In early January Lena Merrin of the sewing space sent out a request for 10 pattern testers. I registered and joined 9 other sewers to test her new pattern – Yalta ladies pattern by Lena Merrin Patterns.
I hunted through my fabric stash and struck down a Charlie Brown remnant piece I bought at Pitt Trading and made this version. Meryl Streep (out of Africa) wasn’t a real fabric hunter but I am.
While Lena’s pattern is designed for knits, the grainline goes across the body, so I caught another chiffon print and made a woven jungle version. My curiousity said, why not try it? It’s only fabric.
I love this style because it’s comfortable in our stinking hot summer weather.
I’ve never used a downloadable pdf pattern so here’s what my pattern pieces look like.
So I shortened the length and took 1.5cm off the shoulder seam. I cut and sewed this blue version in 2 hours. Here’s Mum’s larger version but still the same length I’ve made for her birthday. I also want to make a skirt for her too.
Warning: Jungle January is addictive. More jungle pieces are building a health safari collection. I just love the Meryl Streep reference Anne.
PS: I’ve posted more trench coat references on the right hand column.
velosews 
These are awesome-I think the blue one is my favourite! And good on you making one for your mum.
I too enjoy making woven patterns out of jersey and vice versa-it makes for interesting effects when the draping qualities of the materials differ somewhat from the original.
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Pretty tops and they look so comfortable.
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Great tops – all versions are lovely.
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Those are all cute tops. Looks like that pattern is a winner! I loved Meryl in Out of Africa. What a movie!
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They look great Maria. My fave is the blue one. 🙂
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Fantastic tops and I love the idea of making it in chiffon. Perfect for this time of year.
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This pattern looks fantastic and so do your versions of it… love the Jungle January prints too! I think this will be a pattern I'll be adding to my collection as well. How exciting to be a pattern tester!
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You are on a sewing roll = How lucky to get to test a new creative pattern that is quite different to the usual.
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Very cute tops!
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That made up really pretty.
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Wow, that makes up beautifully! I love the b+w, of course!
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you are an absolute power house! Definately the queen of the jungle.
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Lovely tops Maria, you are a great value pattern tester! Lena must have designed this with you in mind 😉
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What great fabric! You look wonderful in jungle style!
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Lovely tops, and you have given this pattern a real workout! The drape on the front neckline is so lovely 🙂
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What a cute top! Thanks for the pattern info too. Noted for future sewing.
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