Gemma’s Esti Co-Ord
When I first heard the plans for this month’s box I was super excited, and even more so when I found out I would be receiving the Luxury box, as I knew it would be utterly fabulous!
Curating a box with the amazing team at Tilly and the Buttons is something I know Hayley has wanted to do for ages, and I think they have created a cracker of a collection, especially when I received mine and got to feel the fabric in the flesh for the first time – looking at pictures online just doesn’t do it justice!
There are so many good things about this box: not only did Tilly help to pick the goodies, it also coincided with the release of her brand new pattern Esti, as well as having an exclusive colourway of the Lady McElroy fabric! When I say this fabric is beautiful I truly mean it – so buttery soft and drapey, in the most gorgeous blue, this print made me so happy! I couldn’t wait to sew it up, and the Esti pattern is the perfect match for it.
The Esti pattern is a co-ord set designed to be simple and quick to sew. I was very interested (as were quite a few people!) as to how this pattern differs from her Safiya pattern (found in her book Make it Simple) as to me it looks quite similar. When sewing, there are a lot of similarities in construction to that pattern, so if you have already made it then it will make sewing the Esti even more of a breeze.
As the fabric is quite lightweight you really have to be careful when cutting out so as not to move your pieces, but it sews and presses really well. I found both of the garments really easy to make thanks to Tilly’s wonderful instructions, and loved how quick these truly came together! I made a size 8 in both the top and bottoms, going for the longer length top so I could tuck it into trousers, and the cropped length for the trousers – not surprisingly though these turned out rather full length on me!
In terms of differences between the two patterns there are quite a few: the top has a higher neckline which I really like, and the strap placement is perfect for me (as I usually have to move the Safiya ones in.) The trousers have a higher waistline which I prefer, however even though I added the patch pockets on the back, I have to admit I do personally find it annoying not having pockets on the front of the trousers, we all know how much I love a pocket! Although with such a drapey fabric it might be for the best, they would weigh it down… oh the conundrum!
Fit wise I’m really happy with these – really loose and flowy, so perfect for the warm weather! Being able to mix and match is such a great way for getting the most out of your garments, and this fabric is definitely one I will be wearing over and over, both as a set and separately. Because of how quickly you can make these up, I can tell you I am already becoming obsessed and planning lots more versions, including some shorts! So for me, it’s a winner of a box, well done Hayley and Tilly!