Hi friends! When I moved to Southern California, I really never thought that I’d be wearing, let alone making a turtleneck ever again. I had some favorite turtleneck tops that I love but every time I wore them I’d become incredibly over heated. But after moving to the west side of LA, I’ve been so cold. So, a long sleeve, high neck shirt was called for. Plus, I’ll be going to Copenhagen this spring and I plan to bring this as one of my layering pieces (see more about my travel wardrobe plan here).
The pattern is the Piper Top by Christine Haynes. It’s part of her Chop Chop series of easy, quick to sew patterns. Just my style! I’ve also made another Chop Chop pattern, the Rumi Tank. Check it out here. Note to self: I need to make that pattern again. :) This top features a funnel neck and set in sleeves with either short or three-quarter length sleeves. I wanted my sleeves full length so I lengthened the sleeve about an inch and added cuffs. The funnel neck is intended to be folded down for a chic 60s style (see below) but I actually like how it looks unfolded (above).
This pattern is very easy to sew and can easily be done in an afternoon. Following my experience with the Rumi Tank, and my bust measurement, I cut between a size 10 and 12. I probably could have graded down for the waist and hip but I’m pleased with the fit.
The only trouble I ran into was the angle of the shoulder. I’ve come to realize, with this project, that I need to do a square shoulder adjustment. I did it for my Mesa dress although I never put it together what that adjustment was called. All it means is that the pattern has a greater angle than my shoulder does. Or in other words, my shoulder is more square than the pattern. For tank tops and sleeveless shirts, the angle is not as noticeable but with a fitted shoulder the top will actually stand away from the neckline. I actually have another top or two in my closet that I need to go back and make this adjustment to. (I'd also like to note, that making these kinds of fit adjustments doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with the patterns or one's body. We're just all shaped so differently that it's pretty much impossible to find an average that would perfectly fit anyone. For more on the human body and size averages, I highly recommend this podcast episode from 99% Invisible.)
I shared how I made the square shoulder adjustment in my Instagram Stories (and archived it if you’re curious). I think I’ll do a full post about the adjustment but if you’re curious, here’s one method. Since I had already cut out my top, I removed a 5/8” wedge from the shoulder at the neckline and added more scoop to the neck to fit the collar.
The fabric is a black ponte knit from The Fabric Store. I picked this up during my January visit to their LA store. I’m very lucky to have a partnership with them wherein they give me fabric to play with and I share my projects with you. I genuinely love their store and their fabrics. This fabric is available in their online shop here. It’s a nice, thick, stable fabric and very easy to work with. I think this fabric would be great for structured tops, dresses or skirts.
I really like this top and I think I’m going to get a lot of wear out of it. I like that the neck is not too tight and the black is just so easy to wear with anything. It’s a boxier fit (especially because my waist and hips are smaller than the size I cut) so to stay really warm, I’d layer it over a bodysuit. This re-introduction to the turtleneck has me inspired to try some more. True Bias recently released the Nikko Top and it looks like a great layering piece with a more fitted silhouette than this pattern.
