What’s not to love about a sewing pattern website that offers tonnes of patterns for $2.50 at worst? And 50c to add seam allowances?
Sandra introduced me to Lekala patterns in December.
I was like ‘Are you sure about these patterns?‘
And Sandra said ‘Yes. Try on this exercise top for size.’
and I was like “Mmmm?” Sandra’s right. Sandra has the knack for pattern/fabric brilliance.
Sandra’s a sewing technical wizard. I mean, she won last year’s Tessutis gridlock contest.
So I was thinking, “mmm. I’d love a new, cool jacket for the weekend‘.
Not that I need a jacket. And I wanted a pdf pattern ‘toot sweet’.
So off I go, Lekala looking and spotted something close to what I wanted and ‘bazinga’ out of the ether it came.
You’ll notice I’ve changed this to a v-neckline and added welt pockets. This bomber jacket works nicely with my purple pins. DH advised me to add shoulder pads and I did.
I’ll tighten the waistband ribbing by 1/3 on the next version. There is another version in the pipeline.
“How’z that” for a sixer. A workable pattern for $2.50 from Lekala patterns.
Talk about a sewing diversion…
PS. This jacket is my wearable muslin so it’ll be thrown around a lot.
Technical stuff:
- Remnant denim with woven lines of roses in the fabric.
- Poly rib knit used on the cuffs, welt pockets, waistband and neckline.
- Polka dot poly chiffon used for the lining and pockets (John Kaldor)
- Open ended zipper used as the closure.
- Shortened the sleeve length.
- Round neck adjusted to V-neckline.
Feet to sew with
Making this jacket takes a bit of experience. What I mean by this is you’ll need to plan to use more than your standard sewing foot.
You’ll need to use your zipper foot and a foot to ‘stitch in the ditch’ with.
Topstitching is one of the cool features on a bomber jacket.
Choosing a rib knit
If the rib knit you use has no elasticity, add soft, wide elastic inside the rib knit.
Check the rib knit you use feels soft on your skin. This knit sits on your skin so if it’s scratchy, don’t buy it.
Zippers
Also, don’t worry about buying an open ended zipper to size. I had to buy a 50cm zipper but I made sure the bottom end was sewn onto the jacket and I trimmed the top of the zipper to fit this jacket. I only needed a 25cm open ended zipper for this jacket once I made the neckline a v-shape. There’s no way I would have found ‘the right zipper’ in time. I bought my zipper from MyHung for $2.50.
velosews.com 
Way to go! I must try one of these patterns. I keep thing
i will. Gotta love those dots…..and good call on the shoulder pads.
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I was wondering about these. I even pinned some on a Pinterest board, just in case. Now I am going to go for it. You've convinced me!
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I recently bought a dress pattern to try out and also the free shirt. Haven't got further than that. I am after a bomber jacket pattern. I might have to buy that one toot sweet also!
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Your jacket is really nice. I have a similar Burdastyle I am keen to try. I have just completed my first Lekala and am quite impressed.
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I was looking at this on their site. I'm glad to see it sewn up. It looks good. I really like your version. I've been eyeing a couple other patterns on there too. I just haven't done it.
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Fantastic. I love the matching shorts too 🙂
Funnily enough I have been trolling Lekala website this weekend wondering if I should dip my toe in the pond. I might just give it a try now.
Great job as usual.
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The bomber craze is everywhere!! I love this Maria. It suits you so well. I'll have to have a good look at these patterns as they look pretty great – and a great price.
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So I just spent some time looking at their patterns–they have some pretty va-va-voom lingerie patterns on their site!
Your jacket is great and I *love* the lining!!!
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Thanks Kyle. I'm still looking at their patterns.
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I couldn't believe the price either Kirsty. Thanks again.
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Beverley, I was impressed by their sizing. I dipped my toe in and bought 4 patterns. I should have bought 5 in their bundle.
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I was having problems choosing from their site too. It's taken me 4 mouths to decide to take the leap into Lekala.
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I like what you've made too.
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Vicki. This was easy to change. Check your rib knit against your body when you do decide to make your bomber jacket. I'll be taking some ease out of the next version.
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Happy to help Melizza. I'll keep an eye out for your make.
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I'll tell DH that:)
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Cute looking jacket and that style is bring back some memories!
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I love so many lekala patterns! I really need to get cracking making some of them otherwise they'll just keep adding more and I'll get lost!
This one's great on you!
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Awesome. .. love it.
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I've heard about the Lekala patterns but now I'm ready to give them a try! What a cute jacket and thanks also for the zipper tip 🙂
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I just ordered my first Lekala patterns- now I must have this jacket!!!
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You were game starting out with 4. I ordered a fitted blouse yesterday and printed it out…. If it fits I think I will buy one of those bundles.
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It reminds me of Grease the movie.
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Thanks heaps.
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You would rock this style.
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Don't let the zipper length throw you :))
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This is so you.
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I figured, I alter patterns for fit, so these will very similar to do once I've included my dimensions. No different from others just a lot cheaper.
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Cute bomber jacket. I smiled at seeing the picture where you reveal the polka dot lining that is similar to your shorts. So fun!
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Thanks Audrey.
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Great jacket, a bomber is definitely very cool and versatile. I'll have to check out Lekala too since you and Sandra have both had success
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I love your bomber. I'm planning a bomber from my jacket block shortly.
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You look very cool in this jacket! Those polka dot shorts are too cute, I have just cut out my iris shorts in polka dot as well!
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Your jacket block will have more shape than this style.
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Iris shorts are so cute. The dots will add to the cute factor.
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