Nikki and Tilly's Lotta dresses

Our latest sewing pattern, the Lotta dress, is out and about in the world - woohoo! Today we thought we'd show you three dresses made by Nikki and Tilly to give you an idea of how it looks in different fabrics, styled in different ways and on different bodies.

First up, over to our Product Manager Nikki:

"For my first version of Lotta, I wanted something classic and wearable. The fabric is a ditsy polka dot print viscose from Minerva Crafts. This is the style of dress I wear all the time, and the elasticated waistline makes it extra comfy.

I went with the knee-length version of the dress, with longer sleeves and the optional patch pockets - because who doesn't love pockets?! I made this during the development stage of the pattern, and the sleeves on the final pattern are actually a bit shorter than this, they finish just above the wrist.

At the moment while the weather is still balmy, I've been loving wearing my Lotta dress with Converse and bare legs. I am looking forward to the weather turning though (anyone else just LOVE Autumn?) so I can layer it up with a chunky cardigan, tights and black ankle boots."

Fitting the Lotta dress

Making the Lotta dress and want a few extra fitting hints and tips? Well, this is great timing, as this post is packed full of info about some fitting adjustments you might want to make to your Lotta dress pattern pieces.

The Lotta dress is suitable for stitching newbies as it’s easy to sew and fit – high-five! This post will cover the most common fitting adjustments you might want to consider for your Lotta dress. However, don’t feel like you need to do them all, or even any at all!

We sometimes recommend that you make a "toile" (or "muslin") - a practice garment in cheap or spare fabric in a similar weight to the fabric you're going to use for the final garment to test the fit - however, it's not strictly necessary here. If you're unsure about your sizing and have some expensive fabric lined up to make the dress in, you could make a quick toile of the bodice to check the fit, leaving off the skirt. However, if you don't feel overly precious about your fabric, then go for it!
 In this post we're going to cover:

• Choosing your size 
• Lengthening or shortening the bodice, sleeve or skirt
• How to combine different bust, waist and/or hip sizes 
• Bust adjustments 

Choosing your size

Using a flexible tape measure, find the circumference of your:
- Bust - take the measurement at the fullest point i.e. around your nipples
- Waist - where you bend at the side
- Hips - the fullest part - it helps to turn to the side and look in a mirror to see where this is

Check the tape measure is sitting level with the floor all the way around. It can help to turn to the side and look in a mirror to check.

Inspiration and Fabrics for Making Lotta

Have you got Lotta on your sewing list yet? This swishy dress is beginner-friendly and requires minimal fit adjustments so you can get on with the fun part of choosing material for your perfect make!

The Lotta dress can be made up in woven AND knit fabrics, which opens up so many opportunities. Lotta is not just versatile with the fabrics you can make it in, you'll also find this chameleon transforms with your choice. You can make an everyday Lotta in comfy plain jersey, sew one for the weekend in a fun animal print, channel the season with an autumnal floral, or even go for a party Lotta dress in stretch velvet! 

Once you have made one, you will be sure to fill your wardrobe with this sewing pattern that ticks all the boxes. So, with that in mind, I have gathered a few fabric and inspo suggestions together focusing on some of the most popular trends in the sewing community at the moment. Animal print, florals and autumnal hues are all popping up on our IG feed. 

If you are a complete beginner, you might want to start with a more stable fabric like cotton lawn or chambray as it won't shift around too much when you're sewing. More experienced stitchers can make Lotta in a drapey jersey, stretch velvet or lightweight French terry.

We have not seen these gorgeous fabrics up close, so it's worth requesting a sample from the lovely independent fabrics shops we have been window shopping at.

*AD/GIFTED FABRIC* Did you love the Lotta on our pattern cover? This splodge style print is really modern and cool and gives some interest without dominating your outfit. We had this gorgeous Flint peachskin in teal gifted to us from Fabric Godmother to make up the cover sample. You can also find it in a black colourway which would make a great base for a statement necklace to finish off the look.

We are SO excited about the Lotta dress working for both woven and knit fabrics as it is something we are often asked about. If you are planning on making a Lotta dress in a knit fabric you want to look out for something with drape to it so you can swish, swish, swish your skirt!

Why not choose one of the Tilly and the Buttons x Craft Cotton Co. organic cotton jerseys? Tilly picked one of her favourites from the collection for the Lotta sample - the Love Your Nails design. It has just the right amount of drape for Lotta and the prints are very cute. Unfortunately, we have sold out of the fabric on our own shop, but you can find the collection in a number of haberdasheries.

NEW Lotta Sewing Pattern and Online Workshop!

What time is it? Why, it's new pattern o'clock!

Eeesh, please excuse the cheesy intro but you'll forgive us when you meet the newest member of the Tilly and the Buttons family - say hello to the Lotta dress, available as a stand-alone pattern or complete with a step-by-step online workshop!

If you like comfy dresses, roomy pockets and fuss-free sewing, then you'll love Lotta. With no fiddly fastenings, no set-in sleeves, and an easy-to-fit elasticated waist, this pattern is simple enough for even complete beginners to sew.

Aside from her swishy shape and gorgeous details (optional sleeves! Pockets!), her extra star quality is you can make her in both jersey and woven. Say what?! So many of our lovely customers have requested a pattern that can be made with both jersey and woven fabrics and we thought you guys were on to a winner :)

Got lots of love for Lotta? Us too! Read on to find out more...

THE DESIGN