Bettine

There is only so long that you can enjoy yourself making repairs and using up old scraps of fabric. I can not deny it is a very satisfying pursuit but now it is time to treat myself and break into something savoured but not exactly new.

I bought this fabric from Seasalt last year in the end of summer sale. It should have been £55 but it was half price (still quite an investment for me) but it was a 3m roll so definitely enough for two garments which seemed good value. I was tipped off about this supply of fabric from Ruth at Nightingale and Doolittle. She uses Seasalt fabric to make some of her wonderful clothes. Here latest one is a stunner.

I wanted to make another Bettine Dress by Tilly and Buttons. I have made three so far but the first one I made, in cotton, has since gone to a smaller owner - it is too small across the arms for me now. The second one is a jersey version which I have just this week passed on to a colleague because I am ready for a new something. The third one has gone missing in action but I do remember taking it on holiday to Italy last year...mmmm...mystery.

I really enjoyed making this dress remembering to make a few alterations for a better fit. I added a bit of width to the skirt pieces to help it go over my head, I added a bit more to the grown on underarm for the same reason as well as getting more arm room and I also added a bit to the length to make it suitable to wear to school for sitting on small chairs.

This time I even added the epaulettes; the fabric was drapey enough to take them without me looking like Mussolini. My reputation in this house as a bit of a task master does not need bolstering with stiff shoulder details.

I love the feel of the fabric, the muted mustard palette and the opportunity to wear navy as the combo colour.

Love this dress and the pattern because it is so well written and explained.

Happy Days. Stay Safe. Jo xxxxxx