3 July 2018

Fabric Shopping for Stevie

Fabric shopping inspiration for Stevie - beginner friendly sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons

Making the Stevie top or tunic dress? If you're thinking about what fabric to pair it with then I am here to help! It's Louise here from Team Buttons and I have been scouting dreamy supplies to make my Stevie (there has been some purchasing and some fantasy shopping where the cart never quite makes it to the payment page!), so I thought I’d share some of my favourite finds.

This way, the Stevie’s I’ve dreamt up can be stitched and showcased by one of you lovely DIY dressmakers : )
Fabric shopping inspiration for Stevie - beginner friendly sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons

Stevie can be made in a multitude of fabrics (great for fabric in your stash that has been waiting for the right thing to come along), and by using different fabrics you can take Stevie from relaxed casual vibes to bossing it office wear. Fabrics with body, such as linen and chambray will give your garment a more structured shape, while opting for a drapey viscose or silk will give it a more flowy style.

Please bear in mind that we haven't handled these fabrics ourselves (even though I'd love to own them aaaall!), so order a swatch if you want to check how they look and feel IRL.

Fabric shopping inspiration for Stevie - beginner friendly sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons

LOVELY LINENS
Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Nothing quite beats a crisp linen in look and feel as it will keep you cool and comfortable all summer long. Try out a plain colour with contrasting topstitching to show off the stitch lines (these linens come in sooo many scrummy colours) or opt for a printed linen like this mono sunflower which is top of my list.

Fabric shopping inspiration for Stevie - beginner friendly sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons



COTTON LAWN
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Everyone probably has cotton lawn in their stash, that may be down to it feeling so breezy and comfortable to wear and is easy to sew with. It will also hold its shape but will create a soft structure to Stevie.

I can’t resist this lobster print which is perfect for day-trips to the seaside and you can’t go wrong with a polka dot in my eyes. This Monaluna brushstroke is so modern and will pair perfectly with almost everything.

Fabric shopping inspiration for Stevie - beginner friendly sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons


WOVEN COTTONS
Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Sometimes the simplest fabrics make the biggest statement and you can’t go wrong with this little woven cotton haul. They will hold the shape of Stevie and as they are cotton will be breathable and comfy. This gingham would look gorgeous with the pretty bow back, and chambray is a forever classic fabric.

I've purchased the no.3 (bought from Like Sew Amazing) as I was so inspired by the pink hand-printed sample Zeena wore for the shoot, I just had to recreate that look!

Fabric shopping inspiration for Stevie - beginner friendly sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons


NATURAL BLOCK PRINTS
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Stevie is such an effortless style these rich, earthy tones feel like the perfect pairing. I am swooning over these stunning hand blocked prints that are meant to be treasured for a long time to come.

Fabric shopping inspiration for Stevie - beginner friendly sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons



IKATS, IKATS, IKATS!
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You may have noticed we picked an ikat for the cover shot of Stevie and I’m definitely planning on making one myself! Ikat fabrics will hold the shape and will feel easy breezy in sweltering heats. I've cut out a Stevie in the first ikat from Merchant & Mills (bought from Fabric Godmother) and the depth of the indigo colour needs to be seen to be believed...it's stunning!

Fabric shopping inspiration for Stevie - beginner friendly sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons


VISCOSE
Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

If you want to create a more fluid silhouette with Stevie viscose is a perfect choice. It’s readily available and as it is made from cellulose fibre, it can imitate the feel and texture of natural fibres, like linen, silk and cotton.

I think this heart print viscose would make a cute Stevie top and Atelier Brunette have a great range of viscose fabrics in modern prints, my favourite is this brushstroke print.

Fabric shopping inspiration for Stevie - beginner friendly sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons


DOUBLE GAUZE
Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Perfect for hot summer days, double gauze is made up of two super-fine layers of cotton that make it soft, airy and breathable. Tilly says “it’s like wearing a cloud!” You can find it in lovely prints and plains, with Japanese maker’s Kokka and Nano Iro having a great range, as well as the French company, Atelier Brunette.

These fabrics might be more on the pricey side, but they are worth every penny : )

Has this haul inspired your Stevie shopping? Comment below letting us know what you're planning to make your Stevie in! xx