Briar Variation

So,  I have recently started working from home a couple of days a week and the extra two hours (at least, probably more when you account for faffing time too) gained from not having to drive into work on these days are very productive....

The latest project I have completed is this modified Megan Nielsen Briar pattern. I really wanted a lightweight jumper and I found this grey knit fabric on Leicester market the other day for only £2 so thought I'd have a go at editing the pattern.

Firstly - this material was an absolute nightmare to so with!! it feels really nice because it is so soft and drapey but it catch on any bit of rough skin on your hands and absolutely does not want to do what it's told. 

I nearly gave up several times.

To get the fit I wanted I used the short version of Briar but cut straight across at the longest part of the back hem for both front and back. I also added about 1 inch to the back width (because I was going to put in a pleat but forgot, however, it came out a nice size anyway). I also wanted a much higher neckline on the front I added this mostly by guess work.

To finish the neckline off I did't use binding as the pattern suggests but overlocked some stay tape to the wrong side of the front and back pieces before joining the shoulder seams. After sewing up the shoulders I then turned over the neck edge by about 0.5 inches and sewed a single line of top stitching. This gave a nice stable and neat finish to the neck. 

I attached the sleeves following the pattern but altered the side seam to stop 3 inches before the hem. I overlocked the unfinished edges of the hem and the open side seams before folding under 0.5 inches and using a twin needle top stitched around the hem and side seam openings. The sleeves were also finished off with twin needle top stitching.

I like how the top has come out although as I said it was a bit of a headache to sew at times. It's not the best finished off garment in my wardrobe but it's perfect for throwing on over a t-shirt as we are heading to autumn. It has also left me with a nice pattern design to try out again with some other material, maybe I will add a patch pocket next time too.