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DIY Striped Turtleneck – Seamwork Neenah Pattern

May 15, 2018 Beth – Sew DIY
DIY Striped Turtleneck – Seamwork Neenah Pattern | Sew DIY

I spent months planning my wardrobe for my trip to Copenhagen (see my initial moodboard from way back in February here) and of course I was still making things at the last minute. On my last two big trips to Europe and Japan, I found the weather to be too cold for my wardrobe, which is really not surprising considering I live in Los Angeles where it’s basically summer all year round. So for Copenhagen in early May I wanted to be extra prepared. I had made a turtleneck using the Piper Top pattern but the fabric and cut are a little drafty to satisfy my warm layer goals. I wanted something that would be a closer fit with a softer fabric and this top jumped into my sewing queue.

DIY Striped Turtleneck – Seamwork Neenah Pattern | Sew DIY

First I had to find a pattern. I’ve been eyeing the Nikko pattern by True Bias but I was in a rush and decided to go with something I’ve made before. When I went to Japan last year, I made a dress using the Neenah pattern. That time, I modified it to have a scoop neck. This time around, I used the provided turtleneck collar but cut it into a top length. I really love the the collar (as it's called in the pattern) has a slouchy fit. When I was little, I hated turtlenecks because they felt too tight on my neck. This one is just perfect.

This pattern is from Seamwork magazine and I love how easy their patterns are to sew (and to modify). If you’re not familiar with Seamwork, it’s an online magazine from Colette patterns with loads of great sewing articles and two new patterns every month. Anyone can read the articles but if you subscribe, you get credits to download patterns from their extensive catalog. If you sign up using this affiliate link you can get half off your first month (and I’ll get a little bonus from them too). Even if you don’t subscribe, remember to check out the new issues released on the first of the month. It’s seriously the best part of a new month starting.

DIY Striped Turtleneck – Seamwork Neenah Pattern | Sew DIY

Ok, back to the pattern. Since I was in a rush (you know, travel sewing), I didn’t go back to my notes from the dress (blog post here) where I said that I’d make the back a smaller size. I will try to remember that for next time. Fortunately, I am pretty happy with the fit. I made a size Medium and added about 2 inches to the length of the sleeves. The only thing I would change is to narrow it at the hips. The dress pattern flairs out for the hips but I feel like it’s not really necessary for this shirt. Next time I have my serger threaded with black thread, I’ll hopefully remember to adjust this. For the construction, I added clear elastic to the shoulder seams to help stabilize the fabric.

DIY Striped Turtleneck – Seamwork Neenah Pattern | Sew DIY

I found this fabric in a bargain bin in downtown Los Angeles probably a year and a half ago. I love the classic black and white stripes. It’s a rib knit making it really warm. It turned out that Copenhagen was having fantastic weather during my visit so many days, I was actually too warm in all my long sleeves and layers. I’ve only sewn with rib knits a few times and I haven’t found a good way to topstitch them without stretching out the fabric. Do any of you lovely readers have tips for topstitching rib knits? 

DIY Striped Turtleneck – Seamwork Neenah Pattern | Sew DIY

This top was a great layering piece for my trip and I can recommend the Neenah pattern as a great wardrobe builder. It’s really fast to sew and easy to modify. I don’t wear a lot of turtlenecks but late last year I moved closer to the beach and the average temperatures are 10 to 20 degrees cooler than where I used to live so I may actually get a lot of use out of this top. By the way, in these photos I'm wearing the Avery Leggings posted about here, another fantastic wardrobe staple that I took with me on my trip to Copenhagen. Do you have a go to pattern for when you're traveling? 

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In Finished Make, sewing Tags seamwork, top
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About SewDIY

about sew diy

Welcome to Sew DIY. My name is Beth and this blog is dedicated to sharing inspiration, sewing tips and tutorials for creating your own DIY life. Email me at sewdiyblog [@] gmail [.com]

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Getting help organizing scraps from my favorite tiger. 🐯💙✂️ #sewingwithcats
A few years ago I went on a dyeing spree and dyed all the white and beige scraps of fabric in my stash with an indigo color. Some of them were dip dyed and others I bound up shibori style. 💙 Earlier this week I pulled all of my fabric scraps out of the closet and did a bit of organizing and assessing, pondering what my first project should be. Currently I'm leaning towards using these dyed scraps. ✂️ It was fun to look through the scraps and rather surprising how many there are and how I had forgotten the details of their beauty and uniqueness. I especially love the pieces that had been used to make muslins or patterns. 💙 In the second photo are two examples. I don't remember exactly but I believe they are scraps that my great-aunt gave to me. I'm excited to give them new life by creating something useful. 🌈 #shiboristyle #shiborilove #createmakeshare #recyclefabricscraps
I love this photo of @klalalaj and her mom in their matching Ali Sweatshirts. 💗 Kinda makes me want to make a matching sweatshirt for every member of my family and then force them to do a group photo. 👫👭👬👫📷 Thank you Kayla for sharing your makes! #alisweatshirt⠀
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Repost: ⠀
Used the snowy day to stay inside and make some Ali sweatshirts for me and mama... we tried to brave the cold for a photograph of the cute back detail but this was the best we got, so it’ll have to do for now.  #alisweatshirt #sewdiy #snowday ( #📷 @klalalaj )
On this Valentine’s Day, I want to send my love out to all of you and thank you for your support and friendship over the years. 💌 I’m so thankful for how welcoming and supportive the sewing community is and I want you to know that I see you and welcome you to be a part of the community as well. My main goal with this account (and with my blog and patterns) is to spread the joy of sewing and making and create a community based on joy and love. ❤️ Sewing can be such a solitary activity and it’s heart warming to know that there are so many sewists out there who are also exceedingly passionate and excited about this hobby.⠀
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I launched my first pattern, the Lou Box Top 4 years ago and it remains my most popular pattern to date. To celebrate, I'm offering 40% off any single pattern in my shop through the weekend. Use code SEWLOVE40 at checkout (bundles and sewing planner excluded). Discount valid through Sunday, Feb 17 at midnight Pacific time. ⠀
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P.S. I hope you all have lovely days doing things you love with people that you love. 😘 In the photo I'm wearing my most #valentinesday appropriate garment, a #teahousedress in Pendleton cotton.

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Some of the links on this site are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products or services I personally own or genuinely like. If a post or giveaway is sponsored, I will clearly state so in the body of a post.

Blog
DIY Silk Culottes Jumpsuit – Review of the Judith Jumpsuit by Schnittchen
DIY Silk Culottes Jumpsuit – Review of the Judith Jumpsuit by Schnittchen
about 2 weeks ago

Hi friends! Today I’m excited to finally share this lovely jumpsuit with you. I started this way back in October as part of the #sewfrosting challenge hosted by True Bias and Closet Case Patterns. The idea behind the challenge is to sew things that are fun and not necessarily practical. I had this gorgeous fabric in my stash for way too long and the challenge inspired me to finally take the plunge and use it. I honestly have not worn this jumpsuit yet except for taking photos but I’m blaming the weather. As soon as it’s a little warmer, I hope to give this jumpsuit a proper debut.