A couple of Coco's!

As the weather has been rather rubbish this 'summer' my sewing thoughts have been dwelling on what to sew for Autumn/Winter. Ever since I started to sew I loved the look of Tilly and the button's Coco top and dress but knew I had too many similar things in my RTW wardrobe, as time has progressed these have fallen by the wayside and there was a Coco shaped hole meaning I could justify buying the pattern. Coco is designed for stable knits, I had none in my stash and couldn't find anything I really loved online. I had this green geometric print medium weight cotton jersey and although it is not the fabric suggested I thought it would be worth the risk. 

  I followed Tilly's instructions for making coco with a contrast yoke I also made the version with cuffs and 3/4 length sleeves - I totally love it and think it will be perfect for Autumn! I liked the idea of using ribbon to stabilize the shoulder seams - I have tried clear elastic in the past but found it a bit tricky so until now I hadn't used anything to give strength to my shoulder seams.

Ta dah!

I'm not sure what Tilly keeps in her pockets as they are minuscule! Just big enough to fit in a couple of Lego people!

If you have never used wonder tape combined with a twin needle for hemming knits I can highly recommend this method - great results and super easy!

  I wanted a short sleeved version and made it with an even lighter cotton jersey - this was a mistake. I spent ages trying to fold this fabric matching up the tiny stripes and had to give up and cut out on the flat - I must have stretched the fabric somehow and when I tried on the finished dress the hemline looked like one of those weird Burda makes with the extra dangly, flouncy bits at either side! I re-cut the hem - still the same problem. I ended up re-shaping the right side of the dress - it is OK for messing about with the kids but its certainly not a make I am proud of and I think the light fabric makes it a bit clingy and not very flattering! 

We spent the last day of the school holidays at the beach eating chips and ice cream (not at the same time!).

  Both dresses are very comfie and I especially like the contrast yoke - I think it makes things look a little smarter.

  I have a few more knit makes planned to complete my Autumn/Winter wardrobe - do you have any seasonal sewing plans?

    Thanks for stopping by!

         Su xx