Loretta Plus Lamour (Plus Piping Techniques!)
Hi all! I wanted to make sure the Lamour expansions included with the Loretta Shorts got their chance to shine. As already mentioned, Loretta is officially part of the L Series, which is a group of Charm Patterns that were drafted to be perfectly interchangeable with each other. So the Loretta Shorts are the perfect addition to make rompers and playsuits! But we also added a cute neckline band which can be used with the Lamour bodice. This little “collar” look was so popular in the ‘50s.
Construction Order for the Romper Bust Foldover
The Romper Bust Foldover piece is designed for use only with the Lamour Bodice; follow the Lamour’s construction order for the Bodice Sash option, substituting the Loretta’s Bust Foldover for the sash. Cut two sets of the foldover piece. Interface one set (this will be the outer layer, as worn). Pin each interfaced foldover piece to each non-interfaced foldover piece and stitch around the short curved center front edge and the long un-notched edge. Grade the seam allowances and clip curves of lower edge. Turn foldover right side out and press. Baste the foldover to the bodice neckline and side seams. Complete bodice construction.
Jazz It Up with Piping
To really make the bust foldover stand out, consider piping! (or make the foldover in a contrast fabric). Piping helps give definition, especially in bold prints like my jumbo polka dots. Here's how I did it:
1. Pin piping to the interfaced foldover pieces around the short curved center front edge and the long un-notched lower edge. Using a zipper foot, baste piping to foldover pieces, stitching closely to the piping. The "flange" of the piping will go within the seam allowance and the piping itself will be outside of the seam allowance so it shows on the piece itself. (Note: I realize now that aligned the edge of the piping with the raw edge of the foldover, which made the foldover a little wider--I like the look of it and it was easy to apply!)
2. Next place the uninterfaced foldover piece RS together with the interfaced piped piece, and pin together. Stitch along center and lower edges, using the basting stitches from step 1 as your guide. You want to position your stitching just outside the basting from step 1. You can see the "bump" of the piping to the left of the zipper foot below.
3. Grade seam allowances and notch around curve. Turn fold RS out and under stitch as far as you can (it gets too tight in the corner!). Press and then baste the open edges together.
Here's a view of my understitching:
4. Baste the folder over pieces the bodice neckline, having them meet at center front.
Continue the rest of the bodice construction as usual!
Comments (46)
Where do I find the bodice pattern piece used to make this jumpsuit please
It is the Lamour Pattern, sold on her charm patterns website
friends! Does anyone have any idea where to find the L'Amour Fold Over Piece?
Pages 1 and 6 of the Loretta Shorts Pattern - tiled. OR if you use the A0 version of the Loretta shorts pattern pieces, it's right of centre. Piece name is "Romper Bust Foldover", and it's coded as "A8"
Perfect! I’ll make sure to pick one up! Thank you!
...Did I miss somewhere a pattern for the Lamour bodice?
The Lamour Dress is sold separately on the Charm Patterns site. We often do pattern expansions here to maximize your pattern wardrobe!
I have a poplin piece of fabric that is white with cherries on it. I think it would look good in this pattern with red piping. I will have to back the pockets too so the cherries won't show through.
Thank you...I did found it and over the moon as off work for 2 weeks after tomorrow so going to be a Gertie-fest ❤️ Still on lockdown in Scotland!
Found it ❤️
Help! I gotta have the collar and piping but I only have the original Lamour pattern - is the collar downloadable here? I can’t seem to find it 🤔
It’s with the Loretta shorts pattern :)
Is the Jane pattern part of the "L" series? It looks like the top could be.
Nope! All the L series start with L. Jane has a totally different fit and amount of ease since it uses stretch fabrics.
Hey Gertie! How big of a difference will the garment be without the piping ? Will it be too froppy?
You can definitely make it without piping! That’s just optional embellishment.
Does your adorable romper take an 18 inch zipper?
Yes, the zipper length is the same for the dress or romper.
I only have the „old“ Lamour version. Can I use this for the sash, too or are there any differences?
Yes it should be fine but I would walk the foldover with the bodice to compare before cutting.
Love it, so Beautiful! I was wondering if it would be possible to skip the waist seam in the front by sticking the short pattern peaces to the Lamour top peaces (minus the two seam allowances), so you have a continuous piece. Any thoughts? :)
I wouldn’t recommend it because it would flatten the waist curve, which would give it a looser look around the middle!
I love this!
This is so on my sewing list!!! Love it. I made some alterations to the bust line of my lamour, pinched out 1cm. Am I correct I should do the same alteration to the foldover?
Yes that’s correct!
I love having that bodice both for the shorts and the dress. It is just fabulous
This looks adorable! Is that hat vintage? Now I need a fringe edged sunhat
No it’s new! By a designer called Eric Javits. They were on sale on Amazon last year and I bought a couple.
Did you make your own pipping? And if so, do you have any piping cord you recommend? :)
No I used Wrights maxi piping! For a color like black, I’d rather buy it ready made rather than spend my time making it :)
Can't wait to make one soon!
This is absolutely gorgeous Gertie 🥰 I tried to find a similar giant polka dot fabric in the uk but sadly nothing yet.
That pink hat and big spots playsuit, it's so joyful. Beautiful photo of you Gertie
Yes!!!!
So cute!!! I just downloaded the Stanwyck skirt pattern. I’m a beginner (haven’t sewed since I was 10 and I just turned 34 today). I’m so exited to get back into sewing with all your beautiful patterns!
Thanks so much for the piping detail! It really helps. I was trying to figure it out in my head!
Thank you! Gertie, this picture needs to be a poster! So dang cute!
Giving suburban quarantine realness ;)
So darn cute ❤
This is so cute! Thanks for breaking down the piping instruction too!
I am wondering if I should worry about the front "dart" of the shorts giving me trouble if I don't typically need darts in skirt or pants fronts, what do you think?
It's pretty hard to say by just speculating, so I would do a muslin and you can always fill in that "wedge" so it's just a straight seam if you prefer!
Thank you for doing a guide to the piping! Can’t wait to try it out myself 😄💕
Good thing friday is our "national day", it's a day off, gonna #stayhomeandsew 😁
I would seriously wear that. And I don't wear shorts ever
You know, I'm not that into shorts either but I really like these! The roomy leg makes them so comfy!