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Today’s post is a Lekala #4235 sewing pattern review. This sewing project is definitely a once in a wardrobe type of garment. I sewed it using bright color sequins fabric. Despite all my efforts to prepare for sewing with sequins – sewing with sequins is not fun! My machine broke several needles so it’s safe to say that this will be my only sequin fabric sewing project. And yet, it was worth all the effort put into it as I do love having an occasion outfit at the ready. An outfit that is bright and sparkly and requires very little by way of accessories. I call this my Tina Turner dress on account of how leggy it is and do check the sew and tell video where I channel Ms. Turner out (as well as other DIY sewing projects)!
Jump to Lekala 4325 Sewing Pattern Review
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Table of Contents
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Lekala #4325 Sewing Pattern Review
Pattern Description
Sleeveless empire line fitted sheath dress with deep v neckline. Here is the line drawing –
Pattern Sizing
Lekala patterns are custom drafted to fit your measurements. You have to take your measurements correctly while wearing the undergarments for the type of garment. I have sewn with Lekala many times and find their custom drafting to be excellent (on the proviso you take your measurements correctly) The website has a comprehensive guide on this.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions are originally in Russian but some patterns come with an English translation. They a minimal and tend to cater to the more confident seamstress.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the empire waist and deep v neckline.
Fabric Used
I used Sequin Mesh Fabric Light Gold which is full of colour. The sequins are tightly sewn on the mesh backing. The fabric has no stretch at all so it has to be treated like a woven. I was surprised to realise that you need to press a sequin seam as that makes a difference to the look of the seam. As mentioned earlier I spent some time reading up on sewing with sequins but after having sewn this dress I can honestly say that no amount of reading beforehand can prepare you for sewing with sequins. You just have to dive in. I’d read that you have to remove the sequins from the seam allowance before sewing up but when I did that on one seam the sequins were falling off as the thin invisible thread used to anchor them had been cut off. The seam then looked awkward as it had gaps. I also read about just sewing over the sequins which seemed counterintuitive. I had the bright idea of digging up a Marks & Spencer’s gold sequin top that I knew I had to look at it and see how they had done it. On that one the seams were just sewn up with the sequins in place. The top was fully lined to keep the sequins from the skin. I used this M&S top going forward for ideas on how to deal with sequins. The hem is bias bound before handsewing down and pressed. My machine broke 3-4 needles. Cleaning up after sequins was an interesting experience too. I think it was about 2 months before there was no trace of a shiny neon sequin anywhere :-). The lining is a polyester woven paisley print jacquard.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made
The style was longer – below knee length – but when I tried it on the print was overwhelming. So I shortened it to the darkest colour stripe as I felt that would look more balanced.
Would you sew it again? Yes!
Would you recommend it to others? Yes
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Conclusion
I love this dress because sewing it up was such a learning curve for me plus I have a great occasion dress. I was never one for a LBD but a little colourful dress is right up my alley!
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