As many of you know, my latest form of procrastination is obsessing over Indie Clothing Patterns. It appears that an entire DYI sewing movement blossomed while I was busy making art quilts.
Independent of the big four–McCalls, Simplicity, Butterick, and Vogue–sewists are creating their own patterns and selling them. Many of these patterns are so much more than tissue paper and poorly worded instructions. They are EXPERIENCES in of themselves complete with thoughtfully illustrated tutorials and tips on how to create the garment featured in the pattern as well as information on how to transform the pattern into your own vision.
I love it.
I feel like I just opened the door and walked into a party where all of my favorite things are going on.
When a new pattern comes out, sewists from around the world make their versions of the garment and then share them virtually. That is what this post is about. The pattern Coco by Tillie and the Buttons just came out.
Tilly has invited everyone to a CoCo party complete with cocktails and music (more of my favorite things).
For my Coco, I used a wool fabric embossed with lace. I am not a huge fan of lace by itself, but I liked this.
This pattern is super fun to sew, fits great, and goes together quickly. I can see myself making many CoCos.
As a disclaimer, I will say that my photography team consisted of two boys both under the age of 12, who locked themselves in their bedroom and refused to take anymore photos. This is what I got.
I love the retro vibe. I am trying to do poses that other sewists use and all I’ve got to say about that is AWKWARD.
The fabric is thick and warm and holds it shape, which is important to me in this climate.
I paired it with three different types of shoes. I think they all work in their own way.
Tillie did say there would be cocktails at this party.
Cheers to CoCo.
Tilly you did a FAB job with this pattern.
Nice work, Maria!
I love all your poses! It’s nice that you’re making a garment as a break from art quilts. We need to do something different sometimes–it’s like standing up and stretching!
Diane- I totally agree. I really enjoy seeing how quilt making has improved my garment construction skills. It is also interesting to discover how much do not know about sewing!
Really cute! I love the poses, made me giggle!
Kristin- They make me laugh too. I’m glad you liked them.
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Beautiful fabric, pattern suits you very well. Tunics that can go with jeans or a skirt are very versatile. Yes, a break from quilts is refreshing and can even teach you something about quilting in a surprising way. My problems with sewing garments are matching the pattern with the fabric especially since I like fabric with design elements so much. The drape of the fabric is also something to err with since there are so many slinks around that cling and are hard to sew with even with a good machine. Lots of techniques to learn I have found.
You are so right. When I started this, I did not understand how different textiles require different approaches. I’ve got a long way to go, but I am learning.