Made by a Fabricista: Mimi Blouse from Tilly and the Buttons
One of my most
favorite types of fabric to work with is cotton. It’s natural, versatile and super easy to
care for. Slap a fun print on that
cotton and I’m sold!
I purchased this
cotton lawn from Fabric Mart a few months ago when I seen its beauty popping up
in my Instagram feed. C'mon hearts AND cherries!? Yay! I believe they also sold the same print in a
mint color but unfortunately I do not see either of the two still available on
their site. Only makes me wish I would
have bought more. Lawns are light and
flowy which make them ideal during the summer months. When I purchased this fabric I knew exactly
what pattern I was going to use, the Mimi Blouse by Tilly and the Buttons.
My pictures may
seem....a little goofy. I was just giddy
with excitement because during my photoshoot I was also in the process of
packing for a beach vacation!
The Mimi Blouse
pattern is available in Tilly Walne’s new book, Love at First Stitch. As soon as Tilly released on her blog all the
patterns to be in the book I quickly bought a copy. I just think they are all unbelievably
adorable. Tilly’s red
version of the Mimi Blouse only helped to seal the deal.
One of the things
I love about the book is with each pattern Tilly gives you ideas on how to make
it your own. For the Mimi Blouse in
particular such things like exchanging the collar for a peter pan collar,
piping the yoke or adding fabric-covered buttons.
Another nice
touch I found in Tilly’s book is on each pattern piece. The book is written with beginners in mind
so those may find it helpful that the patterns have extra labeling. For example, on the yoke pattern piece the
shoulder seam is clearly labeled. Also
labeled are where the front and back bodice joins so you don’t get confused as
to what attaches where (as I sometimes do).
I made a size 2
and didn’t make any fitting alterations.
I usually test a muslin but I didn't with this pattern. I instead measured my pattern pieces and
compared those measurements to my own and to similiar RTW clothing I already
had that I liked the fit of. I'm noticing
in pictures now that I probably could of used a swayback adjustment. I will account for that in my next version.
My favorite parts
of this blouse are the Chelsea collar, gathered yoke and pleated sleeves. Ok,
ok I like it all! Pleated sleeves and
sleeve facings were a first for me. I
always enjoy learning something new. I
did my sleeve facings a little different than instructed. Instead of folding the facing and having it
completely hidden under the sleeve I folded it in half and slip stitched it in
place to form a tiny sleeve band.
I just so
happened to have the perfect buttons in my stash…tiny pearl hearts to match the
print! They are hard to see in the
pictures so can we instead get another look at that adorable collar!? I just love it!
This print is a little busy for all the
details this shirt has to offer. Because
of that I would like to make my next version in a solid with contrasting piping
around the yoke.
This pattern is a
winner for me. Just the right amount of
girly. The other patterns in the book
are pretty great too and will be giving them a go someday....someday soon when
I work through that monstrous to-sew pile!!
Have any of you
purchased Tilly's book? What's your
favorite pattern?
Now please allow
me to clog the rest of this post with some pictures of my happy dance because
sandy beaches await me! :)
~ Shannon from Shanni Loves
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Posted on July 15 2014
Love it!