This series is sponsored by Baby Lock. For over 40 years, Babylock has been dedicated to the love of sewing by creating machines for sewing, embroidery, quilting and serging – all with ease-of-use, high quality and a touch of elegance.
Way back when Miranda and I were just brainstorming this whole series and thinking of patterns that we’d love to review, the Lola by Victory Patterns was on the top of my list. It is such has interesting lines and tailoring, especially considering it’s a knit pattern–I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it!
The Lola knit sweater dress (or just sweater like mine!) is a digital pattern, so you print, tile, tape, trace, and then cut. (You don’t have to trace it, I just like to so I can make it again in another size if I want, and it’s so much easier to fold and store thin patterns). This was the longest part (by far!) of the whole process, but when you’re dealing with digital patterns, it’s just the nature of the beast.
The dress (or sweater) assembly was very clear, and it came together pretty fast. The pdf includes detailed photo diagrams that make it so easy to follow and read more like an online tutorial. It’s labeled intermediate which I agree with, but I also think many of you beginners with a little experience would do fine. I did make a mistake that resulted in some tricky altering, but it didn’t have anything to do with the pattern or instructions. I chose a size based on my bust, but really should have gone with the one that corresponded with my big fat bum. The result was a nicely looser-fitting bodice and a slightly too snug skirt, which wasn’t super flattering. I think this is an important note for girl’s with pear shaped figures like me. I wish I would have gone one size up, but I gotta say, I felt it was a fortunate mistake because I really do like how it ended up. I decided to move the pockets up, and made it into a long sweater rather than a dress. It was actually an alteration I considered doing from the beginning, so I wasn’t too disappointed. I ended up taking it in all over just a bit and it ended up more fitted; I love those princess seams!
Victory Patterns has such a defined branding and aesthetic, which I think is fabulous. Their whole look is so smart and feminine (I also love the art-deco-looking type face they use!) The Lola is a fantastic design, and I think it will really be a great addition to my wardrobe–my husband loves this sweater on me! He has actually requested that I put it on, which rarely happens (ever…?!)
Details:
Pattern: The Lola by Victory Patterns in size 8.
Fabric: a dusty lilac french terry from my local Cotton Shop that I got in their clearance bin for $3/yd.
Hop on over to Miranda‘s to check out her version,–I love that chartreuse color on her, and her styling is great. And I really love the pockets on hers!
For your own copy of Victory Pattern’s Lola Pattern, simply enter a comment below by January 22, 6 pm MST for a chance to win!**closed**
39 Comments
I’d love to try out that pattern – you make it look amazing!
I love that you shortened yours! I’d probably do the same if I won. I really want to try it out!
I’m so glad to see your shortented version – I actually like that better!
Thank you for the giveaway! I’ve been wanting this pattern for so long time! I like your shorter sweater!
This looks like such a nice, versatile pattern!
Love this pattern! I think the seaming would really help slim my pear shape!
I love your version of this, so different and easy to wear than any I have seen before!
Count me in for the giveaway!
I love it! And I would really like to make one for myself..
Great piece to have in your wardrobe! Thanks for sharing your version of the pattern. Thanks for hosting another great giveaway!
I love pockets.
Oh. wow. So cool, I would LOVE to win this pattern, and it looks beautiful on you!
I am loving the Stretch Yourself series so much!! This top is great – please enter my name for a chance to win the pattern!
Ohhh nice pattern. Fingers crossed!
Love the shortened look versus the longer tunic. But that might be because I am more pear shaped that not.
How pretty! I’m not sure I could do as good a job as you (actually, I’m sure I couldn’t) but I’d like to try!
Kelly
Oooooh, I really love the color and fit on your tunic! It isn’t too drapey, very pretty too
I bet your husband wants you to make more of these tops!
I have been wanting that pattern for ages, even without a shortened version crossing my mind…I would love to win the pattern so that I can make my own!
Don’t enter me in the giveaway thanks, I already have this pattern-I cut it out adjusted for height and cut my fabric and then summer arrived-so this one’s been pushed forward to next year. It is a very cool pattern though.
I would love to try this pattern out! I love your color choice and fit.
The shorter version is adorable too! I would probably make both long and short in a whole variety of colors!
Oh I love the colour… and great thinking to change it into a sweater, I prefer that.
Thanks for the giveaway.
What a fabulous pattern! I’ve got to try it, even if I don’t win.
I’m loving the Stretch Yourself series… and I’d love to win the pattern!
I love the finishes on this pattern. Style and comfort. Would love to try it myself.
Please don’t count me in the drawing cause I already have the pattern, but I just wanted to say that this looks so cute on you! Way to overcome a sizing mistake and make it work!
I love it in the shorter length! I think I would need to try to figure that out since I’m not that comfortable in tunics because I think they make my short legs look even shorter. Also love your booties!
I’d never seen this one before! It’s really great!
That is a very flattering, fun pattern!
This pattern is truly drool worthy. Thank you for this wonderful series!
This pattern has been forever on my wishlist. Would love to try it!
Looks great!
I love this! I would love to make this!
I’m so glad you posted this!! I’ve had the Victory Lola book-marked as the next pattern to buy, but was very curious and wary about the too-tight-across-the-bum possibility. I think I’ll try it out and grade up a size on the hips (or shorten as you did – supercute!)
I love this top on you. The curved seams are very flattering. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love this shorter. So super cute.
What a great sweater! I really like how the pockets wrap around to the back.
I’d love to try this pattern – especially your shorter version.
The top looks very nice on you. Thanks for the chance to win the pattern.
Nice pattern. Would love to win it.