Hi - this skirt is well designed and has clear instructions to follow. I used the YouTube video as well as the printed notes. The only thing that was incorrect was the size guide. I made a UK M (12-14) as I am usually a small 12 but the waist is more like a 8/10. I would recommend going up as size if you are following the UK guide.
I made this in a lightweight broderie anglaise and it is such an understated but unique design. I made the short version with the bias cut bib and buttons since my fabric had stripe detailing. I will say, the button plackets were a bit fiddly and it took a lot of patience and careful pressing and repressing to get them positioned correctly and centered, I would say more fiddly than a welt pocket, so a bit more skill is required.
It was a long make with the plackets and the flat fell seams on the sides and sleeves taking a significant amount of time. Also of note, making double fold bias binding for the neck would have saved a lot of time and been much easier to install than the strange trifold binding the instructions suggested. Following the instructions would leave a raw edge inside and two visible stitch lines, one sewn from the outside, one from the inside, which just seemed strange to me but maybe I wasn't understanding something there. I didn't want two rows of visible stitching on my neckband so I skipped the edgestitching step and I sewed mine down by hand to the inside of the neck to get a clean finish.
But I do like the finished result, it's a beautiful blouse and I've gotten several compliments on it so far. I'd still make it again because it's a nice top worth owning in multiple colors, but maybe not for a while. It wasn't particularly hard, just time consuming.
just starting out with these, had to hop on here real quick to mention that printing the pattern onto A4 at "actual size" or "100%" scaling according to instructions didn't yield the correct measurements - the reference squares on p1 were 1.9cm instead of 2cm. I got the squares to measure up right when i printed at 105.26%
5 stars to not mess up an indie creator's ratings - i can't speak to the pattern itself yet. if ratings can be updated here, i'll report back with results :)
I have made the Vetiver top several times but this is my first time with the expansion details of Peter Pan collar and long sleeves. It works beautifully and I didn't make any alterations. Just waiting for buttons.
Made in a light linen from Sew Me Sunshine, London, UK.
Before I decided to sew these pants I did read the description “ high waist and a lowered crotch “ but I found the rise in these pants to be ridiculously long with no guide to shorten them. At 5’3” I did size down and shortened the length by 1 1/2 “ which worked fine but the crotch is half way to my knees. With flat-felled seams it would have been nice to have had the option to adjust the rise before construction of the pants especially for us on the shorter side.
Like the other reviewers I bought this as it was an easy to wear, floaty, comfortable dress pattern and i could use 2 colours of fabric so it was a bit different. However!! Some pattern pieces printed back to front, pieces missing from the lay out instructions. Lay out instructions incorrect in places. Neck line confusing and piece did not fit so I had to recut it and only just had enough fabric. Instructions didn't make sense in some places. Lots of guess work. Would not recommend this make of pattern.
For a simple pattern, the instructions are quite cryptic in some places, making this an unnecessarily long sewing project on the first go. In no place does it state in the instructions what the general the seam allowance is, although you can gather from the pattern pieces that it's 1 cm or 3/8". As a whole, the instructions needed some basic proof-reading.
This is the first pattern I've ever sewn with gathers where there are NO notches for matching up the neckline. This made it incredibly challenging to distribute the gathers appropriately around a delicate piece of self-fabric bias binding while trying to match up some odd measurements for each section. The pockets were really low down (cut size 12, I'm 5'4") and they hung so awkwardly in that area that I ended up cutting them off and closing up the seam. If I do pockets on a second make, I will raise them up and do my tried and true method. Skip the pockets if your fabric is super drapey.
In the end, I'm very pleased with the overall look and fit. I think if you're seeking a simple dress pattern that can really feature a beautiful large-scale print fabric without breaking it up, this is worth sewing once through and then having an easier go on the following makes. Now that I've suffered through it once, I will make it again and it should hopefully take 2-3 hours instead of 7.
