Friday 29 October 2010

Burda Style magazine - the turtleneck top

Thanks to everyone for your very nice comments about my shiny black satin and lace ‘glamorous’ dress featured in my last post. However, I clearly cannot spend all my time drinking champagne at Claridges whilst wearing fancy outfits. No, I’m afraid that my everyday life requires something a little more basic. Cue the turtleneck top, pattern 121, from the September issue of Burda Style magazine.


This top turns out to be a nice cosy garment to wear with jeans, it keeps the winter wind from chilling my neck and, with a little bit of styling, it’s not totally boring. I particularly love the overlong sleeves. I used a rayon knit that is very soft and drapey but not too fine. And making this top gave me the opportunity to use my cover stitch machine for the hems (I am thrilled to bits with my new toy).

I think quite a lot of people have already made this pattern and I have no doubt that many more will be making it throughout the winter. It is shockingly easy to make. Here’s the technical drawing

It’s just a front, back and sleeves and there are so few instructions needed that even Burda have managed to make them not too inscrutable! I did depart a little from their instructions in that instead of adding 5/8” seam allowances I added only ¼” because I think that smaller seam allowances work much better when using a serger to construct a garment. Also, I attached the sleeves in the flat – i.e. before sewing the side seams. I decided this would be much easier than having to set them in afterwards.

Before I go, I must mention my trip to Yorkshire the week before last. If you ever get a chance to go to Yorkshire, jump at it. It is very lovely and I had a wonderful time. While I was there I bought some fabric in Leeds market


Firstly an African print cotton – it might seem a little bit odd to go to Yorkshire and buy African cotton but the lady who ran this stall had so many lovely prints that I just couldn’t resist. Next a remnant of purple knit fabric – there’s about a yard and it only cost £2.50. Lastly some very nice 100% English wool which is a sort of denim shade of blue with tiny black squares – I think this will make a very nice skirt.

I also visited Duttons for Buttons, in Harrogate. They claim to be the largest stockist of buttons in the UK and I believe them, it was a real treasure trove. I could have spent hours in there but I contented myself with about twenty minutes and just a couple of purchases. So, I bought some fabric I don’t need and some buttons that I don’t know what I’m going to do with. But I’m very happy with all my purchases and isn’t that what we sewists do when on vacation?

Have a great weekend everyone ….

28 comments:

  1. This turtleneck seems to be a real hit. You look good in it. Perfect for that winter chill.

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  2. That is a fantastic turtleneck - I love a quick knit!! Wonderful fit on you - and thanks for the tip re: the 1/4 seam allowance on the serger. . .

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  3. Hi Eugenia, love the turtleneck. I ditto your view of Yorkshire. I'm a Brit(Darwen,Lancs)living in Texas and LOVE it when I get to come over and stay w/my Aunt in Sheffield. I usually hop on Britrail and go over to York or thereabouts. I also love all the Midlands. I've often wondered how different my life would be if I'd been able to stay in Darwen. Hilary

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  4. I like the turtleneck! Of course, I have a more classic style, so it is not at all boring to me. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with that African print!

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  5. Cute turtleneck. Your simple pieces always look anything but (wink)!

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  6. You are too fly! Love the turtleneck. Good wardrobe staple.

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  7. This turtleneck is flattering. I am in love with the long sleeves too and borrowed them for a Jalie top. How fun to fabric and button shop during your travels. I think I would have had a hard time limiting my visit to 20 minutes in such an amazing sounding button store!

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  8. Glad you're enjoying your new toy!
    The turtleneck looks great - I love them for winter, they are part of my 'uniform'!

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  9. What a great casual top! Glad you're enjoying your new coverstitching friend.

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  10. When I sewed this top, I wondered about sewing the sleeves in the flat but chickened out. It's good to know that you were successful. Your version looks great! Harrogate is such a pretty town. I've never stopped anywhere there but Harlow Carr, it's just impossible to browse and window shop with little ones. I am jealous!

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  11. I really like this turtleneck top. This will be a great wardrobe staple, for sure.

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  12. That is such a stylish top. I have the sept issue, I have to look again. Maybe make one! Oh well, you look great btw!

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  13. Ooo.. great top! I don't really like turtlenecks, but this looks fabulous on you!

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  14. I made a Butterick version and have really enjoyed it with both jeans, twill pants, and skirts. I missed your fancy party dress post, but you really looked good. Did you and your husband know about this blogger? http://bondclothes.blogspot.com/
    He might be fun to follow since you and your husband can get out and about more.

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  15. Fabulous turtleneck. I like it with your jeans and necklace.

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  16. Your turtleneck looks great on you. It is a perfect top matched with jeans.

    The African print is gorgeous.

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  17. Great top - very classic :)

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  18. You look great in the Burda top! I have the pattern traced, but haven't made it yet. It's still in the 80s here and a bit too warm. Aren't coverstitch machines wonderful? You bought some awesome fabric. I'll enjoy seeing what you make with them.

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  19. I love this turtleneck!! I most definitely need to give this one a try...I have enough knit remnants in my sewing room that I should be able to squeak one out!

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  20. I really must make that turtleneck pattern - I've loved it on everyone that has sewn it up so far, yours being no exception.

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  21. Well, it's time to sew that turtleneck! :) Yours is perfect!

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  22. Great turtleneck top. This turtleneck pattern is definitely a winner. I'm going to try it.

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  23. Great top!! Love your jeans too...did you make them as well??

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  24. Hi Myra - thanks for your nice comment. No, I didn't make my jeans - I have to confess they are RTW. They are Levi's straight cut - a nice, basic, not too expensive, pair of jeans that I wear a lot.

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  25. Just made this turtleneck too, with sleeves in the flat, and love it. Your version is very nice.

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  26. I'm making this turtleneck too! Beautiful.

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