WBM Trudy turtleneck Archives

There are many sewing lessons I learned in 2024. They all came from sewing a variety of garments and working with some materials I’ve never used before.

Lesson #1

When I started the year sewing a black turtleneck as part of my “Back To Basics” sewing series on YouTube, I realized that having those basics are really essential.

Having something that can go with so many other things can be the key to getting dressed quickly and confidently. It can also save you some money.

Lesson #2

I used a laminated fabric in order to make a raincoat. This is a project that had been put off for years. But here are some things I learned from this:

Use a nonstick foot on the sewing machine. This will make the process so much easier.
A new, nonstick needle can also make things go smoother.
Use clips rather than pins. You want to keep the pin holes in the fabric to a minimum.

These are just a few of the lessons I learned while working on this project.

Lesson #3

Another sewing lesson I learned in 2024 is that it can be a good idea to sew something trendy.

I made the Seamwork Iggy pants. These are barrel-leg jeans that are trendy and fun to wear. I chose this pattern because it didn’t have a very pronounced bow or barrel shape. That was important because I didn’t want to look bow-legged.

Lesson #4

It’s okay, and probably essential, to sew something FUN! Now, sewing something fun can take on it’s own definition depending on the sewist.

For me, one of my fun projects this past year was this color blocked dress using Simplicity 9886.

This one took some planning and I needed to use my artistic skills to sketch it out before cutting into my fabric.

Another fun project for me was making this yellow dress.

This one I did as a Minerva Brand Ambassador. I just love this yellow and the pattern was easy to sew.

Conclusion

I think it’s important to have some fun while you’re being creative. There are ways to challenge yourself and I do this as well. I worked with faux leather for the first time in 2024. Just like the laminated fabric, that was a challenge that had been put off for a while.

For this new year of 2025, I plan to keep on doing the same. I’ll challenge myself to improve and learn and I hope you will do the same.

This Back To Basics Sewing: The Black Turtleneck is the latest in my “occasional” series of sewing those items that can be so necessary to mix and match with other garments in your wardrobe.

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For this one, I used one of my favorite patterns: the Wardrobe By Me Trudy turtleneck. I really like how this one fits. There are options for a traditional turtleneck collar, a low collar (think mock turtleneck), with sleeves and sleeveless. By the way, if you’ve never had a sleeveless turtleneck, they are a great layering piece to have, especially under long sleeve jumpers or dresses, sweaters, etc.

The Why Behind This Choice

This is an item that I have wanted to have for years. I never got around to buying one. Living here in the eastern part of the United States, the winters are often cold, so turtlenecks are very comfortable for me. I know some people don’t like things on their necks because they feel constricted (my mother was like that). So I get it. Personally, I love them! And I want more in different colors.

woman wearing black turtleneck, jeans and boots

The Turtleneck

I made the traditional shirt with the high collar that we always think of with a turtleneck. The fabric is a black cotton interlock (bought at JoAnn Fabrics). Interlock is great for something like this because it’s so comfortable. It’s breathable and easy to sew.

woman wearing black turtleneck and jeans back view

With only four pieces (back, front, sleeves, collar), this is also a good beginner project for someone new to sewing with knit fabrics. It really is hard to mess this up. Once you get your sizing right, it’s quick to put together.

I did use a twin needle for the hemming. Duckbill scissors are also great to trim away some excess fabric once the hems are done. Here’s a link to the video I made about using a twin needle.

If you have a serger, this can be even faster to make. But I wanted to show you some of the items I was able to put together with this one basic item.

woman wearing black turtleneck and black skirt

Above is the black turtleneck I paired with a black knit skirt. The skirt is made from the Angela Wolf patterns Kate skirt in knit.

woman wearing turtleneck with black and white jeans

Next I’m showing the top with a pair of black and white jeans I made a while back.

woman wearing black turtleneck with jeans

Last, this is probably my favorite way to wear this. A black turtleneck with jeans can be a quick, easy and stylish option. I hope you can see why I call this back to basics sewing: the black turtleneck!

Here is my YouTube video on making this terrific top.