Sewing Pattern Testing- Love Notions- La Bella Donna Top and Tunic

Love Notions La Bella Donna

I may not look it, but I'm "Italian" at heart (you know, on my mother's side... ;-) 

Speaking of Italian, let me introduce you to PDF sewing pattern designer, Love Notions latest creation, La Bella Donna Top and Tunic. "La Bella Donna" translates to "The Beautiful Woman," and let me assure you that I feel very stylish in my new creation!

La Bella Donna top and tunic is jam-packed with options!

Just the fact:

-La Bella Donna is sized for XS-XXXL.

-La Bella Donna can be made in short sleeve or long.

Love Notions La Bella Donna- Sleeve and Cowl Detail

-La Bella Donna can be sewn in shirt length or tunic length.

-La Bella Donna features a slight dolman style sleeve.

-La Bella Donna includes optional neck band and hem band.

Love Notions La Bella Donna- Back

-La Bella Donna includes pattern pieces for a cowl neckline.

Love Notions La Bella Donna- Cowl Detail

-La Bella Donna also includes a hood pattern piece/directions.

-La Bella Donna features no trim pattern pieces and layered sizing (print just the size that you need/want and no pre-trimming when assembling your pattern!)

-La Bella Donna PDF sewing pattern includes a size chart, printing guide, page layout, and fabric requirements chart.

-La Bella Donna is best sewn using medium-weight knits with good stretch.

After consulting the sizing chart, I sewed up a size small. I used value sweater knit from my local Hancock fabrics in a soft, peachy color. I sewed long sleeves and cowl neckline. I kept the curved, shirt-tail hem of the pattern pieces (opposed to the optional hemband). Also, I slightly modified the pattern by eliminating an inch in length since I'm only five feet tall (at least that is what my driver's licence states ;-). The pattern is sized for the average 5'-5" woman.

Love Notions La Bella Donna- Shirttail hem Detail

Because La Bella Donna top and tunic doesn't have a separate sleeve pattern piece (the distinguishing feature in a dolman-style top), there are really only four major seams to sew- shoulders and sides. Any added pattern options will take a bit longer, but I'll be honest, this pattern did not take me all that long to sew up! I even surprised myself with the abbreviated work time!

Before sewing up this version of La Bella Donna, I had never sewn with sweater knits, before. However, when I saw that gorgeous cowl option, I knew that I just had to give it a try. I was a little nervous to start, but all I did was serge away and remember not to stretch my fabric while sewing. Some might even say that working with sweater knits is SEW easy.... hahahaha!

La Bella Donna is my favorite article of clothing that I have made myself, to date. The cut of the top is flattering and the styling is on trend. I love the versatility of this pattern as it can be sewn up in short sleeves for warmer months and sweater knit for the winter. I can always appreciate a pattern that can take me through the whole year!

Thank you, Tami (the brains and "La Bella Donna" behind Love Notions), for allowing me to test your latest and greatest pattern, La Bella Donna. I see many more of these in my closet. I love it!

Love Notions La Bella Donna

That's not all, though.... Guess what? The Love Notions La Bella Donna also comes in girl's sizes, too!! How fun is that?!?!

Love Notions GIRL La Bella Donna

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to pattern test for Love Notions. The opinions expressed here are my own."***

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