Lekala has you enter 4 measurements (in centimeters), choose whether you want seam allowances or not, and select the paper size you will print on. They email a file with the customized pattern. For my first foray into Russian pattern territory, I downloaded, assembled, and taped and taped and taped this glorified tank top pattern. Worth every inch of Scotch Magic tape I used.
I was suspicious of the length of the pattern; the top, as drafted, would have been shorter than I had envisioned. I slashed the pattern at mid-abdomen level and lengthened it 1-3/4" ...or thereabouts. That was the only change I made. The pieces fit together perfectly to produce a top with negative ease, with the degree of snugness that my daughter would choose in RTW.
As far as instructions...well, would Russia really tell us how to best defeat them? There is a general guideline that suggests order of assembly, sometimes in quaint terms, but you are left to your own devices in deciding where and how you want to topstitch. I had some difficulty determining the length of elastic to stitch along the CF; the pattern printed several words on top of each other, but after a drink or two, and with the help of my magic decoder magnifying glass, I could begin to imagine that I saw the code words "9 cm" embedded in the lettering. Thank goodness I've seen all those James Bond movies.
How often can you find a pattern with excellent fit for about $2? Those crafty Russians knew exactly how to get me addicted. It worked, and I have about a year's worth of sewing lined up. Need more Scotch tape, though....and someone who can take a better picture. Sorry about that. |
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
Thanks for a review that made me laugh out loud! I've downloaded several Lekala patterns but only sewn one so far. You can't beat the sheer volume of their RTW styles and great fit so I guess we have to take the bad with the good!
3/2/13 7:50 AM
I found that pattern company yesterday. I e-mailed them and they sent me a link to the pattern directions, I haven't bought the pattern yet. I just didn't feel I have enough back ground in patterns to sew the top I was looking at blind. The instructions were minimal at best. The idea of having them send the pattern your exact size does sound awesome. Thank you for the review. I may reconsider with the idea of using the internet for instructions.
3/2/13 9:47 AM
Lucky Laura! It really is a cutte top - and the price is right!
3/2/13 9:56 AM
Nostrovia, dahlink! Who knew all those years of 007 and cereal box magic decoder rings were necessary sewing notions.
3/2/13 10:45 AM
Thanks for your witty review. I think I may give this a try - I like taping patterns together on the patio doors.
3/2/13 12:06 PM
Very cute top! I love the review...hilarious.
3/2/13 2:34 PM
duplicate post
3/2/13 2:34 PM
I read your review for the entertainment value, but was pleased to hear more about Lekala as I was thinking of give one a try. Thank you!
3/2/13 7:38 PM
Thanks for the new pattern company. and the entertaining but informational review! I might have to give it a try.
3/3/13 8:02 AM
The finished top looks lovely and beautifully sewn. It sounds like you need some Scotch along with that tape though!! Thanks for the chuckles; I love your writing.
3/8/13 8:46 PM