Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Lutterloh Patterns Come Alive!

Supplement 303 - Model #192 - Winter 2017

Sleeveless Knit Top w/ Keyhole Neckline

I'll be taking a tropical vacation next month so despite the dreary, rainy weather outside I need to sew some cool, comfortable clothes.

Pattern Drafting Hints: 
This pattern was a breeze to enlarge to my size. There were only front and back bodice pieces plus front and back neck facings to draw. It is suggested that you also draw arm hole facings but I knew I would use binding so I skipped these.

If you make this pattern up for yourself I'd suggest you measure the keyhole opening on your own neckline as the 25mm mentioned seemed awfully low to me.

Fabric Used/Suggested
Although I believe this top would look smashing in a solid color I am trying to use up some of the prints in my fabric stash. This particular print is a cotton lycra blend with a very soft drape. Unfortunately the busy print camouflages the interesting tucks at the neckline. Here is a close up view.

The pattern for this top suggests a knit and I agree wholeheartedly. You could probably use a stretch woven for this top but it would need to have quite a bit of drape to it to avoid puffiness around the bust area. The button opening at the neck allows for ample room to get this over your head.

Design Changes: 
There were a few minor design changes to this top pattern. The sleeves are bound with satin edge elastic and I left off the back darts altogether. I originally pinned the darts but decided I wanted a less fitted top so left them off in the end. The front neckline was lowered just slightly by cutting the fabric with no seam allowance and then sewing the facing on with a 1/2" seam. As mentioned above, the keyhole neck opening seemed mighty low to me. Mine ended up about 18 cm from the neckline rather than the 25cm suggested on the pattern. This is as low as I can go without showing part of my deepest plunge bra.

Closing Hints: 
I was pleasantly surprised to find this top is plenty long for me without any addition. When it's not tucked in, it nearly covers my whole behind in back and crotch in front. This gives more opportunities for wearing it untucked with a belt. Hey, with just a little additional length I could make this as a sleeveless tunic. The skirt pattern paired with this top doesn't really appeal to me but I do have enough fabric left to make a companion skirt for a dressier look. Don't you just love that about separates?

The newest Lutterloh supplement has just been released and is available here:  
Supplement 304
Or you can always do a search for the Lutterloh dealer in your country. We have links to a few of them listed on our right sidebar.
Here's hoping you're getting some sewing done. 
Ann in Calif.