Monroe Turtleneck & Marimekko magic!

The free PDF Tessuti Fabrics Monroe Turtleneck is a quick make. I used a piece of £3 knit fabric that has been in my stash since October 2017 which I bought from a little fabric store in Fitzrovia. Norman Lyons & Co are a wholesale fabric company who also sell to the public on Cleveland Street. It is a quirky place full of polyester prints, wild dress fabrics and lots of other vintage treasures and bargains. The black cotton knit fabric I bought is a lovely quality and is a good weight too. When I spotted the free PDF Monroe Turtleneck pattern I knew it would make a perfect partnership!

The treasure trove of Norman Lyons & Co fabric shop on Cleveland Street, Fitzrovia

Below are photos of the Monroe turtleneck in progress (I will get some photos of me wearing it on Tuesday). I cut out the size One based on my bust size but overall is is a VERY generous and loose fit. I normally have to lengthen any sleeve but this pattern was the perfect length, although I ended up creating a simple cuff for the sleeve by folding over a length of the fabric and re-attaching.

I also modified the hem by adding two bands of folded fabric to create a split high-low hem. I used my regular machine to sew it up using a 2.5 wide zig-zag with a 2.5 stitch length. The turtle neck on my version sits quite high because the fabric has quite a bit of body, I suspect I will wear it folded over. Something to consider if you have a short neck (and I would say I have a longer than average neck). Overall, the fabric behaved beautifully and it was genuinely fun to sew a whole garment in an afternoon and for only £3.00. I am also linking this to the #makeyourstash hashtag too!

How much do you love this free Monroe Turtleneck? Thiiiiiis muuuucccchh.....

Onto the second part of my post. For any long-time followers of my blog you will know I have BIG LOVE for the Finnish design company Marimekko.  I have made MANY, MANY cushions for my house with their iconic prints (examples here and here). Earlier in the year I attended my first Craft Swish and scored this small piece of black and white Unikko print for free! It would have been rude not to sew another cushion!

And here it is in all it's cushion-ary glory snuggling alongside previously me-made Marimekko cushions.

The Marimekko story does not end there. Fabulous Finnish fortune came my way again on Friday when I dropped off a few items of clothing to Oxfam in Fitzrovia and just as I was leaving I spotted a pretty black and white scarf. The print Gods were looking down on me when I discovered it was a Marimekko scarf for only £5 (usual retail price is between £80 - £120). Yes! I snapped it up and I am looking forward to wearing it this Spring.

Have you had any good sewing / fashion fortune come your way recently?

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