Our weather has gone from spring to blazing hot summer this week! It was the perfect time to sew up the new LOL Swing Expansion pack for the LOL Swing Top from Jennuine Designs. The fact that this pattern can be sewn up in both knits AND wovens meant the sky was the limit!
The first version I made was an easy knit version using this darling Lemonade Stand print from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. It was the perfect pairing to create the essential summertime top!
We used the new pinafore option available in the expansion pack for a darling open back look. She loves the breeziness and didn’t want to take it off after our shoot on this 90+ degree day.
I think this will get worn mostly on pool days or lazy days around the house. It’s not up to school dress codes and knowing this little lady we’ll have to be careful because she’s always cartwheeling and flipping any chance she gets! This top is definitely not ‘tumbling’ proof 😉 I do think the pinafore options looks especially adorable on babies and toddlers! All that cute baby chub is too darling in this top!
I did skip the neck gathering on this version (not necessarily a design choice but trying to get it done quicker) and it still turned out so nicely in front. I seriously love the volume and swing this top has!
The second version I did was using the dress expansion. Again, the swing of this pattern is everything!
I used a large scale buffalo plaid I got from CaliFabrics last year and played with the direction of the print a bit. I love the bold black and white print with the pop of color from the bias binding. The pattern calls for narrow bias binding but I really wanted it to pop so I used 1/2″ bias for this version.
I’m always nervous sewing up tank patterns that the underarm coverage may be lacking. I love how this pattern fits though! The racerback style and thick straps keep everything where it should be.
The knit version can easily slip over the head but the woven version calls for a simple shoulder button. This makes it easy on and off and keeps the construction clean.
The dress version includes pockets and I had a hard time deciding whether or not to add them here. We LOVE pockets but this fabric is slightly sheer so I chose not to do them this go round.
You can get your copy of the LOL Top here, the Expansion Pack here for just $2 if you already own the LOL Top pattern, or get the bundle here on sale through Sunday June 10th.
SewSophieLynn 