A Freebie!
Prior to Christmas I placed an order with Style Arc Patterns and the Lu Lu Tunic was a freebie that came with it. I liked the tunic styling, finding it very rtw in it's detailing and knew it would slot into my work wardrobe effortlessly.
I had a piece of cream crepe in my stash that I picked up from one of my op shop hauls and fortuitously it was the recommended fabric for this make. I do like the fact that Style Arc send a little swatch of suitable fabric with their patterns. I am not very good at recognising fabrics by name but feel is a whole different matter!
I ordered a size 8 pattern after much deliberation. I looked at the finished measurements of a 10 and found it contained a lot of ease. Despite normally buying a rtw AU/NZ size 10, I threw caution to the wind and ordered the size 8. I am pleased I did because the fit is perfect.
Because this is my very first version, I made it as per the pattern. I was going to remove the horizontal pleat at the front but left it on a whim. I may remove it in future versions. The neckband I attached as per the instructions but found it quite fiddly and time consuming so opted to stitch and overlock the sleeve bands on rather than turn and slip stitch. You don't notice the difference when it is worn so if I made it again, I would treat the neck in the same manor. I did go to quite a bit of effort making the loop for the back button loop closing and subsequently found out I can pull it over my head easily without it so would not bother making an opening in any future version.
My verdit on this top is that it is a very nice go to work top and I am please I made it up.
This looks lovely. The horizontal pleat is a nice detail.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Considering I was going to leave it off, I am pleased I didn't! It would look good with the bottom panel in a contrasting colour as well.
DeleteIt does look lovely on you! Great style. Your construction tips are very welcome, as I have this pattern on my "to make soon" pile. You have saved me quite a bit of time!
ReplyDeleteGlad to help! It is worth the effort.
DeleteLovely top and very helpful review. I have this pattern too and was wondering how it looks made up. Looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It would be soo much more helpful if Style Arc had actual photos.
DeleteGreat top ~ I think the horizontal part looks good, gives it a summery layer effect, which is most current ... J
ReplyDeleteThank you. It has had quite a bit of wear which is certainly a sign of success!
DeleteI wasn't too sure about this pattern from the illustration but made up it looks great, I especially like how you've paired it with narrow pants and red shoes - a perfect simple chic outfit
ReplyDeleteThank you! Style Arc really need to provide photos.
DeleteOooh, I was waiting to see somebody sew up this pattern. I like it, it's flattering and that horizontal pleat is awesome.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It certainly is a point of difference. I do like those little touches. The only downside is, you can't tuck it in.
DeleteWhat a great top, it looks very RTW like. I really like the back opening and think it was worth the extra effort, but I like little detail like that. I too think it would look great without the horizontal pleat. I'm yet to make my free pattern I got many months back.
ReplyDeleteI always like RTW like. I think I will try it without the pleat. I will add that to my ever growing list!
DeleteCatching up on blog reading - congratulations on a great top. I must get onto the Style Arc bandwagon.
ReplyDeleteThey seem to be good patterns. I do find the one size a problem though. It makes grading difficult.
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