One of the (many) things I love about sewing is the ability to take patterns and adapt them to your needs. I wanted a round necked, long sleeved tee for layering and didn't have any patterns like that in my collection. So I took one of my faves - the Georgia Turtleneck by Mimi G, which I knew I liked the shape and length of - and hacked! It looks like a completely different top to the original (see below) but there are no changes to the bodice, just a new neckline, new fabric and no ruffles.
Hacking a neckline
I took the original neckline pattern piece and calculated that I needed it to be 2" deep (the neckline is folded in half lengthways when attached to the bodice so the final depth would be 1"). I drew the new shape I wanted onto the original piece (pic 1), and then traced that to create a new pattern piece (pic 2). I straightened the curved edges, and copied over the pattern markings eg the grain line and centre front (CF) notch.
Pic 1
Pic 2
I then cut out the new piece on my fabric, and attached to the neckline using the original instructions, notches and seams, basting first to ensure there were no tucks in the fabric. Finally I topstitched the neckband seam allowance down from the outside, using a straight stretch stitch. I also managed to get face cream on it but let's ignore that ;)
The fabric
I've made my two other Georgia turtleneck tops from cotton jersey. This is instead a luxurious tencel ribbed knit in emerald from Meet Milk's Derby collection bought from Guthrie & Ghani. It isn't cheap (roughly £23 per/m) but has such a soft, drapey feel and is such a perfect deep teal green. It was more difficult to sew than cotton jersey as it slipped around more on the machine and very easily stretched out of shape. My tips would be to dry it flat after pre-washing, to line up the rib lines with the grain line when cutting out, and when you start sewing slow down, to start seams slightly in from the edge (my machine ate the edge of seams several times) and to make sure that the weight of your fabric is up on the table rather than hanging down onto your lap, to stop it stretching out. Although it is a basic garment, the fabric makes it feel really special.
The pattern
I love Mimi G! I love her style, the way she has moved the Big 4 pattern companies into the 21st century, her work ethic, and her passion for sewing and fabric. I love that she celebrates women's curves, and how she adds extra features like shoulder ruffles to a basic pattern to make it feel special. The Georgia is a great pattern with really clear instructions. It was one of the first jersey patterns I made and remains one of my TNTs (Tried and Testeds). What are your TNTs? And how many different ways have you hacked it?!! I've love to know, please share in the comments :)
Angie x
Comments