28 March 2018

Behind the Scenes on Stretch - Fashion Shoots

Behind the Scenes on Stretch - Tilly and the Buttons

Last Summer I spent three super-charged, super-fun days at a studio in East London working on the fashion shoots for my new book Stretch! I've already shared a bit about what we got up to, but had to censor most of the photos in that post so as not to give too much away about the subject of the book and designs of the patterns before it was released.

With the book now out, I can share share share! So here are some more snapshots from the shoots for those of you interested in what we get up to behind the scenes...

Behind the Scenes on Stretch - Tilly and the ButtonsBehind the Scenes on Stretch - Tilly and the Buttons

23 March 2018

Bust Adjustments for the Joni Dress

Joni dress sewing pattern - Stretch! - Tilly and the Buttons

The Joni dress is one of our favourite patterns from Tilly's second book, Stretch! The striking twist-front bodice may look complicated, but it's surprisingly simple to make.

If you have a particularly large or small bust, you may be scratching your head wondering how to make a full or small bust adjustment to the front bodice. The first thing to bear in mind is that the inherent stretch in knit fabrics does a lot of the fitting work for you (yassss!). If you're used to making bust adjustments to woven garments, you may not need to bother when sewing with knits. Also remember that knit garments are designed to have a comfortable fit that moves with your body - as a result they are bound to wrinkle and fold in places depending on what position you're in. So you don't want to over-fit your knit clothes.

Having said all that, if you have a particularly large or small bust and know you want to add or subtract some space around the boobs, here's how to do it...

Joni dress sewing pattern - Stretch! - Tilly and the Buttons

19 March 2018

Stretch Patterns - It's the Joni Dress!

 Joni dress - sewing pattern from Stretch! book - Tilly and the Buttons
 Joni dress - sewing pattern from Stretch! book - Tilly and the Buttons

For the final pattern in my new book Stretch! I wanted to create a showstopping party dress to prove that comfy clothes don't have to be casual!

The Joni dress has become one of my favourite patterns of all time. Depending on what fabric you pick, you could wear it for work, dinner dates or even fancy dos.

 Joni dress - sewing pattern from Stretch! book - Tilly and the Buttons
 Joni dress - sewing pattern from Stretch! book - Tilly and the Buttons

The twist-front bodice may look complex, but it's actually pretty simple to make once you try it. The bodice is fitted with a plunging neckline and flattering empire waist seam. The flirty half-circle skirt is great for twirling, with a gentle dipped hem that lands just above the knee.

You can make it with three-quarter or elbow-length fitted sleeves, or try the flared sleeve pattern hack.

16 March 2018

Stretch Patterns - Say Hello to Stella!

Stella hoodie + joggers - sewing patterns from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons

My new book Stretch! is all about making yourself comfortable sewing knit fabrics... and what could be more comfy than a snuggly hoodie and joggers? Not much!

Meet the Stella hoodie and joggers sewing patterns. Everyone needs homemade loungewear so you can feel smug at your stitching skills even while chillaxing on the sofa. Just be aware that once you put these on, you won't want to take them off!

Stella hoodie + joggers - sewing patterns from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons
Stella hoodie + joggers - sewing patterns from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons

13 March 2018

Stretch Patterns - Make the Freya Sweater and Dress

Freya sweater + dress - sewing pattern from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons
Freya sweater + dress - sewing pattern from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons
Freya sweater + dress - sewing patterns from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons
Freya sweater + dress - sewing patterns from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons

The Freya sweater and dress is possibly the most versatile pattern in my new book Stretch.

You can make it as a sweater or dress, with either a mock neck, roll neck or cowl neckline, with long or cropped sleeves, and optional ruffle detail. It will look and feel different depending on whether you make it in jersey, ponte or sweater knit.

Basically it's one of those incredibly versatile patterns you can make over and over and create a different style each time!

10 March 2018

Stretch patterns - Meet the Frankie Baseball T-Shirt

Frankie T-Shirt - sewing pattern from Stretch! book - Tilly and the Buttons

A classic t-shirt is a must in everyone's wardrobe. I love the seventies style of a baseball T and knew I had to include one in my new book Stretch. The only question was what colours to choose - soooo many lovely options!

Designed for single knit jersey, the Frankie T-shirt is the second pattern in the book. It has a relaxed fit, with easy-to-sew raglan sleeves, a round neckband, gentle curved and dipped hem, and a choice of full length, three-quarter or cap sleeves.

Don't worry if you've never sewn a t-shirt before! The book teaches you how to make this top on either a regular sewing machine or an overlocker (serger). I show you all the techniques involved, such as creating a neat and tidy neckband.

Frankie T-Shirt - sewing pattern from Stretch! book - Tilly and the Buttons

7 March 2018

Stretch! Patterns - Introducing the Bibi Skirt

Bibi skirt - sewing pattern from Stretch! book - Tilly and the Buttons

Fancy a closer look at the patterns in my new book Stretch?

As well as showing you how to sew with knit fabrics, the book takes you step-by-step through making six patterns (included in the back), as well as multiple variations so you can make them in lots of different styles. I know how much you love sewing patterns, so over the next couple of weeks I'm going to share more about each one, starting with the Bibi skirt today!

Bibi skirt - sewing pattern from Stretch! book - Tilly and the Buttons
Bibi skirt - sewing pattern from Stretch! book - Tilly and the Buttons

For the first project in the book, I wanted to design something that was quick and easy to make for readers who are new to knits, and which works well in simple-to-sew low stretch fabrics. The Bibi pencil skirt is a great confidence-building project for newbies, and a satisfyingly speedy make for more experienced stitchers. This is one of those projects that you can whip up in a morning and wear out that afternoon - yasss!

The skirt has a sleek ‘n’ sexy, curve-hugging shape that’s great for dressing up or down, while the knit fabric makes it feel super comfortable to wear (secret pyjamas, guys!). Wear it with the Freya sweater and heels for bossing it at the office, or throw on a T-shirt and trainers for a Saturday brunch date.