I downsized considerably and went off the shoulder measurement. I still ended up with a roomy, flowing dress. I modified the pattern to be a long dress with a straight hem. I made this in a viscose poplin, which is a perfect fabric for this dress. It has some drapey flow, but enough body for easy sewing without getting too finicky.
I had not previously picked up on this pattern because the main photograph - with it's heavy pattern and the short length - doesn't show the details well. I am very pleased with it. I have just made two longer length ones, one in white linen and one in turquoise silk. More will follow. On the linen one I didn't have enough fabric for the facing, which I prefer, and I used commercial bias binding - I found the pattern bias strips too narrow to handle well without fraying. The silk one has the facings which worked well. I really like the faced hems which make them hang really well. Next I think will be navy linen.
I used the printing service, rather than stick bits of paper together, and traced it onto Burda paper.
I’ve made the Jilly top twice. The pattern as well drafted, instructions are clear and complete. This is a versatile top that looks great with high waisted pants.
While I’ve loved this style & seeing all the great reviews, I had to completely scrap my first pair attempt due to the 2 size hip/waist ratio making the back pretty unwearable. There were not enough alterations that could fix it. I could add a zipper as is suggested on the website which would help, but that ruins the point of an easy pattern. Glad it works for others-loved all the details and it was looking so good before try on.
I'm not in the end sure why I bought this pattern as I have several similar. The bottlebrush or free range slacks would have done, with addition of hammer loop, tool pocket etc from French Navy. So it must have been the pictures of the beach that did it.
They are a standard design with front and back patch pockets and the choice of a button or a zip fly. I went for the buttons as I intend them for use in a salty atmosphere and I didn't add the tool bits or the waist tabs. As I've said before, I keep my tools in a box.
I did lengthen the legs but otherwise it was a straightforward sew with clear instructions and illustrations. One annoying thing was the instruction to clip to the seam allowance under the fly facing and the fly. I couldn't see the reason for this as the seams all ended up facing the same way and it just made a mess
I didn't help myself with fabric choice. Cotton 'canvas' from Pound Fabrics was lighter than other canvas I have had and it frayed a lot. A case for ordering a sample first.
I have made several pairs of trousers from cotton drill which is much tougher but I will wear these afloat on dry days.
This shirt/dress is so stylish. It makes a beautifully fitted top that is high street worthy. It’s one that no one will believe is not couture.
I made in a lightweight viscose with a random fabric which made it easier for my wonky pleats to blend in.
4 star only because it’s an advanced pattern and you need to be careful with your fabric pattern choice (stripes and checks would be very difficult to get correct)
I have made the barrel leg version of this twice in a month, once in a medium weight black denim, once in a heavy red linen. I love the quirky shape. Have been complimented on both pairs by several people. I am 5' 7" and a size 16 and the pattern seemed true to size. Pieces fitted together well and sewing was straightforward. For the linen pair I shortened the leg by about 8cm using the line for this in the pattern as I preferred them slightly cropped. I also topstitched along the top edge of waistband for more definition and used a 3cm not 3.5cm elastic. A very useful pattern and I will make more. Only gripe is the slightly mean seam allowance - for the second pair I cut with 1.5cm allowance and also double stitched the crotch seam on the inside to make more robust.
These trousers have been everywhere this season with people reporting making six or more pairs. So I am surprised to find they have not yet been reviewed here.
The design is similar to the Closet Core Pietra pants with two outer front pieces overlapping to integrate a pocket. They have a barrel shape and elastic all round the waist.
They were super easy to cut and sew. I did add length in the crotch, front and back, remembering also to lengthen the side piece. I forgot to do the piece making the inside pocket but, since this is covered up, I was able to insert an extra slice where it didn't show.
The fabric is the lovely Korean cotton from Sewing Sanctuary. I am hoping they stock more of that in future.
This is a great pattern; one of the classics.
