Tilly and the Buttons Marnie Blouse & Dress

Marnie Blouse  

I’m not often one for buying patterns on their release and the Tilly and the Buttons Marnie Blouse was no exception. I didn’t really think it was for me until I kept seeing versions on Instagram and caught the bug! 

I didn’t see any made with double gauze, as I have here, but whilst making it I did notice Tilly Walnes herself had posted an embroidered version using white double gauze.  So, it had to work right?! 

I decided for this, my first Marnie, I would go all out, adding all bells and whistles. I included the neck frill, the shoulder flounces and the front and sleeve pleats. I also finished the shoulder flounces with a machine embroidered scalloped edge! This technique is described on Tilly's blog, a great idea to check out. I love the pleat details on the front and sleeves. It is such a simple technique for such a reward.

I made a size 4 based on my measurements, and because I have made other TATB patterns in this size and have found it reliable. It comes up long so I took it up by 2 x 4 cm to have quite a large hem which I like the look of. Also, I wanted a bit of weight to hold it down. The instructions are very clear and the construction easily despite the multiple pattern pieces and side panels. Just ensure you mark all notches!

I can feel another Marnie coming on in a viscose crepe next. Decisions on what to include though! My favourite embellishment is the wavey pleating on the sleeves and front.  

Thanks for taking the time to read my experience. @makingprettypatterns  

When I first saw the Marnie blouse I knew I would be making it. It has lots of nods to vintage (Seventies) sewing patterns which is right up my street. I liked how customiseable it was with all those little details you could add (or leave off); undulating tucks, a frill collar and shoulder ruffles. I couldn't decide which options to have so I went with ALL of them.

The pattern has princess seams - the placement of the seam means that the optional ruffle sits nearer to your shoulders and extends down the side of your ****. Ease-wise, it's reasonably fitted across the neck and shoulders which leads into a gathered section mid-bust (above the fullest part of the bust). This gives a lot of volume to the rest of the garment over the bust and tummy. My measurements put me firmly as a Size 4 but I find it very roomy.  If you're making this from a stiff fabric, this volume will be obvious. It's very easy to tuck the Marnie blouse in, however I have worn it out untucked and the volume didn't bother me at all. I made it from a cotton poplin, from my own shop Bornella Fabrics which worked really well for this pattern.

As always the instructions on Tilly's patterns are well written and there wasn't any moment I was head scratching. The undulating tucks are easy enough AS LONG AS you take your time and have patience. They look VERY obvious if one of the tucks is a bit off. (On one of my arm pieces, the bottom tuck doesn't look quite as even as the rest but I'm willing to forgive myself. And besides, when was the last time you looked at someone's sleeve and thought 'hmmm something's a bit off here'. In my case, never!)

Overall, I'm really delighted with how this has turned out. I love how fun it is and I'm all about having items that make me smile in my wardrobe.

Happy sewing

Tanya x

(If you want a more in-depth review, you can read more on my blog)

I am a massive TATB fan, but I think this may be my favourite Tilly pattern yet! It went straight to the top of my to sew list as soon as it was released! It have everything you could want, frills, gathers and beautiful lantern sleeves.

There are a number of different styles to choose from; the collar and shoulder ruffles are optional and you can also choose to sew the pin tucked version, which looks really striking in a plain fabric.

The pattern is easy to follow and not very complicated at all and came together quite quickly, even though there is a lot of gathering.

I sewed this up in this stunning viscose fabric from the new Minerva range, which is just beautiful, I am a sucker for an animal print ?

It is so comfortable and flattering, I am definitely going to make some more versions soon, I already have a blouse cut out in a plain khaki fabric and another dress in a Liberty cotton.

I am a massive TATB fan, but I think this may be my favourite Tilly pattern yet! It went straight to the top of my to sew list as soon as it was released! It have everything you could want, frills, gathers and beautiful lantern sleeves.

There are a number of different styles to choose from; the collar and shoulder ruffles are optional and you can also choose to sew the pin tucked version, which looks really striking in a plain fabric.

The pattern is easy to follow and not very complicated at all and came together quite quickly, even though there is a lot of gathering.

I sewed this up in this stunning viscose fabric from the new Minerva range, which is just beautiful, I am a sucker for an animal print ?

It is so comfortable and flattering, I am definitely going to make some more versions soon, I already have a blouse cut out in a plain khaki fabric and another dress in a Liberty cotton.