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LOLA TANK DRESS | PDF PATTERN
It’s another birthday outfit. This time I’m working with a PDF pattern from an Independent Pattern Designer.
This is a new pattern for me, so I’m not counting it as one of my 22 for this year. I’ll resume the countdown in the next post.
PATTERN INFORMATION
The Lola Tank by Staystitch Pattern Company is a close-fitting, pullover, knit tank top and dress pattern. The feature that makes this tank different is a dramatic racer front scooped armscye. The pattern comes with 3 views – a cropped version, a full length version which hits just above the hip, and a bodycon midi dress version.
The pattern is currently available at the Staystichpatternco Etsy Store as a pdf option only. This is a beginner-friendly pattern with very few pattern pieces required to complete the garment.
The pattern instructions are easy to follow but you must have basic sewing skills to sew the garment. The pattern illustrations, along with the written instructions will help guide you through the process if you’re new to sewing.
Alterations Information
While the dramatic armscye is the outstanding feature, I actually altered it for more coverage on the front. However, I overcompensated because I forgot that the armbands would take up some of the space. Nevertheless, I’m very happy with the outcome and I plan to sew the pattern again.
Inside the Garment
This garment can be sewn completely with a serger (except for topstitching). If you have a hemming attachment, you can also hem the garment on your serger. I used my Baby Lock Zeal to sew the seams, Vibrant Serger to finish allowances, and Euphoria Coverstitch to topstitch the neckline and armscye. I left my hem raw because I like it with this fabric.
Fabric Options
The fabric suggestions call for knit fabric with 60 – 70 percent stretch with good recovery, like rib knit, bamboo jersey, modal jersey, and rayon jersey. They provide a stretch guide on page 7 of the instruction guide.
I used a medium weight rib knit from JoAnn Fabrics and it looks amazing with this dress. I would use a lightweight fabric to sew the tank top.
Notions Information
There are no notions required for this garment. However, I recommend using knit interfacing to hem the garment to prevent wavy seams. I left my hem raw because I like that look with this fabric.
Styling Options
The styling options are endless. I can see it with a blazer for work. It would look cute and casual with a pair of sneakers. How about styling it with a chiffon or lace duster on top. Oh my goodness!
Styling Option #1
I styled the dress with a pair of gold, strappy heels, vintage, beaded handbag, gold drop earrings, and a gold bling bracelet.
I’ve had the handbag for many years and I believe I purchased it from a local tea shop. It’s one of my favorite handbags.
I purchased the shoes recently from Dillard’s. I don’t usually wear gold shoes, but these caught my eye because of the straps that cross over in the front. They’re the Astrid Sandals by Michael Kors.
My plans for the garment
This is the kind of garment you can wear just about anywhere, depending on how you style it.
I wore it out to my fourth birthday dinner celebration with a friend. She took me to an Asian Restaurant in Los Angeles, called Yamashiro.
It’s a beautiful location and I loved the decor and atmosphere. We sat outdoors next to the garden. It was so peaceful.
The chef came over and greeted us. She knew I was celebrating a birthday and told our server to bring us the best desserts, not the dinky stuff. Hahaahaa!!! And he DID!
It’s always nice visiting a new restaurant with someone who’s familiar with the location. My friend knew the menu and the chef.
How would you wear the dress?
Would you sew this top or dress? Do you have the pattern? How would you style it? Talk to me in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
Don't Forget your Sewing Project Checklist
Did you know that I created a Sewing Project Checklist to help you stay organized while sewing your garments? If you missed the video where I shared 3 Steps to Time Saving Sewing for Beginners, check it out to learn how you can streamline your sewing process. Tap the link below to get a Free PDF copy of the Checklist.
Thanks for stopping by,
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials mentioned in this post.
- Pattern
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Fabric Option 1
- Fabric Option 2
- Sandals
- Learn to SEW
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
This Post Has 30 Comments
It was a good read.
I have the pattern, I have sewn it I loved it though I went I size down after my first make was not so tight..
I also made a top❤️
But I don’t think I took photos ?
I love this style too!
Love this and as always you wear it well. Thanks for sharing
How would I wear this dress? Hmmmm. Well, first I’d have to hit that gym, Sis. Like you do!
Beautiful, Anita!
Omgosh!!!! Love it! Beautiful as always! God bless you Sis!
Good News. The Etsy shop owner responded and just renewed the posting and the Lola Racer Tank Dress is now available for purchase.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1008629703/the-lola-racer-tank-top-pattern
Hi Anita,
Super Classy! Love this dress on you. You inspire me to work harder to lose the belly! LOL! Great hack on the armscye. I would likely do the same for mor coverage although I do love the dramatics of the original design.
Bummer that the pattern is sold out on Esty by staystitchpatternco. I messaged Lindsey-Candice the owner of the Etsy shop as to when or if you will have it available again. Haven’t heard back yet.
Keep stitching Sew Sister 🙂
Hi Anita,
Thanks for sharing nice dress and color.?
Love the tank dress! Especially the dramatic arm holes, racer back. The color of the fabric is one of my favs?
The dress looks beautiful on you, Anita. I could never wear it. I don’t wear dresses and I don’t wear anything sleeveless. I am always too cold. That’s what happens when you get too old.
Thank you, Maureen
No, not a dress I could ever sew or wear because I don’t have the figure for it like you do, but it’s fun to look! Maybe a denim jacket or moto jacket for the fall or spring with open-toed booties? Love the garden view in the restaurant!
Yeah, I can totally see it with a denim jacket and booties.
Lovely!! Simple yet classy, I love it!
Thank you Charisse
Another hit!!! Hmmm, what would I sew? I would sew the top. For me I would add a simple scarf or short to medium length
3 strand necklace.
Yeeesss, Monica! I scarf in the cooler months with a blazer. Oh my goodness! It would look so cute.
Love everything about this dress. You look fantabulous!
All of the alterations that you made are perfect. I love, love your shoes! Continue to celebrate you and your birthday.
Thank you so much, Deborah!
Love the dress on you but way too tight for my liking. It looks like most of your clothes are that way; right and form fitting.
Yes, I like form-fitting dresses. I also like fit & flare.
Very elegant!! You are a lucky girl to have so many birthday outings! Enjoy every one!!
Thank you, Charlene! Yes, I am one blessed and grateful lady.
Simple and classy! You look great. The restaurant you visited – and the dessert plate – are A+. I like the arm alterations you made and the overcompensation is not evident at all. You certainly know how to hack a pattern to perfection. So glad you and your friend had a grand time. Keep celebrating!
Thank you, De! I’m gonna give it a try without the hack next time to see how I like it.
You look so beautiful in that new dress. I love the pattern. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, France.
Hi Anita. Love this dress you created and how you styled it! It definitely has a a lot of options on how to wear it. The color looks great on you. If I lose 10 pounds then I could wear it also lol! Keep bringing us all your sew alongs. Have learned so much from you. Thank you
Thank you, Yvette! I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the sew alongs.