The Fabric Wrangler’s Lula Top
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“The Lula top is the perfect layering top. The fabric suggestions are for wovens but I could see a warm layer waiting to work. I’ve used a snugly brushed jersey from F.C Fabric Studio, it doesn’t have much stretch so it won’t work up much different to a woven but it will be a warm layer. Much needed as we move in to spring. Transitional wardrobe anyone?
The fabric came as a tube so I cut both front and back on the fold. Because this is a slightly bulky fabric I didn’t bother with the facings, I’ll just overlock the neck edge.
Once cut, this was really quick to put together. I stitched down the front as requested by the pattern but because it was cut on the fold I didn’t need to finish the seam edge. To control the bulk of the fabric I top stitched the seam allowance down.
I stitched the front to the back at the shoulder and overlocked the seams.
Next up was the collar. This was also quite straightforward, I like to pivot at the corners so that I don’t create too much bulk with the stitching. It can be a bit tricksy getting the placement right but it’s worth going just a stitch at a time when you’re nearing the point. Pop your needle down and lift your foot to pivot and check for seam allowance placement.
I whizzed up the side seams and then overlocked the sides and the bottom and arm hems. I could then give the hems a press, I turned them up about 2cm and stitched them down.
Yes, I did indeed run out of bobbin about 2” away from the end of the hem!!!
Nearly done. Now, the collar gives you two options on the pattern. I wanted a stand up collar, I like a warm neck, but I wasn’t so keen on the straight lines. I’m not so tall and although I don’t have a short neck, I felt it didn’t do me any justice. I played around with the collar until it was laying in my preferred spot and pinned it down
It can be a bit tricky to get off when pinned so beware of your face, make sure the pin’s facing away from you.
It’s roomy enough to get a t-shirt under for those warmer spring days, you know, the ones where you have that chunky jumper on in the morning but by midday you’re stripping off. I made a 12 so that I could get a t-shirt underneath but I’d size up if I was going to put any more under.
Next came the search for a button. I rummaged in a couple of drawers to find some that I thought might work. Oh, the decisions! I only needed one, how have I got so many single buttons? ? It couldn’t possibly be the sample button cards on offer in my local fabric store.
Done. A warm, snugly, top to keep off the chill of a spring day. I have to say, this fabric has been a dream to work with. it does exactly what you ask it to. You can’t really go wrong with a simple top in this. Now, what’s the weather going to do today?”
Read the pull post here https://simplesewblog.com/the-fabric-wranglers-lula-top/
