Wednesday 2 September 2015

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

9 comments:

  1. Oh I like these Cocos, Su! I was just thinking about getting this pattern too but I have yet to really venture into sewing with knits. Thanks for the tips! I may be asking you questions later!

    ps Perfect to have those lego people hanging out of your pockets! ;-)

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    1. The coco pattern would be the perfect pattern to get going with knits, it is easy to follow and a great pattern - go for it!!!!

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  2. Wow Su, you are on fire at the moment. Am totally in awe of your ability to sew through the summer hols. I have found it almost impossible to carve out any me time. I really like the contrast yoke. I have made this pattern twice and I agree so easy and comfy to wear. So sad are thinking of autumn sewing already: the summer never really got going.

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    1. My little people are bigger than your little people - which helps a lot in finding time for sewing!! I totally agree the summer just didn't really happen - I hope it's not going to be a bad winter!

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  3. Beautiful Cocos ! Loving the contrast yokes💕. Agree about the pockets - way too small to be much use😃
    SaturdayNightStitch.com

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  4. Beautiful Cocos ! Loving the contrast yokes💕. Agree about the pockets - way too small to be much use😃
    SaturdayNightStitch.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful Cocos ! Loving the contrast yokes💕. Agree about the pockets - way too small to be much use😃
    SaturdayNightStitch.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely Coco dress and an eye-catching print. Its one of my favourite patterns especially for knits (I have made two). The Coco makes a good top too.

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  7. I am so over it with summer makes. Why bother! I think a coco should be next on my list to go with my others! Jo x

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