24 July 2020

Inspiration for Making the Stevie Add-On Pattern

Stevie add-on sewing pattern inspiration - Tilly and the Buttons

Who feels a little smug when they maximise makes from a single sewing pattern? It feels good, doesn't it? One magical element of dressmaking is how you can use the same pattern, again and again, switching up the fabric choice and getting a totally different result. It is smart stitching because once you've got the garment fit nailed and the instructions studied, you can just fly through projects.

If you are one of many serial makers of our bestselling Stevie sewing pattern, you might be looking for new design twists to make your tenth Stevie stand out from the crowd. Well, you are in luck as we have just released a Stevie add-on pattern that gives you more ways to make this fan fave! The add-on gives you the pattern pieces and instructions to make Stevie with much-requested three-quarter length sleeves, or as an oversized smock dress with gathered skirt, and to add extra-large patch pockets to make your me-made extra practical.

You will need a copy of the Stevie pattern to use the new pieces, so if you don't have it already you can grab the add-on pattern PDF bundle which includes everything you need.

The Stevie add-on can be made from light- to medium-weight woven fabrics, such as linen, double gauze, chambray, cotton lawn, viscose (rayon), Tencel (lyocell), sandwashed silk or crêpe de chine. For the version with three-quarter length sleeves, go for a drapey fabric (for example, washed linen or linen viscose blend rather than crisp 100% linen). The gathered dress version would also be nice in a low stretch knit such as interlock or lightweight French terry.

Stevie add-on sewing pattern - Tilly and the Buttons

You can mix and match the pattern pieces to make the Stevie of your dreams. Maybe you fancy making a three-quarter sleeve tunic dress with two extra-large patch pockets, or sewing the oversized smock dress with a smaller top patch pocket and a large one on the skirt? There are tons of ways you can play with this pattern - you become the designer!

I'm going to take you through some style inspiration as well as a few cheeky fabric suggestions (I can't miss an excuse for fabric window shopping!). I haven't seen these fabrics up close so do request a sample if you want to check out that it's exactly what you want before adding to cart.

So now onto the inspiration!

Stevie add-on sewing pattern inspiration - Tilly and the Buttons


Have you seen the gorgeous pictures of real-gal model and avid stitcher Kathy (AKA @sew_dainty)? She took these pictures at home with her husband and we couldn't love them any more!

The oversized smock dress with gathered skirt is my favourite addition to Stevie as it makes it so easy-breezy. We chose a gorgeous striped cotton-linen blend for the sample which was kindly gifted to us from Lamazi Fabrics. You can have lots of fun playing around with the direction of your stripes like we did. It will be your favourite dress of the summer!

Stevie add-on sewing pattern inspiration - Tilly and the Buttons

If you have fallen in love with the idea of using stripes, here's a few more ideas for you. The candy stripes of the top image could be recreated with fabric number one, "Beach Stripes", a cotton-linen blend that looks almost edible! You could use stripes for the dress and then a solid colour to make your extra-large patch pockets the star attraction like the image above. I also really love fabric number four, a seersucker that has a crinkled texture to it and would be perfect for a light and airy Stevie smock.

Stevie add-on sewing pattern inspiration - Tilly and the Buttons

If you lust over linen, then why not make a Stevie top with coordination bottoms as modelled by the lovely Kathy? The three-quarter sleeve top looks lovely with the Safiya trousers - just one of the sewing patterns from Tilly's third book, Make It Simple

This stunning mustard viscose linen was kindly gifted to us from Sew Me Sunshine. It is gorgeously soft and has the perfect amount of drape for the top, without losing the texture that linen gives you. If you are making the three-quarter sleeve top from linen, we would recommend using a washed linen or viscose linen blend so it doesn't feel stiff when you bend your elbow.

Stevie add-on sewing pattern inspiration - Tilly and the Buttons

Linen is such a great option for your Stevie make. The natural quality and texture fits perfectly with the personality of this laid-back pattern. The structure of linen will hold the shape of the gathered skirt nicely and the extra-large patch pockets will look crisp.

Fabric number four is a striking coral colour that would be great as a top or dress for the summer, and fabric number two is a rich peacock colour that is always popular with TATB makers. I would love a three-quarter sleeve Stevie smock in fabric number five - a classic navy linen that would be a great transitional piece.

Stevie add-on sewing pattern inspiration - Tilly and the Buttons

We made one of our original Stevie samples from a vibrant blue Ikat fabric. So what is Ikat? It's an intricately woven fabric using yarn-dyed thread. Weaving these threads together to create a pattern gives the fabric it's characteristic look.

Wild Orchard Fabric have a few Ikat fabrics in stock at the moment that will make a Stevie you will treasure for years to come. I love fabric number one as it is so vibrant.

You could use two Ikat fabrics to create a really interesting Stevie top, like the bottom right image.

Stevie add-on sewing pattern inspiration - Tilly and the Buttons

A pretty blue Stevie is a staple every wardrobe needs. A soft blue shade is a perfect base for accessories or a bolder garment on the bottom. The top image is something I'd love to recreate! A Stevie smock dress with the original patch pocket on top, and the extra-large patch pocket on the skirt. If you use a pale solid colour, the pockets will pop - and who doesn't love a pocket?!

I am eyeing up the first fabric, a light blue viscose linen that will be swishy enough for the skirt but will also have enough structure to show off the delicate gathering.

Stevie add-on sewing pattern inspiration - Tilly and the Buttons
Fabrics: 1 - Rayon / 2 - Cotton / 3 - Cotton lawn / 4 - Viscose linen / 5 - Viscose Images: (clockwise) 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Hands up if you like to be bold? A striking Stevie will work for any occasion - team it with heels for a garden party or sandals for a beachside cocktail or mocktail, and wait for the compliments to start rolling in! 

Large scale prints will work nicely for any version of the Stevie and any bright, bold print will make this a me-made you reach for when you want to feel extra cheery. If bright colours aren't your thing you could choose a monochromatic palette like fabric number four with it's large "Full Moon" print. Fabric number five is so pretty and the large scale print is perfect for making an entrance.

I hope you have found a few ideas for getting even more out of the Stevie pattern! If you have the Stevie pattern already you can grab the add-on pattern or if you need that too you can grab the add-on pattern bundle which will give you both the original pattern and the new bits to make all the Stevie things! 

Please do share your lovely makes with us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtag #SewingStevie.

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Author: Louise Carmichael