Medium to heavyweight fabric was specified so I went for it with a cream 13oz denim from my stash which worked a treat. I used a lighter weight linen for the pocket bags, lining and zip accoutrements and that was all good. Careful measurement suggested that I did not need to make crotch adjustments but I did add seven centimetres to the length and was glad I had done that. Cut, over locked and interfaced the relevant pieces before taking it all to a sewing day for construction.
The pattern is super clear, covers all the steps and there is also a Tessuti sewalong which goes through the unusual but very successful way of dealing with the waistband (really a facing) and zip construction. It's ingenious and reduces bulk. I found other videos on line too.
Working in inches when I am used to cm was slightly challenging. The pattern also calls for different seam allowance widths and these need to be accurate in order to avoid visible stay stitching and to ensure catching in the pocket facings. These could be tacked into place once positioned. I did feel that Step 18 should have included an instruction to sew the fly shield to the left front after pinning it as, at a later stage, this turned out to have been done. It was included in the video though.
As usual, I needed to make a note of needle positions I was using for topstitching two lines of thread and I couldn't find the elastic measurements at step 38 which were stated to be "included in the pattern" That was an easy fix.
It's quite a job of work but I feel I have a pair of trousers to last a lifetime. Well done, Tessuti.
I get more compliments on this dress than any other I have made. It is so simple to make and very versatile. I am only 160cm in height so I would make it 5 cm shorter when I make another. I made mine in a Made Milk solid blackberry coloured viscose which was worth every penny! I like it for work as it is not too formal but it can be dressed up or down.
Bought the pattern a while ago and finally got round to making it using this lovely printed viscose I picked up recently. Very comfortable and good length. Pattern instructions are minimal, though there is a tutorial on their site for the invisible zip, so some sewing experience is required. Pattern did have handy visual guide to how the pieces fit together which I liked. Can see this becoming a summer staple and making more in future.
Ive made this as a blouse and it comes out beautifully every time. The one pictured is in a super light cotton lawn.
The pattern is well drafted with great instructions and is really satisfying to make as you create such a beautiful finish.
The neck sits flat, like being hugged!
This is my go to blouse pattern, it is quick, easy and always turns out well.
Like the other reviewer I shorten the bodice and narrowed the neckline. I dont always gather the sleeve and this makes it a bit smarter.
Ive made it in lawn, linen and poplin and they all wear well. Come autumn I'll try it in a knit or jersey.
I like this pattern because its well written with clear instructions. It's not a quick sew because of the attention to detail, those show in the end result.
No bits that dont fit or don't make sense or that I thought 'I would do it that way'
I've made it in cotton poplin and viscose and it suits the viscose much better. It has generous sleeves which help stay cool in warm weather.
The collar means it looks smart, the gathering softens it.
Ive made this twice, it suited the drapey viscose better I think. The pattern works well, no quirks or bits that dont make sense. It's not a quick sew but there are a lot of elements and it shows in the end result.
It looks smart but is comfortable and the large arm holes make it great for warm weather.
So comfortable but still look great.
Ive made two sets, this one I narrowed the legs slightly for a slimmer feel.
The pattern is designed well for really lightweight fabrics so there's enough support for the pockets.
I adjusted the seat for my flat bottom but they'd have been fine without.
A fantastic freebie which uses so little fabric, comes together well and has some nice touches like the neckband to make a lovely finish. I made the bubble shape but then took the hem elastic out again on one and it still looks pretty.
I'm quite short, and short in the body and although I really enjoyed making this, including the placket challenge, there were no markings on the pattern to indicate where to shorten it.
I emailed and it took abiut 5 days to get a reply which was just 'in the bodice and move the pleat marks', not quite as helpful as other patterns or designers and I have struggled to get a comfortable fit which both looks good and allows movement since the sleeve is also quite low.
In the end I've needed to adjust the raglan sleeve and lift the armpit. I concluded that the design as it is doesn't work for my body, which is a shame.
That said, the pattern came together, well written instructions (more pictures for the placket would be good) and it engaged my brain as much as my hands.
