Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Mimi Blouse from Tilly and the Buttons

One of my most favorite types of fabric to work with is cotton. It’s natural, versatile and super easy to care for. Slap a fun print on that cotton and I’m sold!

I purchased this cotton lawn from Fabric Mart a few months ago when I seen its beauty popping up in my Instagram feed. C'mon hearts AND cherries!? Yay! I believe they also sold the same print in a mint color but unfortunately I do not see either of the two still available on their site. Only makes me wish I would have bought more.  Lawns are light and flowy which make them ideal during the summer months.  When I purchased this fabric I knew exactly what pattern I was going to use, the Mimi Blouse by Tilly and the Buttons.

My pictures may seem....a little goofy. I was just giddy with excitement because during my photoshoot I was also in the process of packing for a beach vacation! 
The Mimi Blouse pattern is available in Tilly Walne’s new book, Love at First Stitch.  As soon as Tilly released on her blog all the patterns to be in the book I quickly bought a copy.  I just think they are all unbelievably adorable.  Tilly’s red version of the Mimi Blouse only helped to seal the deal.

One of the things I love about the book is with each pattern Tilly gives you ideas on how to make it your own.  For the Mimi Blouse in particular such things like exchanging the collar for a peter pan collar, piping the yoke or adding fabric-covered buttons. 
Another nice touch I found in Tilly’s book is on each pattern piece.  The book is written with beginners in mind so those may find it helpful that the patterns have extra labeling.  For example, on the yoke pattern piece the shoulder seam is clearly labeled.  Also labeled are where the front and back bodice joins so you don’t get confused as to what attaches where (as I sometimes do). 

I made a size 2 and didn’t make any fitting alterations.  I usually test a muslin but I didn't with this pattern.  I instead measured my pattern pieces and compared those measurements to my own and to similiar RTW clothing I already had that I liked the fit of.  I'm noticing in pictures now that I probably could of used a swayback adjustment.  I will account for that in my next version.

My favorite parts of this blouse are the Chelsea collar, gathered yoke and pleated sleeves. Ok, ok I like it all!  Pleated sleeves and sleeve facings were a first for me.  I always enjoy learning something new.  I did my sleeve facings a little different than instructed. Instead of folding the facing and having it completely hidden under the sleeve I folded it in half and slip stitched it in place to form a tiny sleeve band. 

I just so happened to have the perfect buttons in my stash…tiny pearl hearts to match the print!  They are hard to see in the pictures so can we instead get another look at that adorable collar!?  I just love it!

This print is a little busy for all the details this shirt has to offer. Because of that I would like to make my next version in a solid with contrasting piping around the yoke.
This pattern is a winner for me.  Just the right amount of girly.  The other patterns in the book are pretty great too and will be giving them a go someday....someday soon when I work through that monstrous to-sew pile!!
Have any of you purchased Tilly's book?  What's your favorite pattern? 
Now please allow me to clog the rest of this post with some pictures of my happy dance because sandy beaches await me! :)



~ Shannon from Shanni Loves

Comments

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: ITY Dress

Hi sewing friends - Andrea here from Happy.Things.Here over on Insta with this week’s post – I’m sharing about a favorite fabric and pattern today!  So… the last two months have almost gotten the best of me. We made a somewhat unplanned decision to move homes and life has been just insanely busy and hard to find time to sew. But sewing  is such a joy and a stress reliever for me, so I fit in this fun and easy sew amidst the chaos and it made me sew very happy! Sneak peek – how could this print NOT make someone happy? First, let’s talk fabric. ITY , or Interlock Twist Yarn, is one of my all-time favorite fabrics for sewing clothing. Fabric Mart did an Instagram post with a video on this fabric and I highly recommend you check it out if this fabric is new to you. Three things I love about ITY – 1) it’s easy to care for and rarely wrinkles, 2) it’s easy to wear, great for drapey pieces, and works all year long, and 3) Fabric Mart gets great deadstock prints and colors from fashion design

Made By A Fabricista: Breezy Summer Style with Rayon Challis from Fabric Mart.

Hey there my sewing friends!  Summer is here and I am all for it.  It has been exceptionally hot here in Southwest Florida. We have had temps in the high 90’s.  I want to keep cool and comfortable and still look pulled together this summer.  That’s why I chose rayon challis for this month’s summer make.   Rayon Challis is lightweight, flowy, soft and extremely comfortable to wear. It’s an excellent choice for summer outfits.  It has a beautiful drape making it an excellent choice for maxis, tops, dresses, and shorts. The fabric is lightweight and depending upon your sewing project you may need to use a lining with this fabric. Also use a lightweight interfacing when working with rayon challis.  If you are a beginner at sewing, you may find the fabric a bit fiddly to work with, but the end result is so worth it.  Fabric Mart has beautiful challis fabric to choose from. I chose this fun tropical print on an off-white background. This summer season vests are in.  I love the ease of wearin

Made By A Fabricista: The Loring Dress

Hello friends,  This is Byrd, your curvy sewist and I am back with my latest Fabricista make.  This is the newly released Cashmerette Loring Dress, a size-inclusive beginner-confident flowy summer dress.  The dress features a V-neck, pockets and tie that cinches in the waist.  The Loring pairs so nicely with Fabric Mart’s cornflower, magenta and pink floral cotton lawn.  Fabric Mart’s cotton lawn is a dream for summer projects!  Its lightweight breathable nature and smooth silky drape is perfect for warm weather garments like the Loring Dress. The vibrant cornflower, magenta, and pink flowered fabric is a joy to sew and wear.  Fun fact:  Named after the flower, the color cornflower is a medium blue mixed with a little green.  Cotton lawn is easy to cut and sew and pre-washing is always a good idea to avoid any surprise shrinkage after your garment is finished. I also recommend using a serger/overlocker for a clean interior finish. Cashmerette describes the Loring Dress as an explosion