What's better than a new sewing pattern? TWO new sewing patterns!
That's right, today we're launching two brand spanking new patterns - available in both printed and PDF versions.
First up, let me introduce you to Stevie...
I don't know about you but I love having simple, modern pieces in my wardrobe that I can throw on in the morning and feel effortlessly stylish. Stevie is a contemporary top and a tunic dress that's as easy to make as it is to wear - it's destined to be one of those patterns you become addicted to!
THE DESIGN
Stevie has a modern, boxy fit with round neckline and casual grown-on sleeves. You can make it either as a top with contemporary cropped hemline that hits the high hip, or as a tunic dress that finishes above the knee.
My favourite detail is the closure at the back. It has a two-piece back yoke that joins at the top either with ties that you can fasten into a cute bow, or a button and loop which is super easy to make with a hair band (ssshh!) ;)
Wear the dress with a statement necklace and sandals in the summer - the easy-fitting shape will keep you cool as a cucumber on sticky hot days - or ,when it's colder, layer the dress over tights and a stripey top. Throw your top on with high-waisted jeans or shorts, the perfect pairing for the slightly cropped style.
THE SEWING PATTERN
Surprise! New envelope design!We've refreshed the design of our pattern envelopes to feature images of real people wearing the garments - our lovely friends Zeena Shah and Alexandra Bruce. Hopefully this should give you a better idea of what the garment will look like on - rather than on a mannequin. And, if you still can't picture it on you, do check out the #SewingStevie hashtag on Instagram in the near future to see Stevie on a range of people in different fabrics and body shapes :)
Inside our award-winning patterns, you'll find clear instructions with step-by-step colour photos to guide you through the project. The pattern pieces themselves are clearly labelled so you can see which seam is which and how they go together.
Stevie is perfect for beginners looking for an easy project, as you can make it in easy-to-use fabrics such as cotton lawn, chambray and linen, and it has no fiddly bits like set-in sleeves, zips or buttonholes - hooray! If you're a confident stitcher, this is one of those satisfyingly speedy projects that you can sew up in a couple of hours when you need a creative kick.
Order the printed sewing pattern and we’ll send you a gorgeous package in the post. Made in the UK, our patterns are printed on durable paper which you can use again and again without it tearing or scrunching up (yasss!).
Prefer to print and assemble your pattern at home? Buy the digital pattern and you’ll get an email in an instant with a PDF to download.
Stevie is also available to buy from fabric shops and departments stores around the world. If your favourite shop doesn’t stock it, please ask them to! ;)
SIZING AND SUPPLIES
Make Stevie in light- to medium-weight woven fabric - try linen or blends, double gauze, chambray, cotton lawn, viscose (rayon)... or if you're a confident stitcher you could even make it in something more luxurious like sandwashed silk or crepe de chine.
We've been having fun pinning fabrics that we think would work really nicely with this pattern, so if you'd like some help choosing keep an eye out for a blog post later this week...
The pattern includes eight sizes – from UK 6 – 20, US 2 – 16, or EUR 34 – 48. You can see the exact body measurements on the sizing chart. Need help fitting the Stevie top or dress? It's the same process for bust adjustments, combining sizes, lengthening or shortening as for the Bettine pattern, explained here.
Find out how much fabric and other supplies you’ll need for each version on the shop page.
Want to give Stevie a whirl? Order your pattern from our online shop.
I'm wearing one of my Stevie dresses as I type and can't tell you how cool and comfortable it feels! I hope you like this pattern as much as we do. Please share your makes with us on Instagram @TillyButtons with the hashtag #SewingStevie so we can find them - can't wait to see!
In the next post I'm going to tell you all about our other new pattern, so stay tuned...
Photographer: Jane Looker
Videographer: Jenny Lingham-Doe @ Tilly and the Buttons
Hair and make up: Laura AnneModels: Alexandra Bruce and Zeena Shah
Blue ikat fabric from Fabrics Galore; black hearts viscose from Brixton market; pink linen hand-printed by Zeena Shah
Huge thanks to our amazing pattern testers for your help! x x x