Gemma’s Lotta Dress
Gemma received the Luxury box in September and used both the fabric and the pattern to make the Tilly and the Buttons Lotta Dress
This month was the first time I would receive a luxury box and I think the thing I was most excited about was receiving a pattern! Lots of thoughts ran through my head thinking about it: what it would be, how it would go with the fabric, whether I would like it etc. I didn’t necessarily have to make it for my monthly make, but I was hoping it would be something I would want to, and it did not disappoint! At the time I received my box it hadn’t even been released yet, how’s that for an exclusive! And such great timing, as it ties nicely with thinking about making more autumnal makes.
The pattern in this box was of course the new Lotta dress from Tilly and the Buttons. Penned as an easy make, it is a simple blouse and flared skirt cinched in with an elasticated waist. You can choose lengths for both the skirt and sleeves, and the option of patch pockets on the front. The great thing about this pattern is that it can be made in either woven or knit fabric! Having such a versatile pattern is a great bonus, and on seeing the fabric in the box I knew I would definitely be making this pattern! I’m a big TATB fan as I find her patterns and instructions really good and have made so many variations of many of her garments.
The fabric pairs beautifully with the Lotta – a stunning new Lady McElroy cotton lawn in an abstract print called ‘Lola’ (what a beautiful name combination: Lotta and Lola!) It is perfect for the month’s theme of ‘art class’ (which was my favourite at school!) and such a lovely weight fabric. I had no trouble cutting out the full works version of this dress with the amount – I’m not usually a fan of long sleeves, but I went full length skirt and sleeves as well as the pockets, as I wanted maximum impact to show off such a gorgeous fabric!
Sewing up the Lotta really was as easy as it says. If you have made a TATB Bettine dress then the bodice seems very familiar. The fabric was equally a joy to sew, going through my machine like butter, and it was very satisfying having such a lovely looking dress finished up in an afternoon. Tilly’s instructions pride themselves on being great for beginners, and for the more experienced sewer it is a great pattern for whipping something up that looks amazing in a short amount of time.
I made a size 8 and it fit well, although most of the fitting does come from the elasticated waist so it’s up to you how roomy you would like it. On wearing it I did find the sleeves too long for my liking, and did take them up a bit. I may even end up taking them off entirely, as the dropped sleeve is actually quite a good length without them, but I do love how they look on this dress so I will just have to get over myself! It’s very comfortable to wear and will look great on many different body shapes.
Despite its simplicity, the different options make it a very strong wardrobe staple – made in so many different fabrics it would have an entirely different look and feel. It’s refreshing to have a pattern you can make straight from the packet with minimal (if any) adjustments, and makes a good palate cleansing sew. I’m also very intrigued as to how it works up in a knit fabric, and shall definitely be adding one to my to-sew list!
All in all, another amazing box from Hayley, and I’m very happy to have received such a gorgeous fabric/pattern combo for my first Luxury Box – I’m sure you’ll agree the dress is definitely worth it!