Winter Warmth: Sewing Turtlenecks and Knit Tops

January 5th, 2025

I hope to replace my whole wardrobe this year with hand made tailored clothing. This is the first year it might be possible because I have finally drafted enough patterns that specifically fit my body. All I need to do is some minor tweaking, changing designs, like a neckline or figuring out what kind of pockets to put on. For the most part, I have basic tops and bottoms covered and I no longer have to draft from scratch.

It has taken a long time to get to this point. The turtleneck pattern I used this week was originally drafted in June 2024. I’ve sewn up three other versions and each time, I’ve made minor adjustments to the pattern. Sometimes I’ve had to revert my changes because they didn’t work out.

Whether I feel a pattern is ever done or not doesn’t really matter (I will always feel compelled to make some change). The tailored fit of all the clothes I make at home are significantly better than any clothing available at any store. Although it seems like a constant work in progress, I’m building a better wardrobe than I’ve ever had.

Tailored Clothing

One of the major changes is that I don’t look frumpy in basic knits. No drag lines, my tops are smooth and fabric isn’t pulling on me anywhere. It makes a huge difference but I’m not sure a person would know what they’re getting with tailored clothing unless they have personal experience wearing it. I didn’t know I could be more comfortable until I started wearing clothes that fit. (No more wedgies!)

This week was rainy and perfect for staying in and making long sleeve tops for my cold body. I made a couple turtlenecks and prior to adding the neckband, I tried them on. The shirt looked good as a crew neck so I decided to draft a crew neck knit top. In the first version, the neckline fit but looked incredibly snug. I’m going to update that version with a wider neckline.

It did not take long to churn out a few tops with the serger. I finished the hems off with a simple zig zag stitch in matching thread. No one will notice that they don’t have the professional coverstitch finish.

All the knit tops are long on the body and they stop at my low hips. I never feel cold on my back as I do with my old Uniqlo turtlenecks. The neckband is fitted to my neck so it isn’t floppy like many other turtlenecks I’ve purchased.

In the coming weeks I’ll be getting more knit fabric to make more long sleeve tops. I want to have enough to wear everyday for two weeks, enough for one load of laundry.

Other Projects

Knitting

I’m finishing up the hem on my sweater. I’ve limited myself to two rows each evening because I have a bit of carpal tunnel. The hem is a ribbed split hem that I have to go back and forth on. At this rate, I will finish in a couple of weeks.

Weaving

I’m tying up string heddles so I can weave a wider towel on my four shaft. I need 400 extra heddles and so far I have tied 200. It is taking a while but I won’t have to tie any more once I get them on the loom. I’m nervous about whether I can put the loom back together once I take it apart to put the heddles in place.

Baking

I found a cookbook by Claudia Fleming, Delectable: Sweet and Savory Baking. I am not familiar with Claudia Fleming but I followed her chocolate chip recipe and it came out perfectly. I’ve never had a recipe where the bake is perfect. Usually cookies are under or over baked and I have to make adjustments. Claudia knows what’s she’s doing.

I look forward to try more of her recipes.