DIY Knit Set #s8738

Hi everybody! Thank you for joining me. Today I’m finally sharing this knit set I made. This project started with the turtleneck. I saw a RTW cropped style with flared sleeves and I had to make it. Inspo for the top is the Janice sweater by Lovers + Friends. I adore sets so the skirt was a quick addition. The metallic knit fabric used for this project was from the thrift store last year.

Turtleneck

For the turtleneck I used Simplicity 8738 in size XXS. This pattern does run large as it’s meant to be over sized. I’ve made this pattern almost exactly two years ago right after I started my blog. Which, happy birthday baby blog. For the cutting, I cropped the top 1-2in below the waistline. I lacked the patience to draft a proper flare sleeve so I measured about how much i wanted to increase the width of the bottom sleeve hem. I went with 8in. Proportionately adding 4in to each side of the bottom hem. Cutting, I angled from the bottom hem to the shoulder seam. See the picture below for clarification.

Quick tip for sewing the turtleneck band. I start on my regular sewing machine with a basting stitch and then move to the serger. When sewing the turtleneck to the main body remember to just stretch the neckband, you don’t want to stretch the bodice as you’re sewing. Do this in small steps, rotating the fabric and lifting your presser foot as necessary.

I recently learned how to use my serger so I’m really appreciating the finer seam finishes with knits and pants. The serger I have is a portable Juki-MO-644D and it’s been great so far. For a while I was letting myself get too comfortable and not doing enough active learning. I want to create pieces that look nice but also are made nicely and will last. For the hems of the top and skirt I’ve used a twin needle. I can’t believe I wasn’t using a twin needle before. It’s a game changer.

Skirt

No pattern for the skirt since I don’t have any like that somehow? I self drafted it from a skirt that hugged my figure snuggly. I cut around my RTW skirt giving 1/2in seam allowance on the sides. Raised the waist for the 1in elastic band and added some length to the bottom. Keep in mind the stretch of your fabric and seam allowance. Similarly, with the top I serged the sides of the skirt and used the twin needle for the hems.

These sets have such a classy appeal to me. One of those those perfect fall outfits. I do love both pieces individually, as well. Northern winters are a bit cold for this set but this skirt will be coming back out for spring and summer lewks.