There are two surprises in this project.
Firstly, the pattern. The Bettine dress by Tilly and the Buttons. I liked it but I always find Tilly's marketing a bit frustrating as the models are always absolutely teeny. I am never sure if it is for me or not? Anyway I went for the Bettine dress thinking if I made it in jersey it would flow and drape over my bottom rather than stick out at the sleeves and hips.
The pattern turned out well, it was so easy to do. I didn't do the pockets and I removed the cuffs after they didn't quite sit well, flopping down in the drapey fabric. But I was surprised how well it looked cut in a 12. It would definitely look fab in larger sizes made with jersey too I think - Tilly should show more of a range of different sized models.
The second surprise, the fabric. This fabric is my sponsored fabric from Minerva but when I opened the bag my heart dropped. I loved the pattren and colourway online but it had a real nylon feel to it therefore I was disappointed, that is the downside of online fabric shopping BUT when I made the dress it was superb. It has it's advantages...
The whole dress fits in my hand. It won't need ironing and I can dry it on a coat hanger in the airing cupboard. The fall of the fabric stopped the pattern from sticking out at my hips and sleeves so I was definitely convinced.
I really like it, it will be a firm work favourite I think. Might make another one. I have some fabric in mind from my cupboard.
So two surprises. Fabric and pattern. I am glad I took the plunge. I have found another pattern in which this fabric would work for but more on that later.
Have you bought this pattern? Have teeny weeny models put you off buying a Tilly and the Buttons pattern?
Leave me a link to yours if you have made one.
Jo xxxx
It's really lovely Jo! I've just finished my first Bettine and will be blogging it soon - I hope it looks as good on me as yours does! As a petite girl myself I find that I really relate to Tilly's patterns as they seem very geared towards little women - but I can totally see how this casts a shadow on women of any other shape or size. I have short legs and Tilly's short dresses fit me perfectly, but with many other pattern brands I have to chop about 3 feet off the length of everything that I make! I think every pattern company has their pros and cons. You look fab in this dress though! x
ReplyDeleteMy friend Louise is petite too and she likes their patterns. Wish there was some variety though! Jo x
DeleteIt is lovely and goes wonderfully with that gorgeous footwear, those boots and the colour are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWell I think you & Bettine make a good team - it looks fab on you. And I love that your boots match so perfectly too! Me being a tallish girl, I find the Tilly patterns don't really seem to suit me. They do look cute on the pics, but not so cute on my shape ;-)
ReplyDeletexx
Looks great - fits you to a t and the fabric is a good match to your skin tone. Love the length.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress Jo it looks fantastic on you. Thanks for sharing how you found the pattern too...I'm keen to try this pattern, just hope my basic sewing skills are up to it. I'm petite like Tilly so I find that I like the look of her designs because she is a similar shape to me.
ReplyDeleteMarianne x
Go for it Marianne. It is such a clever pattern. Shape without shaping, it is really easy to put together for beginners. The only tricky bit is attaching the skirt to the bodice so make sure your seam allowances are the same on both to make it easy peasy.
DeleteThis looks lovely, perfect colour way for Autumn. Still on the fence about the Bettine, but I have seen a few great versions. I can see it would be a great everyday dress.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very clever pattern. hardly any seams but lots of shape. How is that so?? Look on the Pinterest board to see a bigger variety of shapes and sizes, that is a better barometer than the marketing pics.
DeleteYour Betine looks lovely. I shy away from Tilly patterns, probably because of the tiny Twiggy models that are so not me. I might look at some photos online to get a better idea what the patterns look like on other shapes. I just spent an hour touching fabrics at the Cloth House, Misan Brothers (FineTayloring Cloth), and Liberty's too. It was such a delight to touch the luxurious fabric. I was looking for a lining fabric for my coat, my favourite came in at £59 per metre, so a no-go. Buying online is good but touching is better! Enjoy your lovely dress, you look great, matching shoes and all. xx
ReplyDeleteCheck out the Tilly and the Buttons pinterest boards they show great variety. Happy fabric shopping. Jo x
DeleteHow great that you had two good surprises with this dress! It looks fantastic on you which I am sure is down to you, and your sewing skill more than the pattern or the fabric! Small models would definitely put me off, but I am not a dressmaker so I don't worry! xx
ReplyDeleteLove the dress made up in this fabric! I'm thinking that the Bettine is not for me as I am older, (and bigger!!) But I love the idea of the dress fitting in your hand,and being so easy to wash and wear! Love love love the blue boots!! Popping in as part of my blog comment challenge 300 in 30 days
ReplyDeleteWow, it's gorgeous! I love it and I think the fabric is perfect for the design, it keeps it from looking stiff or formal, while still draping nicely. I think it looks terrific on you.
ReplyDeleteOkay, first of all you look fantastic in the dress. I understand what you say about the fabric, but it works. And next I just have to say those shoes are the BEST!!!!! Great outfit.
ReplyDeleteMeredith
I love the flex and flow of the material you used and hope you enjoy the outfit for years to come, Jo. xx
ReplyDelete