This series is sponsored by Baby Lock. For over 40 years, Baby Lock 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.
I’m always on the lookout for a great tunic-length top, and the Lola by Victory Patterns is not only a great length, but also interesting and comfortable. I was really excited to sew this one up. It’s unusual for knit patterns to have such detailed seam lines, since the fabric stretches and you don’t need all of the contouring. I really love how the seams add such visual interest and professionalism to this top. And I adore the pockets!! I wore it when my little sister was visiting and when I told her I had made it she was blown away. She said that because of all of the seams, she thought for sure it was off the rack. Homemade clothes looking better than ready to wear is pretty cool!
Victory Patterns are all offered as PDF downloads, so you can print, tape, trace and sew whenever and wherever you want! I don’t mind taping and tracing at all, so the preparation for this pattern didn’t bother me. I did have to pay attention once it was traced and I was cutting, so that I kept each cut piece of fabric with it’s labeled pattern piece, so that I didn’t mix them up!
The instructions are clear, with color pictures to refer to on each step. I usually prefer illustrated patterns, but the photographs really helped me understand the steps on this one! The construction was so different and fun than a more basic tee! I loved the interesting shapes of the pattern pieces and seeing how they came together! I initially added the detailed triangle at the neckline, but I ended up liking mine better without. I also added a hemband like the pattern suggests, but liked the shape of the unbound hem a little better with this drapey fabric. I cut a size 6 and sewed all of the seams as written. Then I ended up taking in the front bust seams by about 1/2″ each (you know, mother of two post-nursing…) That slight alteration improved the fit to perfect.
The pattern calls for a “medium weight knit with a slight stretch”. Although this organic french terry that I used is hands-down the most soft and comfortable knit I’ve ever felt, I think it was a little bit drapey for this pattern. The weight of the pockets stretch the seams out a bit, and it reads more dress than sweatshirt. I really love it, and will try it with a little more stable knit next time to see the difference!
Victory has a whole line of modern, urban patterns for women. I really liked the style of the pattern and instructions, as well as the funky angle in the styling. I loved making the Lola and can’t wait to try out another!
Pattern: Victory Lola in size 6 Fabric: Luscious organic cotton/lycra french terry from The Fabric Fairy (the most comfortable knit ever!) p.s. did you notice my rad leopard print leggings? I made them, and you can make some too using my leggings tutorial! Head over to Mad Mim to see how her Victory Lola turned out with a different variation! For a chance to win a Victory Lola PDF Pattern, leave a comment below before Tuesday, January 22nd. Good Luck!
36 Comments
I’d love to give this pattern a try!
I am loving that outfit! I’ve never sewn with knits, but I’ve been feeling a little adventurous lately. I would love to win!
I love the tunic length! Looks like a great pattern with lots of versatility.
That is an adorable tunic!
Such a great pattern! would love to try it!
I would live in leggings in tunics everyday if I could. Maybe if I won this pattern I could make enough tunics so that I could!
That’s a lovely unusual colour you’ve used!
Count me in for the giveaway!
You guys are killing it with this series! Thank you thank you thank you!
Lola is really a great layering piece and I have to love the pockets! I’m going to have to check out Victory patterns…
~Jen
Love seeing your version of the tunic top! I purchased some cute leggings that will go great with a knit jersey fabric I bought a few weeks ago, and I think I must get this pattern for it. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
This is cute! I don’t remember being really interested in the Lola pattern when I last looked at Victorys website. But I LOVE your version! Count me in!
Kristonlion’s comment above is absolutely right! Victory’s photos didn’t grab me, but I like your version so much! Changing the hem made such a huge difference – the suggested hemband was a little too “80′s” for me
Looking at your version, I would love to win the pattern!!
Ooo I hope I win …
Those lines are fantastic. And the color is HOT! Would be a lovely little maternity dress too, eh?
This is way cute. I like the lines, and how you could make this a dressy sweatshirt if you wanted. Way cute!
I’ve loved this pattern forever! The green and the leopard are cute together.
love the tunic top! i haven’t tried out victory patterns, but i definitely would like to!
I love the color you chose, and the top looks great!
Kelly
This looks like a great pattern! I agree that all the seams really make this look retail and not homemade. I am in love with your leggings too!!!
Great top! You are amazing.
I love your version! I would love to win the pattern so I could try to make my own!
I would love to try out this pattern! It sounds like a simple pattern to follow, but the results are fantastic! Great job!
Your sister is right, it so looks like a RTW top with all those seams! Would love to try it.
This is so cute on you! Don’t count me in for the giveaway– I already have the pattern (and the perfect fabric), but no time to make it up right now! Your version makes me want to push it to the front burner, though!
thanks for this giveaway. good luck
It looks great! It looks super comfy too. I haven’t made any of the Victory Patterns yet but you’re tempting me to get this one!
That is a very flattering pattern!! Never heard of Victory patterns before!
Looks great! What a fun pattern
I never sew for myself…it would be great to win this pattern so I can do something for me!
Gorgeous! I love the color!
Crossing my fingers I win!
Looks awesome,
I love the structure of that top!
This is my favorite! I have a coat with pockets like this and I love them – I can almost go out without a purse with pockets like these. The length of this top is perfect with leggings. The pattern is on my “must make” list now.
I love this! I also love the green color you chose. I would love a chance to sew this pattern!
Love it! You look so cool and effortless.
Love this tunic and the colour you used. Can’t wait to try this myself….even if I don’t win