What to do with an end of the bolt piece of lightweight knit in deep purple? Back in March BT (Before Tripod) I tried my first Lekala pattern. More on the construction and thoughts on sizing can be found here. What the pictures did not show clearly (duh, no wonder when you're not modeling your garment!) is how wide the neckline is. The shoulder seam is barely existing, the v-neck practically ends at the top of the arm.
As much as I liked the look, the combination of long sleeves and bare shoulders wasn't very practical. It was often too hot or too cold to wear this top. Time to get the pattern out again!
In brown the extra length added for a vertical only FBA, in red the extra inches now added to the neckline, front and back. It may not look like a big difference but it's much more comfortable when you're not feeling like you're sitting in the middle of a draught all day long.
Excusez the weird look, it's the best close up shot of the new neckline....
And the back. Looks like I'm directionally challenged when I'm trying to take pictures of my back side. Always missing some limbs or even my head.
Looking at these pictures it may appear like I could go down a size. I pinned the side seams in to check and although it improved the fit, it did not improve the overall look. This fabric is so lightweight that the belt loops and button of my jeans show through it if I go any tighter.
I do recommend this free pattern to anyone who wants to try a customized sewing pattern. Instant gratification: just minutes after sending my measurements the pdf was in my mailbox.
Someday soon I will try one of Lekala's skirts to check the fit on my bottom half.
Did you try a Lekala pattern? Did you like it?
It is a really flattering top, Marianne, and I think the fit is lovely - it looks relaxed but smart at the same time. Thanks for the tip about the shoulders - they must have been tiny.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried Lekala yet - like Valerie, I already have stacks of patterns.
Thanks, Sarah Liz. I like the fit too for this fabric. Might be a different story for a fabric with less drape, but for now I'm done with this pattern. On to the next project!
DeleteLove the top! Beautiful color and great fit! And I agree with Sarah Liz, it looks relaxed but smart at the same time. In my book that's the perfect mark to hit when dressing casually.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised not more people are using Lekala patterns. Especially in their newer pattern releases they have some great looks and the prizes are very competitive. After I've finished some Vogue patterns I plan to give Lekala a try. I'm curious how it will fit my taller frame.
Thanks! Lekala customizes the pattern for your height so I expect it will be a much better fit than patterns drafted for shorter women. My top was the first pattern ever with a perfect sleeve length!
DeleteYou're right about the patterns, there's so much choice! I like checking different companies to compare the fit. Some work better for me than others. Actually the customizing of Lekala means less hassle for me!
ReplyDeleteThe colour and the fit is superb on you! Fantastic job! I agree with you that most wrap top patterns' necklines are almost always too wide. I often had to tweak them myself.
ReplyDeleteOn this top the extra wide neckline was a design feature, maybe I will use it for a summer top, changing the long sleeves to cap sleeves. Usually it's the other way round for me, with my broad shoulders I make my necklines wider all the time!
DeleteYour wrap top looks wonderful. Great fit and a lovely colour. I have a similar problem with the neckline on wrap tops, especially if I buy a garment.
ReplyDeleteAli xx
Thanks, Ali! Purple is my fall and winter colour ;)
ReplyDelete