Another new blouse, another new like! I know lots of sewists have had success with Lekala patterns and I was tempted but unsure of how they would be on me. I had some credits from a sewing competition prize a few years back and decided to give this pattern a try. It’s only taken 3 years to get to this stage!
The fabric chosen for the blouse was given to me by a friend. It’s a retro 70s fabric, dark blue with orange and mustard floral details. Some of the flowers are rather large, definitely eye-catching! It’s got some man-made fibre content and is fairly transparent. I think I will be needing a cami to get full use out of this top though.
So, with Lekala you enter your measurements and, like magic, a pattern is generated just for you to print off and start making. The instructions are brief, much like the Burda magazine patterns. I made a toile to check the fit first, and overall it was quite good, the shape was promising but I needed to make a 2.5cm FBA, raise the neckline a little, for me it was a trifle low, and widen the sleeve in the bicep area.
Adjustments done, the making process was relatively painless. I used the overlocker on this instead of French seams, the man-made fibres aren’t too keen on precise pressing so French seams probably wouldn’t have turned out nice and neat. Fine sheer fusible interfacing was applied to the cuffs and the side seam to support the seams containing the invisible zip. It really didn’t take too long to make, although the instructions are brief & consise, they are clear and direct. I must make the cuffs a little tighter though, they hang a little, rather than sit nicely above the elbow.
I like the result, although I wish there’d been a little more fabric to enable me to pattern match across the back. It’s no train-smash, but it would have looked nice. I love the shape of the top, the tie is just right, not too big and floppy and the print is fun. I will run up a cami in a beige silk soon and then I can safely wear it out and about, and show my friend what I’ve finally made in her fabric!
I’ve got another couple of patterns that have hung around for ages to make up this week, I managed to trace the Morgan Jeans by Closet Case Files on the weekend, and have cut a toile for a pair of Burda trousers. Fabric will be from the stash – I’m getting through it at last!!
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 
The print is so cool, and the colours really complement your hair, Anne!
Thanks!! ☺️
Agree with Ms FabricHoarder about the colours & your colouring. Adore the combination, but they make the front details a bit too obscure. Wonderful job, Anne, and a grand addition! xx
Thanks Del!
Another winner! Such lovely fabric and a really pretty style.
Thanks Evie, now to make it in something less transparent…
😍😍😍 Love the whimsical print. The non-match at the back doesn’t look odd at all – just adds to the whimsy. Great choice of pattern for this.
Thank you, I’m really chuffed with it, showed the friend who gave me the fabric today, she was impressed!! 🙂
Lovely fabric! A great make – obviously a pattern I need to buy!
Yup, it worked out far better that I had expected!
It turned out great ! Also is on trend right now with that green color ( so I’ve been hearing) . I’m in the same boat, shopping my own stash first. Can’t wait to see your other projects.
I’ve still got some projects that need photos, they’re made and worn already, still no pics – and therefore no blog.. I’m liking that green, although that’s one colour that doesn’t feature in my wardrobe at all!
Love it! I’ve been desperate to try these patterns, but just haven’t managed to get to them. I am more tempted having seen your version. That fabric is delicious, and I do hope you wear the top a lot.
Me too, but it will definitely be after a cami is made, or bought.. Waay too transparent for daily wear! It’s a good pattern and turned out much better than I though.
Lovely marriage of pattern and fabric, at first I thought it was the same as a fabric I bought recently (so my colours). There seems to be a lot of sewers making tie neck blouses, there’s one on my list too, or maybe I’m picking up on that because of my interest.
I haven’t tried Lekala but from what I’ve seen, if one imputs accurate measurements the fit is awesome.
The fit was very close – 3 years ago! Now I needed a few changes, but it was still much better than a standard pattern. I was pleasantly surprised, so might run up one of the other two I bought at the same time!
Ooo, I love this! That fabric is gorgeous!
Thanks!
Another pretty fabric and another pretty top! I got a free Lekala pattern a while ago, like you say put in the measurements and I got my pattern. I think they still have a few free ones on their web site. I still haven’t sewn it up though!!!
It’s worth running it up, the fit was pretty good, I think I had a few more “issues” because I’d left it for so long to make after downloading it!
So pretty!
Thank you!
You’ve done a wonderful job with this pattern. The finished article looks fabulous. Plus, I’ve just found another pattern to add to my collection. Thanks for sharing your creation.
Thanks! I had been looking at this pattern for quite a while before I committed, I have another two downloaded at the same time but still haven’t made them up.