Recently one of my favourite patterns has been the Tilly and the buttons Indigo top/dress. I’ve made very different versions and I thought these trying times would be great opportunity to show you them all so you can see how easy it is to use one pattern to create a big chunk of your me made wardrobe.
The Chambray tunic length –
This version is the first one I made, this is the top version of the pattern with sleeve ruffles and frill detail on the gathers (not sure on the technical term for these). No hacks on this version just the fit adjustments. I have done an FBA on mine but without the waist dart that an FBA would usually need.
I’ve made it using a light weight chambray and they are a perfect match.
I love this version and its a great smart look with jeans or leggings for extra comfort.
The lilac one –
This one is a little bit of luxe in dreamy ex designer viscose from sewmesunshine (sorry its out of stock). This one has the same fit adjustments plus I’ve taken a little off the shoulder. I’ve used the straight sleeves option thats included but I have hacked it and added an extra tier. It also has pockets!
The extra tier gives it the extra swoosh and glam but its still super comfortable and perfect for a date with my Rich.
The Pink one –
This is another favourite, is the standard dress option with pockets and the sleeve flounces, made with a Ruby Star Society cotton.
This cotton is designed for quilting and garments so it’s not really stiff and thick like some other quilting cottons. It’s very comfortable and the rainbows and colours make me so happy when I’m wearing it.
The Gingham one –
This one is the standard bodice but with hacks to the skirt and sleeve.
I’ve used a seersucker gingham cotton in the orchid colour way from stoff and stil, this fabric is so Devine but it is very narrow so make sure you order enough, I used 4 metres in this dress with very little scraps.
I’ve done a shorter sleeve and added some more room at the head of it, I’ve also taken some length off the back of the bodice and then done a 3 tier skirt. I’m going to right another blog with all the details on how I did all the changes, watch out for it coming soon.
The short length –
I made this version for a blog post for sewmesunshine (you can read it here) I used the Indigo bodice with a shortened peplum and used the bishop sleeves from the By Hand London Hannah pattern.
The rayon viscose of this pattern is light and a dream to wear. it looks perfect under a pinafore or with jeans. The shorter peplum style is loose and still gives me some definition around the waist. I have also shortened the back peplum and lengthened the front so that it looks even all around.
So thats them all, although this is a beloved pattern I think I’m putting it into semi-retirement. I find it’s super easy for me to become obsessed with a single pattern, it’s also super easy to just buy a new pattern when you can hack one you already have, it’s all about finding the sweet balance. So if I’m inspired by a something that’s super similar to this style it will defiantly be coming back out.
Do you have a pattern that you made several different versions of?? tell me all about it in the comments or slide into my DMs on instagram, I always love hearing from you.
Thanks for reading,
Samantha x
Purple sewing cloud 