Christmas Gift - Another Burda Turtle

Plus A Burda Instruction Short-Cut

 

Well, yay, another Burda turtle (9/10, #121).  Quick and easy, and the fourth one I've made in the last two weeks.  I will have to say, of all the recent offerings from Burda, this one is a winner.  I'm actually thinking of transferring the pattern to the nicer tracing paper for a more permanent pattern. 

I've added my usual back tag:

I've discovered an improvement upon the Burda instructions, too, that will make the turtle even quicker to make.  Have you read the section that says, "Fold Collar on fold line, wrong side facing in.  Pin collar seams together exactly.  Grasp collar from inside, pull seams out and stitch seam allowances together, close to seams.  Push seams back in place again."?  This is one of those Burda directions that is a bit difficult just reading it.  Blindly following the instructions and doing everything exactly does work, but here's a quicker way to finish the collar:

First, turn the turtle inside completely inside out, including the collar.  Unfold the collar, so that it lays flat. (BTW, this is a good time to add a tag, if you're going to do so.) It should look like this:

Second, fold the entire collar over.  Just take the top edge and fold both layers down together, so that the collar seam allowances line up.

From the side, it will look like this, the whole collar is just folded down, lining up the seam allowances:

If you measure at the side seams, it will approximately 3 1/2" to 4" to from the fold to the end of the collar/shoulder seam.  That might depend on the size you're making or the height of turtleneck you like.

Third, pin the two seams together. 

Fourth, stitch the two seam allowances together.

Fifth, turn turtle right side out and tuck collar in.  Done.  This accomplishes the same thing the Burda instructions do, just faster and easier.

If you haven't made this pattern, live in a climate where turtlenecks are wearable and actually like them (I know, they aren't for everyone), then do try this pattern!

Parting Shot:  Wrapped and Ready.   When you live long distances from relatives, you've got to get those presents wrapped and ready early.  The elves certainly have been at work here.