Lekala 4094
Lekala 4094 is actually a pre-Sewjourn make! As seems to almost permanently be the case at the moment, I am way way behind with blogging what I have sewn. Shall I blame Instagram or perhaps just life in general? But because my blog is my record of what I have sewn, things will eventually be documented here. So, back to Lekala 4094. First, the line drawing.
This one really was an impulse buy for me. While mindlessly scrolling through the Lekala catalogue one day, I spotted the drape, the side ruching, and realised that it was for knits. I had some wildly patterned midweight ponte from Darn Cheap Fabrics that was crying out to be turned into something, and I’d tried to find the pattern that was just right for it many times. Suddenly I realised that this pattern was the one! Before I knew it I had ordered, the pattern arrived into my in-box, and I was busy in the sewing room.
Woo hoo! I love it! Fits well, and super comfortable. But it wasn’t without its challenges. As you probably know by now, Lekala’s instructions can sometimes be difficult to decipher. With good sewing knowledge and attention paid to the line drawing of the finished garment, it’s not usually too difficult to figure out what to do when. But I did manage to stuff this one up when attaching the drape – and didn’t even realise just what I’d done until it was time to sew up the side seams.
See all that lovely gathering down one side? As it turned out, I hadn’t paid enough attention to just how much it was meant to be gathered, and what markings to match up where. I had to unpick multiple passes of overlocking in order to fix it – which meant that it took me around double the predicted time to finish the dress. Luckily it was quite saveable.
And that print – yes, it’s busy! I’m still trying to work out exactly what it is – to me it is like a cross between the scales on a snake or a butterfly’s wing, all digitally manipulated to swirl around. I wonder if I am right?
Construction was shared between the overlocker and the machine, with seams finished on the overlocker and hems turned, secured and finished with a twin needle. I think that this pattern would look great on lots of different shapes, and has the potential to do interesting things with the side panels – in a contrasting fabric perhaps? So my verdict – definitely a success!
I love the print. The dress is lovely.
This is lovely on you- another win!
This is really nice. Great flattering fit and interesting fabric. I would love to see this in a solid colour too, with contrasting darker fabric for the side panels. It would be really slimming.
Great dress Lara, the busy print doesn’t hide too much of the details but makes the dress really stand out. I’m really interested in Lekala patterns – surely they can’t have worse instructions than Burda?
Oh yes they can and oh yes they do!
I concur!!!! Much worse.
This is really pretty–fabric, style, colors! Love it on you.
When I saw the pattern photo, I thought, “this is going to look REALLY good on her!” Yep. I was right!! Love it! And that fabric is very, very yummy 🙂
Me too, anything that hides the tum is a winner, thanks for the heads up Lara 🙂
Looks wonderful! I am going to try my first Lekala pattern next, I think- just a simple top 🙂
Wonderful dress, so flattering to you. Great color and cut. Perfection.
This dress is super flattering on you – I love it! I have several (!) patterns with this side ruching, but I’ve been hesitant because I didn’t know if they would look good on me or not. After seeing your dress, I am at least going to give them a try:)
Wow – that is a gorgeous dress and thanks for the link to the fabric you enabler you. I just had to buy some. Beautiful. And you dress is the perfect pattern for it. Great job.
So glad that I could assist in fabric purchasing! Looking forward to seeing what you make from it. You’ve been sewing up a wonderful Style Arc storm lately, I must say!
That dress is fantastic on you!