Yes, Virginia, I sewed this year: Sort-of self drafted turtleneck tops

Nothing like the end of year for some slapdash posting about the garments I made in 2020. To be honest, I didn’t sew or knit that much: between my concussion, other family member’s debilitating health concerns, a massive relapse and living in a society with people who value their desire for a monthly holiday over Disabled people’s right to live, my brain and body were in no state for any kind of demanding motor/mental task.

Please enjoy my truly atrocious COVID self-haircut.

Anyway, I made a few things, including these tops. Like many others, this project was born of a need for a specific garment in my wardrobe: a long sleeved turtleneck top, semi-fitted, with the collar close enough to keep me warm, but loose enough to allow room to breathe. Particular, I know! I looked and looked for patterns but didn’t find any that fit the bill, so turned to a TNT (tried ‘n’ true) t shirt pattern for a base.

Ottobre retro-style “modern classic pants”

A while back, I mentioned the secondhand fabric collection that my friend Lauren had kindly sent me. After sewing a Burda Tie Front Blouse from the Swiss voile, I was eager to move onto this beautiful retro print fabric. And what better match for a brown bold floral than wide leg pants?

Say hi to Patrick! Wearing my Named Paola Turtleneck Tee.

Two winter dresses: Frankie vs Ottobre

This winter I was on the search for a comfortable jersey dress, one with long sleeves and reasonably thick fabric which wasn’t a mini. You’d think that would be an easy ask, but apparently not. After scouring the shops, both local and online, I resorted to making my own. I ended up making two dresses using two similar patterns, so if you’re the kind of sewing nerd who likes detailed pattern comparison (or a PATTERN SHOWDOWN), read on!

Left: Tessuti Frankie Dress, right: modified Ottobre #18. Ladder Stripes – viscose knit dress from Autumn/Winter 5/2017.

Ottobre 2/2017 merino statement t-shirt

After a few successful garments, I’m back to sharing one of those creations which I love but will likely never wear. I really should have known better – I overheat easily over summer, and tend to spend my days inside in cool cotton and viscose, huddled near the air con. Yet after extolling the virtues of wool fibres and seeing Amanda’s gorgeous merino Plantain tee, I couldn’t resist making myself a merino knit t-shirt.

Ottobre 5/2015 #11 – Pencil shape printed pants

Does anyone have trouble keeping up with sewing challenges? Or sharing them, rather. I made these pants way back in November 2017 for The Monthly Stitch’s pants month, but haven’t been able to photograph them until now. The pattern is pencil shape printed pants, #11 in Ottobre Woman Autumn/Winter 5/2015.

If I can’t wear them out and about, at least I can wear my Lottas for blog photos. That way, when I inevitably monetise my blog, I can claim them on tax.

A very 70s outfit – Named Paola Turtleneck Tee and Ottobre 5/2016 #6 tweed skirt

I mentioned in my post about my Ottobre 5/2016 tee that I liked the turtleneck style so much, I quickly moved on to the Named Paola Turtleneck Tee. When I started this project, I realised this was the ideal opportunity to use up some neglected fabrics in my stash, and make the perfect (or perfectly daggy) 70s outfit.

Ottobre 5/2016 #5 – vintage lines ribbed sweater

I’ve been inspired by the fabulous turtlenecks doing the rounds and decided to make one of my own. My Ottobre magazine stash provided the pattern (Ottobre 5/2016 #5 – vintage lines ribbed sweater) and the fabric was an old purchase from Joelle’s Fabric Warehouse on eBay.

Ottobre painted canvas top

I know, another short sleeved top. I’m nothing if not consistent! This top is made from one of my Ottobre back issues, Summer/Spring 2/2016 #2, printed canvas t-shirt. It was drafted for knits, but as Ottobre tees tend to have a generous fit, I chanced sewing it with a stretch woven. The fabric substitution worked better than I anticipated, and now I have another versatile short sleeved top to add to my wardrobe.

It must be love

You guys – I’ve finally found my perfect match. Every sewist knows the struggle with patterns that aren’t quite drafted for their body type – the restrictive arms, the too-wide neckline, and the dress that looks cute on the envelope, but looks more like a muu-muu on your body. Enter European sewing magazines: well-drafted, stylish, and the perfect fit for my body.

And they have a dirndl issue every year. What’s not to love?