I recently made the Love Notions La Bella Donna pattern for the very first time during a pattern testing process. I really loved the tunic version I made and I knew it was not going to be my last. I wrote a pattern review of the La Bella Donna sewing pattern then. Today, I am sharing with you how this pattern can be worn in both warm and cold seasons.
I have been a pattern tester with Love Notions for over two years and recently became an ambassador. This means that any purchases you make using the Love Notions patterns links I share here earns me a small commission which supports this website. This comes at no extra cost to you.
I Chose two different fabrics: a cotton jersey for the warm weather and the sweater knit for the cold or winter months. I realised that the fabric chosen for the La Bella Donna greatly contributes to the fit and shape of the final garment. I sewed up my first version in a viscose jersey which was a drapey fabric which gave a close fitted look.
I made my second version in a white cotton jersey for a classic Look however it came out more boxy than the first. This has a lot to do with the cotton jersey being less drapey compared to Viscose jersey. It also gave it a loose fit which I was tempted to take in but I decided to leave it at that. The loose fit pairs well with tight jeans.
My third version is a tunic version with a cowl neck and long-sleeves. I sewed it up out of two different sweater knit fabric with different shades of grey. I had no intention of a colour-blocked one however it turned out better than I had envisioned. I was not sure of the fibre content of both of the fabrics because I have had them in my stash for a while. The dark grey fabric was scratchy which I suspected to have some wool content whereas the lighter grey one was soft to the touch. That is why I opted to use the soft one for the cowl and the sleeves because i intend towearit with a top underneath.
The Making
I made all my three versions in size XS. This pattern is such a quick make which can be made up in one sitting. I sewed most of it up using my overlocker/serger and used my coverstitch machine for the hems.
The Finished Garment
I love my new La Bella Donna tops and it is about to become a wardrobe stable of mine. The pattern can be worn throughout of the year depending on the features and fabric chosen.
La Bella Donna, the beautiful lady, is a ladies’ top and tunic sewing pattern. It is your easiest and quickest pick-me-up pattern when you feel like your sewjo is gone. It is also one you would run to any time of the year given the many variations it offers. I made the La Bella Donna during a pattern testing process. It also comes in the girls’ version, Girls La Bella Top & Tunic, making it perfect for mum-and-me matching outfits.
I have been a pattern tester with Love Notions for over two years and recently became an ambassador. This means that any purchases you make using the Love Notions patterns links I share here earns me a small commission which supports this website. This comes at no extra cost to you.
The La Bella Donna sewing pattern is a versatile pattern that can be worn in both cold and warm months. The cowl and hoodie versions can be worn as layering pieces or on their own during the colder months whereas the short-sleeved top version is perfect for summer.
This pattern is recommended for medium weight knit fabrics with a 4 way stretch. This includes cotton jersey, rayon/ viscose jersey and sweater knits (perfect for colder months).
I made the tunic version using a floral cotton jersey fabric which was rather drapey and behaves like viscose jersey. I bought it from Girl Charlee UK before they closed down in the UK.
La Bella Donna pattern is such a quick make which can be completed in a sitting. It is a beginner-friendly pattern for anyone who wants to have a go at sewing with knit fabrics.
The short-sleeved version I made features dolman sleeves which eliminates setting in sleeves. The short-sleeves are finished with sleeve bands which is easier than hemming the sleeves in my opinion.
I also made the boatneck version for the pattern testing in size XS. I had the option of finishing the neckline by either folding it over Itself or using a binding. I went with the hidden binding option which came together pretty easily.
I made no alterations to this pattern which is anyone’s dream. Although my tunic version does not seem long enough, the final pattern was lengthened.
The Finished Garment
what’s not to love about La Bella Donna? It is an easy pattern that is sure to become a wardrobe staple. I plan to make the short- sleeve shirt version this summer and cowl tunic one in sweater knit fabric for winter. Of course, I will also be making the girls’ version for my missy in matching fabric.
Thank you for stopping by. Xx
Lifestyle blogger
Josephine is an entrepreneur, blogger, public health professional who loves sewing, baking and is passionate about a healthy and natural lifestyle.
Josephine is an entrepreneur, blogger, public health professional who loves sewing, baking and is passionate about a healthy and natural lifestyle.
