I have been in constant awe of Tilly Walnes ever since I watched the first British Sewing Bee series. I love her blog Tilly and the Buttons and have spent hours pouring over her gorgeously presented book. She is definitely a girl who talks my language with her wacky clothing ideas and creativity. She also happens to share the same taste as me in her choice of comedy as she loves Miranda!
I am a fairly obsessive sewaholic and so how could I resist having a go at the Sewing Francoise contest!

The pattern is a delight. Beautifully illustrated with step by step photographic instructions and on really good quality paper. I love the confidence the pattern installs in me and the fact that I already feel like I am going to make the best dress ever!

I decided I wanted to go with the Raglan version but make it in to a cap sleeve. This is much more summery but hides the top of my arms!

I am a mixture of sizes but was able to get a really good fit by size combining  and also taking 2cm out of the front length at waist as I am a short person – Perfect!

Once the toile is fitted, I need to decide what colour embroidery thread to make a feature of seam lines with. I am using navy linen fabric and so originally chose red which looked lovely but did not look good  in photos. So opt for ecru.

I was lucky enough find a fantastic navy and cream gingham bias trim which is perfect to finish hem and tie in the hand stitching.

Look at my dress – I made it myself!!!!!

Also made a green lace one for going out.

Supplies:

Francoise Pattern – Tilly and the Buttons

Navy Linen fabric – Spotlight, Sydney, Australia

Green lace fabric and cotton lining – Spotlight

Embroidery Thread – DMC

Gingham Bias Binding 2cm wide. – Spotlight

Invisible Dress Zip – YKK