Make It Simple book review from Tillly and the Buttons
I’m sure you are all as excited as we are about the new Tilly and the Buttons book Make It Simple. We were lucky enough to head over to Tilly Towers to to chat with Tilly about the book, what inspired it and what you can expect to see inside. She also shares her favourite patterns from the book and let’s us look at some of the samples too.
This is Tilly’s third book, many of us learnt to sew with her first book Love at first Stitch and jumped into the world of jersey with her second book Stretch. I really liked the concept of her third book, many of us are time poor and sometimes you just need a quick sewing fix to get the sew-jo back. This book is designed for beginner makers, but for those of us who are more advanced, the idea of whipping something up in and afternoon is very appealing. So whatever your sewing level I think you’ll find something you’d love to make. Patterns come in sizes UK 6-24.
Included in the book are six patterns, these are printed on A0 sheets in the back of the book. They do overlap so you’ll need to trace off the pattern pieces you need. If like me you can’t face this, fear not, there are downloadable versions of each of the patterns. Hurrah! Alongside the core patterns, there are variations for each, in total there are twenty four projects to tackle.
The start of the book is filled with advice, with everything from the tools you’ll need and fabric suggestions to basic fitting instructions. This is a mine of information and if you are new to the sewing game, make sure you read this. Next are the projects, these are laid out in a similar manner to Tilly’s paper pattern booklets. The sizing chart, line drawing and fabric measurements are at the start of each pattern and then the step-by-step instructions with pictures of the relevant steps come next.
At the start of each project one of my favourite features is a handy guide telling you how long the project is likely to take including the time it takes to cut out. This for me is so appealing, you can search by the time you have and pick your project accordingly.
After each of the core pattern projects, Tilly shares variations you can also try. These come with instructions on how to tweak the pattern or how to create the extra pieces you need. These are all pretty simple and I feel anyone with a couple of makes under their belt could tackle them.
Overall this book is great for makers who are new to sewing and want step-by-step instructions and tips to start their sewing journey or more experienced makers who are time poor and would like to get a quick sewing fix. The patterns included are varied and ofter a range of wardrobe options: Safiya Trousers, Tabitha t-shirt, Suki Dress, Bertha Cardigan, Juno Pyjamas and Olive Pinafore.
Published by Quadrille (Hardie Grant). Photography by Ellie Smith and step photography by Jane Looker. Props and styling by Clare Nicolson
Have you tried a sewing pattern from Tilly and the Buttons?
Tilly created the independent pattern brand Tilly and the Buttons which focuses on designing easy-to-use sewing patterns for the modern dressmaker. Colour photos accompany step-by-step instructions that make these sewing patterns ideal for beginners and makers who want to expand their sewing skills. Take a look at her pattern range below:
Absolute dressmaking beginners
Easy knit patterns
Advanced beginners
Intermediate makes
