Etta dress, by Tilly and the Buttons

This is the first Tilly and the Buttons dress pattern I've tried. 

When I saw it advertised, I immediately went "oooh!" because it has a vintage-vibe and so I bought one of the kits - I'm pleased I did that because, I'm not sure that if I saw this fabric in the shop I would have bought it! That's a shame because the sateen fabric sewed really well and I've stayed away from stretchy fabric until this. Also, that bold print, well, it looks great when made up into the dress, well, I like it.

Pattern Notes

The pattern states its intended for confident beginners - not sure what that is supposed to mean! I guess that somewhere there is a guide that says "at this level you can do this" but if that guide does exist, I don't know of it.

The pattern pieces are on that thick, cartridge paper I think its called, and it comes with an instruction booklet as opposed to a fold-out sheet - this may be normal for these types of patterns these days but, as I already said, this is my first go with one.

The sizing is different to UK 6/8/10 etc, it's in 1 to 7 - don't know why but I did compare Tilly's sizings with those listed on a Butterick top pattern and Tilly's 1 is a 6, her 2 is a 10, and it is the same there on up.

I liked that the dress is made by joining the bodice to the skirt - don't laugh! The only 2 dresses I have made were Vogue V1421 and Merchant and Mills Trapeze dress. Look them up and you'll see what I mean :-D 

Being able to join the bodice to the skirt meant I could easily choose the sizes that fit me - I am, minimum, a size smaller skirt than top that fits the bust. so, either I have to do an FBA or lots and lots of adjusting on the waist and hips, and this pattern made that a whole lot easier.

Another thing I like about it is the customising options: varying sleeve lengths, faux-pockets and whether you want a collar or not. Nice features - is that a common feature of these types of pattern?

The kit came with ample interfacing, too. Also, 2 hook and eye - why???? if you lose one, you're daft!

As for the pattern instructions, they are a great improvement on the staccato details on a tissue pattern! That said, I think the instructions for setting in sleeves could be written more clearly - going back to what I said earlier about what skills you're expected to have as a confident beginner, I guess that you'll have set-in sleeves before picking up this pattern.

One thing, though, you can tell from the pictures in the instructions booklet that the seams were finished with an overlocker. I don't have one, so I use a zig-zag stitch which just doesn't look as neat (and my Pfaff liked to have the odd nibble on the sateen fabric). Would a confident beginner own an overlocker? 

So, how did it sew?

It was great! the fabric was very nice to work with and no particular wobbly moments. I did put one of the sleeves on the wrong side but as it had only been basted, it wasn't an issue to unpick and re-do.

I also tried a couple of new things - sleeve darts, inserting a kick pleat and a v-neck back. Sleeve darts - now, there's a thing! I'm loving a sleeve dart.

Would I make it again?

Yes, definitely. I really liked working with this fabric, the instructions aren't a chore and don't make you crazy (yes, i'm referring to you Vogue V1421!), and sleeve darts! I love the vintage-esque shape it gives without needing constructed under garments to get the shape.

Thanks Tilly! nice pattern, i'm planning one with a collar, in a plain fabric, something snazzy for the office.