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

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing Summery ITY

Hi sewing friends! I’m dropping in to share a few makes sewn with ITY fabrics and inspire you to try out this slinky, cool-to-the-touch fabric for hot weather if you haven’t yet, or to recommend some patterns that work fabulously if you already love it. This is by far my favorite knit to wear in summer. Since it moves easily there’s lots of airflow, and it just skims the body. More often than not, it has a four-way stretch that doesn’t grow when worn, so it works great for loads of styles. ITY stands for Interlock Twist Yarn and the knit gives it some wonderful drape and stretch. There are lots of different weights and even some differing textures. Because it’s so fluid, the fabric really resists most wrinkling. I’ve sewn three different weights and prints here to show off just what ITY can do! This white floral is a lighter weight and features a slightly crepe-textured finish, and I think that combined with the large and spread-out floral makes it quite elegant and eye-cat...

Made By A Fabricista: Basics vs Fun Clothes

Every summer I make flowy, pretty dresses because they are so fun for me to make, wear, and they keep me cool as temperatures rise. But when the days get shorter and autumn rolls around, I’m not always confident on how best to transition my summery dresses into garments that will allow for the seasonal changes. In an effort to be more intentional about maximizing the use of my clothing, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to make for August. It’s been a hot summer in New Jersey. From what I can see, it’s been a hot summer across the US. Looking for clothing that will keep me cool, perhaps hide some sweat stains, and allow me to transition between seasons, I decided to make separates that would pair well with each other and allow me to mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe. For the top, I wanted a basic tank top, something I could layer later on. For the bottoms, I wanted flowy, summery pants that can last into brisker weather or become phenomenally cozy in front of my wint...

Made By A Fabricista: From Paris with Love!

Bonjour! I am still in bliss from my recent trip to Paris!! It was much more than I expected and I absolutely fell in love with the city. I can honestly see myself living there one day. I knew before leaving I wanted to make something to fit into the Parisian landscape because I knew it would be a special opportunity. I was inspired by one of my favorite fashion creators Juliette Foxx. Her checked gingham corset and wide leg pants were on my list to remake. For fabric I used this red and white pin stripe denim twill and deep red sateen for the pants. The pattern I used for the corset was McCall’s #M8182 with a few modifications. The fit was a little large so I took it in along the sides and shoulder seam. I then lowered the neckline since the shoulders were taken in. I used the sateen as my lining which gave a great contrast. My pants are my unreleased pattern which happens to be exact from the inspiration. I drafted these last year and have been wo...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog