Tilly and the Buttons Lyra Shirt Dress

I am really a beginner so the Lyra dress was actually the first full dress I attempted, in fact only about the third or fourth garment! But I made a plan to learn something new with every sew for my first several sews. And I could see that Lyra had plenty for me to learn. I have made 2 now, and they are my absolute favourite garments in my wardrobe. The instruction booklet and accompanying videos made everything totally possible, I just had to go slowly, read everything, follow the instructions carefully, just like following a recipe really!

So far I haven't made any adjustments to style or sizing but I'm brimming over with ideas for my next Lyra. Simple things obviously, I am still learning after all!

I am really a beginner so the Lyra dress was actually the first full dress I attempted, in fact only about the third or fourth garment! But I made a plan to learn something new with every sew for my first several sews. And I could see that Lyra had plenty for me to learn. I have made 2 now, and they are my absolute favourite garments in my wardrobe. The instruction booklet and accompanying videos made everything totally possible, I just had to go slowly, read everything, follow the instructions carefully, just like following a recipe really!

So far I haven't made any adjustments to style or sizing but I'm brimming over with ideas for my next Lyra. Simple things obviously, I am still learning after all!

I'm a huge fan of the Lyra!

The instructions are excellent and the different sleeve options mean that I have versions for all the weathers.

I hacked the sleeves of mine to elbow length with cuffs and also made some belt loops from fabric (rather than the method in the pattern). Other than that, my dress is true to the pattern

More photos and chatter on my blog about this:

http://yorkiemousehouse.home.blog/2023/06/14/lyra-love/

I’ve wanted to make Lyra since the pattern was released but didn’t get round to it. I’m so pleased it was my first make of 2022! I love it!

This fabric has been in my stash for a while and thought it was perfect for a shirt dress. I think I was right! I’m totally going to own this - in my opinion it looks amazing!! ?

Cotton lawn is crisp enough for the collar and button placket and it holds the gathers really well at the wrists and in the skirt.

I used just under 3 metres to make the knee length version with the belt. After reviewing the finished garment measurements I decided to size down and I’m glad I did. The fit is just right!

I shortened the sleeves by 5 inches and added a cuff at the wrist rather than elastic - my “go to” for any pattern that has elastic at the wrist. I prefer the clean cuff look matching the classic shirt vibes.

As with all of Tilly’s patterns the instructions are really clear and easy to follow. Construction was simple and straightforward and it came together a breeze.

There are so many reviews testifying how fabulous this pattern is so I don’t think there is much more I can add other than “it’s great, you should make one”.

This is a gorgeous versatile pattern suitable for a variety of styles and fabrics. You only have to look online for so much inspiration! For me, this pattern provides a basic shirt dress with so much scope for endless possibilities. Because this dress pattern is so fabulous we all know one Lyra is not enough!!

I’ll definite making more! I need a swishy rayon/viscose maxi version, a short sleeve crisp linen for summer, oh and how about chambray with a few ruffles down the side of the placket and at the wrist!

Here’s one last pic.. can you tell I’m smitten?? ?

A great Tilly pattern this one - love the shirt and collar detail and the tiered skirt. I would say it comes up with a lot of ease so could have sized down but great for wafting around in hot weather! More info and sizing on the blog here:

https://www.craftyclyde.com/2021/06/lovely-lyra-with-lions.html