Necklines - I haz the fail

[judithsewstoo]

So, I'm starting working on my new Pictish gown and I've come to the part I always seem to have problems with - the neck hole. Necklines I've made before usually end up almost to my shoulders (well, bra strap anyway - yeah, I'm working on period under-support

Comments

[house_elf]

I use a keyhole neckline when it's not a cotehardie, and I don't do those necklines...someone else does them. I like a keyhole, because I can measure around my neck and add a an extra inch then cut the slit so it fits over my head...that's always given me a nicer neckline.

[judithsewstoo]

Thank you for your tip. :)

[mightyjesse]

You will need a 8.5x11 sheet of paper, a compass and a ruler.

1. On the paper, make the biggest circle you possibly can, as close to the upper edge of the paper as possible.
2. Two inches inside this circle, make another circle... This is your actual neck hole.
3. Fold the paper in half longwise and use this line to create the keyhole seam.
4. Draw a line 1 inch away from the keyhole seam line on either side. This completes the seam allowance for your neckhole facing.
5. Cut out your facing pattern along all the outside lines, and also cut out your neckhole.

This is the pattern I always use to create round neckholes for myself. It's about as fool proof as I can get... You might need to go slightly larger for a boy. This pattern assumes a 1/2" seam allowance.

[judithsewstoo]

Thank you for this. I remember admiring your Viking apron dress and underdress when I met you at Pennsic.

Hope you're doing well. Try not to stress too much... about anything. ;) :p

[hera_bird]

How ever did you manage to find a pattern for a Pictish gown? I thought the only historical accounts were of men's clothing, and that's sorta... iffy. Was there a bog body, or did you try to recon it based off Norse/Irish clothing of the same era? It looks lovely BTW!