4 April 2018

Inspiration for Your Stretch Makes

Tilly and the Buttons dressmaking inspiration: Stretch - Make Yourself Comfortable Sewing with Knit Fabrics
It's Louise here, the sales and communications manager from team Buttons – a sewist with a passion for fashion! Last month we launched Tilly's latest book – Stretch! Make Yourself Comfortable Sewing with Knit Fabrics – and I have been pinning to my heart’s content to inspire our next Stretch! makes. I have so many ideas for fabric, styling and embellishments... it’s pretty much all we can talk about in the office at the mo! What are you planning to make? Please do share!

Tilly and the Buttons dressmaking inspiration: Stretch - Make Yourself Comfortable Sewing with Knit Fabrics
BIBI
The pencil skirt is a confirmed classic but there are plenty of ways to reinvent this oh so chic style. I have soooo much inspiration for making our Bibi I just don’t know where to start.

Make a statement with colour or print on Bibi – style it with a tucked in top or Frankie tee thrown on for effortless cool. You can have fun playing with length and try a midi or maxi – it’s perfect with a front or back slit. You may have guessed it but we love Bibi as a pinafore which can be casual or smart depending on the fabric used – Jenny made a gorgeous version in lilac, our current new favourite colour.

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FRANKIE
Who thought a baseball tee could offer up so many possibilities? I am brimming with ideas for making Frankie and want to make all the things!

I am so inspired to embellish my Frankies with patches, slogans and trims. Something as simple as bands round the arm amp things up and open up contrast fabric opportunities. The sleeves are just asking to be made your own – we looove them made in velvet, both Tilly and Jenny have been wearing theirs round the office… I’ve got lilac velvet sleeves just waiting to be cut out! Try extending the length to transform Frankie into a dress… no surprises we find the idea of a velvet version very exciting. And what about adding a pocket or placket to your tee… oh the details!

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Tilly and the Buttons dressmaking inspiration: Stretch - Make Yourself Comfortable Sewing with Knit Fabrics FREYA
Freya is oh so versatile and is fast becoming our go-to wardrobe staple - we are planning one for every occasion.

The Freya would look soooo dreamy in velvet as a dress or top and the ruffle is a must. How about making a stripe version? I love the idea of making it in a gathered tunic for throwing on with jeans, and a stripe sweater is the perfect layering piece. Colour is a great way to make an outfit pop and I can’t get enough of this mustard roll neck version. We heart a bit of sparkle and are lusting at the idea of making the Freya dress with a lurex jersey!

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Tilly and the Buttons dressmaking inspiration: Stretch - Make Yourself Comfortable Sewing with Knit Fabrics STELLA
Not just for lounging around the house, the Stella hoodie and joggers can be styled for the perfect off-duty look– our favourite way of sneaking secret pyjamas into our wardrobes!

I am dreaming of the Stella dress in velvet jersey or a soft snuggly sweat fabric. I'm completely in love with the idea of embellishing the hoodie with embroidery or patches, and the joggers are so on trend with a side stripe. You could try out cropping the hoodie and pairing with high waist jeans or making the sleeveless option to take your hoodie into the summer. I have a lot of love for pairing joggers with the Frankie tee – it’s a match made in heaven!

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Tilly and the Buttons dressmaking inspiration: Stretch - Make Yourself Comfortable Sewing with Knit Fabrics JONI
Joni is the dress after our own hearts – perfect for twirling with fit that is so flattering but also super comfortable. Not just a party girl, Joni is a perfect in casual fabrics that scream Saturday brunch with the girls.

The flared sleeve version is so pretty and I want to try the idea of extending the length to the elbow like this dreamy velvet number. The twist front is such a gorgeous detail and I’m inspired to play around with it creating a cut-out detail. You can play with pattern and colour – stripe, florals, animal print… just to name a few! Make a daywear version with a longer sleeve for colder months to pair with tights and boots.

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What will you make from Stretch? We're so excited to see your creations! Share your makes with us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtag #StretchSewingBook and #SewingStella (or whatever the pattern name is) :)