Here is my first Lilou. (From Love at First Stitch). I say first because I will definitely be making another one of these babies. I love this pattern, it's very flattering but comfortable to wear too. Plus I finally invested in an invisible zip foot for my sewing machine and it was totally worth it, you can hardly see the zip at all. No picture of the zip I'm afraid because I didn't realise how crinkly the back was when I took the pics so you'll just have to trust me.
Now I just have to go back and re sew all my other 'invisible' zips I put in with just a regular zip foot. So as you may have noticed, this Lilou dress is some what more autumnal that the current weather. Let me explain. Last month I went on holiday to Scotland. Let's be honest you don't go here for the weather but it was actually quite beautiful. Any way, I went into a charity shop and found some tartan curtains on sale and I just couldn't leave them behind. I was trying to find some summery check fabric for ages and gave up due to it being very expensive so when I saw this I didn't want to miss out. I decided it would be perfect for a Lilou, although I won't actually be wearing it out until the weather get's cooler. I'm happy to wait though so the sun may keep shining! I think when the Autumn does come I will probably wear it with my leather jacket though.
As I mentioned I really enjoyed working with this pattern, it only had four pattern pieces to was easy to work with. The tartan added a complication as I had to pattern match carefully or it would look silly. I did a reasonably good job of this but if you look closely you can see that the centre line of the tartan isn't quite straight.
Because of the pattern matching the darts and pleats don;t quite match up and I had to add an extra pleat in the back of the skirt to make it work. This wasn't too tricky though. The back isn't quite matched perfectly either but at least you can't see the zip!
Because of the pattern matching the darts and pleats don;t quite match up and I had to add an extra pleat in the back of the skirt to make it work. This wasn't too tricky though. The back isn't quite matched perfectly either but at least you can't see the zip!
I would like to make another Lilou that is a bit more summery and one that has the scalloped neckline too. Probably it will be finished just in time for winter. Or maybe I should just get on with it. Zoe x
Know what you mean about plaids being more Autumnal, but the colours are kind of Summery and I'm not sure where you're based, but here in the North West of England, it's pretty Autumnal all year round... Looks great on you :-)
ReplyDeleteOh thanks. I'm in the south east and it has been hot and sunny for a couple of weeks now. The fabric is quite thick other wise you are probably right. I wouldn't be surprised if we have some cooler days soon though that might be better for wearing it. British weather does tend to be like that doesn't it. x
DeleteAh this is lovely! nice colours :)
ReplyDeleteI had trouble with the bodice of my Lilou just not fitting well around the arms but looking at everyone elses seems fine so I think I need to give it another go, always room for another dress :)
Thanks so much. I did have a little bit of gaping around the arm but it wasn't very noticeable so I just went with it. You're right you should give it another go because it is a lovely pattern once its complete. x
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