The Work From Home Module Sew Along: Itch to Stitch Hepburn Turtleneck

As you can probably tell by my lack of posting, I didn't sew much over the summer. I just couldn't get motivated. I thought about sewing--a lot--but I just couldn't make myself do anything. I think it was pandemic lethargy. So, what got me out of my doldrums? Well, Whitney of Tomkat Stitchery started a work from home module sew along (#wfhmodulesewalong), because so many of us are stuck at home, but could use new outfits for Zoom meetings, etc. Her idea is to sew/buy/thrift two bottoms, 3 tops. and one topper.

Now, I'm retired, so I don't have many Zoom-needs, but my daughter, Mehetabel, teaches university classes via Zoom and she also has weekly conference calls also on Zoom. I explained Whitney's concept to her and she was on board, but with one caveat: yoga pants and slippers. Well, someday she'll be in a classroom again, so while I'm not stressing over dressy bottom pieces now, I know I can work something out later.

I'm calling this photo, "Mom, I'm trying to teach!"

So, I decided to make the tops in three fabrics I'd purchased from Stylemaker Fabrics, and here's the first one. It's the Itch to Stitch Hepburn Turtleneck made from a soft cotton/lycra jersey. I figured this could be a good layering piece, and the cotton would keep it comfy and breathable. The background is mustard, with ivory flowers outlined in navy. She's wearing it here with Levi's.

Since Mehetabel is 6 feet tall, I added length to the pattern pieces--I was really guessing, but I think the length is perfect. It's funny, I haven't purchased any Big 4 (Simplicity, McCall's, Vogue, and Butterick) since mid-March, but I have been on a tear of purchasing independent PDFs. I find it funny because I have previously professed my intense dislike of PDF patterns! I like the instant gratification--and no pesky outside germs--that come with PDF patterns. This one, the Itch to Stitch Hepburn Turtleneck, went together quickly (both the PDF and the sewing). It has the layering feature I love: print only the size(s) you want.

Coverstitched hem!

Making it was a cinch. This top went together quickly and easily. As I always do with knits, I stabilized the shoulders, this time using fusible interfacing. I sewed all seams with my Pfaff's stretch stitch, serged all seam allowances, and hemmed it using my coverstitch.

This is my first piece for Mehetabel's work from home module. The other pieces will include Jalie Eleonores, Helen's Closet Blackwood Cardigan, a Jalie Scarf-Collar top, and a Love Notions Classic Tee. The tee is probably more casual than she'd wear in the classroom, but I think it'll be fine on Zoom. And remember, even though I'm not taking photos of them, in real life, she'll be wearing her Lululemon's and slippers!

                 

Next up, the Jalie Scarf-Collar Top. See you soon!