Like many others I jumped on the Paper Theory LB Pullover pretty much as soon as it was released as, I have to admit, the description seduced me:
“Inspired by the classic turtlenecks worn by the beatniks in the 1960s, and later by the political protesters of feminist and Black civil rights movements in the 1970s.” and “A turtleneck is synonymous all over the world as the uniform of the intellectual, but the cut of the body for this pattern has been updated to evoke a more relaxed, versatile and easy style of living.” Well, I remember the 1970s clothing so well, and found all this quite irresistible.
The pattern was duly bought and I tested it with a piece of wool from Knitwit. I will show it at the end of the post as it’s not terribly interesting. I must say that I felt a bit miffed with the pattern at this point. It did remind me of the machine knitting patterns of the 1970s and 1980s, in that there was minimal shaping and it took roughly 40 minutes to put together, even with a bit of pattern tetris and piecing.
The fact that this pattern also suited to wovens was a big part of the appeal so I got out this magnificent painterly silk drill that I bought when my FB and IG friend, Belinda, took me shopping in Arab Street in Singapore. This fabric has lingered in my stash for far too long as it was quite a small piece of fabric and I struggled to find a pattern which would fit on it.
I cut the turtleneck collar on the bias, but had to cut it in two sections instead of on the fold, and I also made it a bit shorter than the pattern required. I did lengthen the body a little bit, just to completely use all the fabric.
The collar is quite floppy and I really like it. I used French seams throughout the top as using the overlocker didn’t seem quite appropriate.
This will be a perfect top for the coming cool weather, it goes with lots of my skirts and trousers and looks good with jeans for a more casual look.
After this silk version I was slightly mollified and decided to make a third one, this time from some glorious cotton knit from Knitwit. This is really interesting fabric. It reminds me of French Terry as it is slightly looped on the back whilst being smooth on the front.
The fabric features a digital print of visible mending and it is supposed to be sold in panels, but I didn’t get two whole panels, so I’m not sure what happened, but I was able to get the pattern fitted on with fabric to spare, so all is well.
I think it’s safe to say that I’m now smitten with the pattern.
However I decided that pockets might be useful.
I added in seam pockets in a single layer but when I drew them out I didn’t take into account the shape at the bottom and the way they would hit the hem. I finished up reverse coverstitching them on, and then had a bit of a problem when I coverstitched the hem where the pockets intersected. I had to stop and start round the pockets. I’ve since drawn a new pattern that follows the hemline so I won’t have this problem next time.
The top looks good with my new leather bag, which I’m very pleased with. I will be blogging it when it’s finished – I’m just waiting for a tool so that I can tidy it up a bit.
I mentioned that my first one was wool and here it is – a bit ho hum, but very useful, nonetheless.
I didn’t have enough fabric for a turtleneck so used a regular knit binding for the neckline. I also had to piece the sleeves and finished up with a cuff on each sleeve.
I will probably make a few more of these tops, especially when I’m short of fabric as it doesn’t need a lot. It is a really quick make, except when pockets are involved! Those slightly baggy sleeves are pretty comfortable and the neck is quite good as it isn’t constricting but provides good coverage if it’s chilly.
The body is quite short and it can be elongated quite easily. I only have one question, which is, what the devil does “LB” stand for in the name?
Nice tops! I like all three versions!
Sue, you have done it again. Lovely makes, every one. Thanks so much for the pocket closeup! (Makes me want a coverstitch machine just for that ability.)
The pockets will be better next time. I am currently having a lovely time playing with pockets. I am quite keen on the pattern, even though I did feel that I could have drafted one from any of my other patterns. But it is nice to show others the pattern.
Now that looks like something you can dress up or down and it looks very comfortable! Love your colours – I’m really going to have to find some fabric that isn’t blue! LOL. I’m looking forward to seeing your bag details too – I love bags!
Ah, the bag, I am loving it! I might do a little blog post as it’s really simple but quite effective!
“Really simple” can look lovely too!
I’m swooning over that cotton knit fabric with the digital print…Love it made up in that design. You look fab!
Thank you Diane, it was a bit of a lucky find, and I think I actually had Mark in mind when I bought it because of the colour, but then decided it was much more appropriate for me!
Really great versions😍 I love the French Terry one. Regarding “LB” I’m guessing it might stand for “little black” pullover. Like the LBD little black dress?
So many suggestions for the LB! I might email and ask!! The French Terry is my favourite, I have to admit. About to start hacking!
Maybe LB stands for Little Beatniks as the pattern description refers to that style? Having seen your gorgeous versions Sue, “I think it’s safe to say that I’m now smitten with the pattern” too!! You’re an inspiration!
Thank you m’dear, and you might be right about the beatnik thing. I was a bit of a beatnik and not sure I wore anything quite like this, but there you go!
Great tops and good question!
Thank you Suzy. It’s quite a nice pattern.
These is such a beautiful trio in amazing fabric. Although the same pattern they all look so different.
Hello! I know you don’t really like your plain blue wool crew neck version but I think its really nice! I would like to make something similar – do you know what kind of fabric that is? Is it a ponte or something similar? Thanks!
It’s just a wool knit, a bit thicker than the merino. Ponte would work well!
Hi Sue – so pleased I came across this post when I was looking at Paper Theory, and went straight to the LB Pullover. I love what you have done, especially the blotchy one with the pockets. What fab material. I want to extend the pattern to a below-knee tunic. To wear with pants. Not sure how it will work out…. Perhaps I should try the original thing first rather than leap-frogging to my brilliant idea LOL. Hope you are well! Cheers, Iris (from WAFTA)
How lovely to hear from you Iris. I’m sure this pattern could be extended to a tunic. You might have to angle it out or put slits in the side. I’d toile it first. The blotchy fabric came from Knitwit, but I’m not certain whether they still have it. It’s lovely. I’m really well. Are you coming to the Fibres West Garage Sale next Saturday (29th)? I’ll be there all day, so we might have a chance to catch up.