, great to layer under things or wear over the top and bunched around the hips. This top is great under the Lichen tunic or top or anything you have that needs a warm layer underneath.

The Lichen top/vest is perfect layered on top of the Cuddle top. You can go for monochromatic look or play with the lush colours. This little top keeps you cosy warm and can be worn under or over the top, belted or loose, endless options.

The Lichen Tunic is a longer version of the top and keeps you extra cosy warm. I love wearing this tunic layered in many ways. Sometimes it's the top layer giving a slim silhouette and sometimes I layer it under a loose over top like the Dana top. It's especially great on cold Sunday mornings at the organic markets when the breeze can chill you to the bones, as it keeps your legs warm. 

While working out the cutting of our precious fabric, we placed panels in all the spare spaces between pattern pieces. These can be used to make scarves/sashes like the ones we made in organic cotton for Bestowed. I overlocked assorted colours and textures together to create the new Repeat scarf/sash, a super handy accessory, warm around your neck or waist or hips. There is one version featuring spirulina, elderberry and black from this collection and another version that is more subtle in greys, black and a touch of olive. 

These pieces can be matched up with our ongoing wool Nellie pants and Thea skirts, which match perfectly. They also work well with our bamboo tops and pants and our selection of RANT Pants. I will give a run down on these styles in my next Journal entry. 

Thanks for reading and thanks for supporting true Australian made clothing. 

Cheers
Sarah