This series is sponsored by Baby Lock. For over 40 years, Baby Lock has been dedicated to the love of sewing by creating machines for sewing, embroidery, quilting and serging – all with ease-of-use, high quality and a touch of elegance.
I’m always on the lookout for a great tunic-length top, and the Lola by Victory Patterns is not only a great length, but also interesting and comfortable. I was really excited to sew this one up. It’s unusual for knit patterns to have such detailed seam lines, since the fabric stretches and you don’t need all of the contouring. I really love how the seams add such visual interest and professionalism to this top. And I adore the pockets!! I wore it when my little sister was visiting and when I told her I had made it she was blown away. She said that because of all of the seams, she thought for sure it was off the rack. Homemade clothes looking better than ready to wear is pretty cool!
Victory Patterns are all offered as PDF downloads, so you can print, tape, trace and sew whenever and wherever you want! I don’t mind taping and tracing at all, so the preparation for this pattern didn’t bother me. I did have to pay attention once it was traced and I was cutting, so that I kept each cut piece of fabric with it’s labeled pattern piece, so that I didn’t mix them up!
The instructions are clear, with color pictures to refer to on each step. I usually prefer illustrated patterns, but the photographs really helped me understand the steps on this one! The construction was so different and fun than a more basic tee! I loved the interesting shapes of the pattern pieces and seeing how they came together! I initially added the detailed triangle at the neckline, but I ended up liking mine better without. I also added a hemband like the pattern suggests, but liked the shape of the unbound hem a little better with this drapey fabric. I cut a size 6 and sewed all of the seams as written. Then I ended up taking in the front bust seams by about 1/2″ each (you know, mother of two post-nursing…) That slight alteration improved the fit to perfect.
The pattern calls for a “medium weight knit with a slight stretch”. Although this organic french terry that I used is hands-down the most soft and comfortable knit I’ve ever felt, I think it was a little bit drapey for this pattern. The weight of the pockets stretch the seams out a bit, and it reads more dress than sweatshirt. I really love it, and will try it with a little more stable knit next time to see the difference!
Victory has a whole line of modern, urban patterns for women. I really liked the style of the pattern and instructions, as well as the funky angle in the styling. I loved making the Lola and can’t wait to try out another!
Pattern: Victory Lola in size 6 Fabric: Luscious organic cotton/lycra french terry from The Fabric Fairy (the most comfortable knit ever!) p.s. did you notice my rad leopard print leggings? I made them, and you can make some too using my leggings tutorial! Head over to Mad Mim to see how her Victory Lola turned out with a different variation! For a chance to win a Victory Lola PDF Pattern, leave a comment below before Tuesday, January 22nd. Good Luck!
