We have come to the final post introducing the sewing patterns from my new book Make It Simple. Thank you so much for reading these posts - do scroll back through the blog if you missed the deets on the other patterns!
Last but not least is the gorgeous Olive pinafore, a Mary Quant-inspired design that's a great layering piece. Olive has a gently curved V-neckline, mini hemline and double-pointed waist darts at the front and back for a flattering shape. Wear it over your Freya sweaters, Agnes or Tabitha t-shirts, or even a pretty collared blouse.
The Olive pinafore is the most involved project in the book. Yet you should still be able to cut and stitch this up in an afternoon (around 3 1/2 hours, I reckon), as I've tweaked the design to make it simple for the style. The fit is designed to be on the looser side - think mod shift dress, rather than closely-fitting wiggle dress. Plus it has press-on snaps down the front replacing buttons for those of you who dread sewing buttonholes :)
The pinafore is finished on the inside with an all-in-one facing, which cleverly combines the neckline and armhole facing. If you've ever struggled with attaching an all-in-one facing, check our YouTube channel now (or come back to the blog this Thursday) for a how-to video!
The Olive sewing pattern includes ten sizes, from UK 6-24 / US 2-20. Paper patterns are included in the back of the book ready to trace off, or you can download them following a link in the book and print them on either A4/Letter or A0 paper.
No, you're obsessed with pockets...
If you've got some extra time and want to add an extra special touch to your Olive pinafore, we've included pattern pieces and instructions to sew on these cute flap pockets.
Or change up the neckline to a round neck following the super simple pattern hack instructions outlined in the book.
FABRIC SUGGESTIONS
Pick a medium- to heavy-weight woven fabric that will hold the shape of the pinafore without feeling too stiff around the armholes. Try denim, corduroy, cotton canvas, drill, African waxed cotton or lighter-weight wool. If you're a confident stitcher, you could also go for (woven) velvet or even pleather or faux suede!
If your fabric is on the heavier side, use a medium-weight cotton for the facing (this is a great way of using up scraps from other projects).
We made our samples in beautiful blue denim and rose pink velvet gifted by Higgs and Higgs.
HOW MUCH FABRIC DO I NEED?
If you're out and about fabric shopping and forgot to check how much fabric you needed before you left the house, we've got your back! Here's what you'll need:
Main version
If your fabric is around 150cm (60in) wide:
Sizes 1-6 (UK 6-16 / US 2-12): 1.7m (1 7/8yd) fabric
Sizes 7-10 (UK 18-24 / US (14-20): 2m (2 1/4yd) fabric
If your fabric is around 115cm (45in) wide:
Sizes 1-6 (UK 6-16 / US 2-12): 2.2m (2 1/2yd) fabric
Sizes 7-10 (UK 18-24 / US 14-20): 2.7m (3yd) fabric
Plus:
- Matching thread
- 1.1m (1 1/4yd) interfacing (in a similar weight to your fabric)
- 8 press-on snaps, 15mm (5/8in) in diameter (plus spares for testing and mistakes)
- Hammer or snaps pliers tool
Flap pockets
As listed for the main project, plus:
- 0.4m (1/2yd) extra fabric
- 0.3m (3/8yd) medium-weight woven cotton for the linings
- 2 extra snaps
Round neckline
As listed for the main project, plus:
- 1 extra snap
- If you're making sizes 7-10 in 150cm (60in) wide fabric, you'll need 0.1m (1/8yd) extra fabric (no extra fabric needed for the other sizes)
Back waist tab
As listed for the main project, plus:
- 0.1m (1/8yd) extra fabric
- 2 extra snaps
- Hand-sewing needle
The best part of writing a book is seeing the lovely creations that readers make with the patterns. I'm so looking forward to seeing what you sew, so please do share your photos with us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtags #SewingOlive #MakeItSimpleBook. Can't wait!
*****
Author: Tilly Walnes
Make It Simple is published by Quadrille (Hardie Grant)
Model photography: © Ellie Smith
Model shoot props and styling: Clare Nicolson
Step photography: Jane Looker
Models: Phoebe Nickalls & Kristabel Plummer
