Made by Me: Lekala 5972 Dress


 
I made this dress over a month ago, but due to various reasons I won't bother you with, I haven't found the time or the inclination to blog about it until now.
 
 
 
The pattern is Lekala 5972
 


 
 
For those of you not familiar with Lekala patterns, they are downloadable PDF patterns, customisable to your own size.  You can choose to enter only 4 "standard" measurements; bust, waist, hips and height, or go for a more customised fit by adding certain adjustments such as leg length comparative to torso and height, waist height, shoulder width, and a number of other options.
 
You can also choose to have the pattern with or without seam allowances - I think they charge a few pence extra for seam allowances.  The basic patterns start at $2.49, although they are currently on sale at $1.99 each.
 
When I bought this pattern I chose to use the additional adjustments and the pattern fit me pretty well.  The only change I had to make was to raise the waist about 1/2 an inch, and do a sway back adjustment of another 3/4 inch.
 
I had actually cut the bodice side panels and skirt side seams wider, as the fabric I used was a woven rather than a knit as the pattern called for.  However during fitting I ended up taking out almost all the extra I'd added in.  The only place I kept additional width was the sleeves, and in truth I could have done with a little bit more, as they are on the snug side.
 
I did change the back slightly, as I wasn't keen on the fact that the skirt darts didn't match up with the princess seams on the back.  I cut the skirt section a little wider and gathered it onto the bodice side panels, the same as the front.
 
 
 
The fabric is a wool/viscose/poly blend remnant I bought from Truro Fabrics when I was in Cornwall on holiday earlier this year.  It is lined with another remnant of satin from Ditto Fabrics, which I picked up whilst in Brighton for work last month. 
 
I finished the back with an invisible zip, inserted a couple of inches down from the neckline, then added a little loop and button closure at the top.  I sometimes find it hard to get a neat finish at the top of an invisible zip, and this solved the problem perfectly, as well as looking pretty.
 
 
 
I wore the dress out to lunch with some friends - I actually finished it about an hour before we were due to go out.  This is the second Lekala pattern I've used, and I wouldn't hesitate to try some more.  The instructions are a little brief, but if you are relatively experienced with sewing patterns they are not too hard to understand. 
 
 
 
 
 
Have you ever used a Lekala pattern?  Do you think you would? 
 

 
 
 
 



20 comments

  1. It's lovely! The pleats remind me of the Grainline Alder. I haven't tried Lekala yet but I'd like to.

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    1. Thanks Katie. Some of the Lekala patterns are a bit questionable style wise, but there are some gems there too.

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  2. Lovely shape! And I'm very impressed with the zip.

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  3. I really really like this pattern, and it suits you, and your fab hair. Haven't tried them either, but who knows in 2015?

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    1. Thanks Manju, I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

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  4. Lovely dress and beautiful colour! I made some Lekala patterns and I really liked the fit. It can be tricky to answer the questions for the additional adjustments, like are your arms average or longer than average. Uhm, I don't know? It could be helpful if they gave a definition of average in cm or inches. Luckily the second time around it all worked out fine for me!

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    1. Thank you Marianne. You're right in saying that its hard to know whether your arms etc are average or not without something that gives you guidance. I know I always have to raise the waist and narrow the shoulders on patterns so I started with those adjustments.

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  5. What a lovely dress! I love that color on you. I haven't seen much about Lekala patterns around, but your review makes me want to check it out - because, you know, I need more patterns ;-)

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    1. Thanks Gail, I love this colour! Lekala don't seem to be much talked about, I don't know why.

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  6. Such a pretty dress, and the color looks great on you too.. I have never tried the Lekala patterns.. But, I think I will take a look at them.. Thank you for sharing.

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  7. Pretty! I love the color. I also love your zip solution. Filing that one away.

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    1. Thanks Liza Jane. I'm pleased with how the zip turned out, I'll be using this solution again myself.

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  8. Such a pretty dress and a great colour on you. I've never heard of Lekala before. It is always good to hear about new patterns so I will check them out. Love the new header on your blog too.

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    1. Thanks Jen. Some of the Lekala patterns are a bit strange, but there are some good ones too.

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  9. Sam. You look wonderful. I like your zip too.
    I've only used one Lekala pattern but I have a few to work on next year.

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    1. Thank you Maria. I look forward to seeing what you have planned.

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  10. Wow! You're so talented! How special to make something completely unique. You look fabulous in that colour too. Thanks so much for following my blog on Bloglovin - I've followed back and I'll be popping in regularly :-) Lynne xx

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    1. Thank you Lynne. I love clothes and I love sewing - what better way to combine my 2 interests than sewing my own clothes! Thanks for the follow, I'll be popping back over to your blog later to have a good read through.

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Thank you so much for your comment, every one is read and appreciated. It means a lot to me that you take the time to read and comment on my posts.