My new favourite

An absolute knock out pattern from Tilly! She really hit it out of the ball park. Designed to be a “grown-up” version o f the classic Cleo pinafore, the Bobbi is perfection. I cannot stop raving about it!

As a curvy girl, I was absolutely thrilled that the pattern is available the extended size range. I made the size 8 at the waist (and bib) and graded to a 9 on the hips and it fits beautifully. A real revelation! The shaping of the skirt comes from princess seams which works really well. The fabric I used it sort of velveteen which has a little stretch for extra comfort.

As expected from TATB patterns, the instructions are wonderfully clear. Whilst I made my first version as a pinafore (and it came together in a couple of evenings), it is even quicker to make just the skirt. And with the multiple pocket options, it is really a pattern that you will make over and over again – I know that I will! In fact, I already have 😉

Couple of tips – make sure that your buttons have a long shank otherwise you may struggle to close it and keep it secure, especially when using thicker fabrics. I recommend using jeans buttons like I have.

Secondly, I found the skirt a little short. This is probably because I have a bigger bum to cover! Its not like I’m flashing, and worn with tights its fine, but just something to bear in mind 🙂

In short, you really can’t go wrong with this. Even if you don’t like the pinafore version, it is a really great skirt pattern by itself. I guarantee that it will fast become your wardrobe staple.