Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Polka dots denim wrap shirt - Lekala 4651

Lekala 4651
I am always looking out to see what new patterns Lekala released and I have been quite uninterested in most of the latest ones but this one shirt caught my eye. It is a wrap style with a bow tie and asymmetrical front. Lekala 4651:
I had it printed for a while but it took me quite some time deciding in what fabric to make it. In the end decided to not use any "muslin" fabric but shoot for a good version right from the start. So I used one of my dear thin denim polka dots fabrics. Maybe it was a good thing - I don't think I would have wore it at all if I didn't loved the fabric.... or maybe it was a bad thing - the result is not very high on my favorites list and I don't plan on using the pattern a second time....
    I had some real troubles putting together the previous Lekala pattern I had done and I still had not reviewed so I though I should take some step by step pictures this time just in case someone wanders how I put this together:
   I 1st marked the back and bust darts and sewed that up, I cut in my paper to make it easier to transfer those marks:
Lekala 4651 tutorial
Lekala 4651 tutorial
After that I interfaced the facings, the cuffs and the front edge :
Lekala 4651 tutorial
I sewed the front and back facings together on on to their corresponding pieces:
After that I sewed the last front piece, turned the facings inside and finished it white/red stripe - I thought it would look cleaner and more playful like that:
I top stitched the facings in place:
After that I sewed the sleeves in flat:
And only after sewed and serge finished the side seams:
When I tried on the sleeves almost hit my elbows before adding the cuffs.... so I trimmed those just a little bit - I was afraid my cuffs would not fit if shortened to much and I had no fabric left to cut new ones and decided I want the cuffs turned so I sewed them right sides together to get a clener look when turned:
 I was happy at this point and almost done when I tried it on and realized it was gaping badly..
Lekala 4651 tutorial
The only fix I could find to this was to overlap the 2 fronts slightly differently :
And now one of my sides was significantly longer then the other ... Bah!!!! I could have probably made a better finishing than this but I was really annoyed but this so I just cut the extra and attached the waistband - that hits nowhere near my waist...
I think the shirt is not really flattering but at least is done and wearable. I love the fabric so i will probably wear it a few times but ... not really what I have hoped for:
Lekala 4651
Lekala 4651
Lekala 4651
Lekala 4651

7 comments:

  1. It's such a fun style, it's a shame that the fit didn't turn out as you like. I think you should persevere and give it another try. It looks like you could take a dart out of the neckline tapering into the armhole. I've not tried Lekala patterns; they do always seem to have some great details, but the one size is a little intimidating.

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    1. That dart sound like a really good idea to try but as much as I loved their sketch when I first see it nothing on this top felt right on me , except maybe the bust darts - love how they get some right every time... So I will probably just let this one go and try new ones!

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  2. Did you tell Lekala there was a problem with this pattern? If you do their may be a chance they will fix it. I love the style of this top and you did a great job saving it.

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    1. I am not sure if the problem is really the pattern! I measured the 2 sides and they seemed to have the same length... also there is no mark ( or at least I didn't find any ) as how those 2 side should overlap... To be honest I am at lost as what was really wrong here - the pattern , the measurements and alterations that I requested, the fabric, or just my personal taste....those this is my second deep V Lekala that is gaping badly so I think I should stay away from them !?!

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    2. Hi GeorgiaS
      There is definitely problem with this pattern. You should report this to Lekala. I have the same problem with my project. Blouse and sleeves are too long. I cut all parts about 6 cm. V-neck is to wide, it start to overlap at the same point. They should fix it cause it's nice project, I'd like to sew this blouse once more but not with this pattern-it's damaged. It's seems to be for person about 4 inches taller! I'm going to tell Lekala about it.
      I devoted for this pattern very rare fabric given by my mom, it could be so nice blouse:( I'm trying to fix it the same way as you did ;)

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  3. I love the top! It looks lovely on you, and fabric choice is nice! You did a beautiful job as usual.

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