29 May 2019

Tilly's Herb Garden Cleo Pinafore

Tilly's Herb Garden Cleo - Rifle Paper Co Fabric - Tilly and the ButtonsTilly's Herb Garden Cleo - Rifle Paper Co Fabric - Tilly and the Buttons

You know you have to buy the fabric when it crops up in your dreams. 

I'd been lusting after this Herb Garden canvas from Rifle Paper Co for a while but it was sold out everywhere I looked for it. Eventually I mentioned it on my Instagram Stories and a kind follower tracked it down on Etsy for me from NekoNeko. The Internet is good!

Tilly's Herb Garden Cleo - Rifle Paper Co Fabric - Tilly and the Buttons
Tilly's Herb Garden Cleo - Rifle Paper Co Fabric - Tilly and the Buttons

I wanted to use it to make yet another Cleo dungaree dress, this time with a strap hack. I've seen a few people make Cleos similar to this so I'm definitely not the first.

I inserted 11mm Prym eyelets where the buttons usually go. Originally I was planning to thread the straps through the back of the eyelets and attach the loose ends to the straps above with poppers - however the poppers were kinda lost on the busy print, so I tied them up instead. I love the finished result!

Tilly's Herb Garden Cleo - Rifle Paper Co Fabric - Tilly and the Buttons
Tilly's Herb Garden Cleo - Rifle Paper Co Fabric - Tilly and the Buttons
Tilly's Herb Garden Cleo - Rifle Paper Co Fabric - Tilly and the Buttons
Tilly's Herb Garden Cleo - Rifle Paper Co Fabric - Tilly and the Buttons

The project took me a couple of hours total to cut and stitch together. The pattern includes vertical seams down the centre front and back, but these would be hidden by the print the so I cut the bodice pieces on the fold instead. If you want to do likewise, fold away 15mm (5/8in) from the centre lines to omit the seam allowance.

It's quite rare that I sew something for myself with a floral print these days, but I love the combo of stripes and florals so of course I have plenty of tops to wear with it :) I've worn it loads already. A bonus of the busy print is that it hides toddler food smears, hehe. Don't tell anyone!

Tilly's Herb Garden Cleo - Rifle Paper Co Fabric - Tilly and the Buttons

****
Sewing pattern: Cleo dungaree dress - Tilly and the Buttons
Fabric: Herb Garden canvas by Rifle Paper Co - bought from NekoNeko
Photos: Jane Looker