Halle-bloody-lujah. My sewing hiatus has come to an abrupt but extremely welcome end, thanks to the power, nay, the glory, of Coco, the latest pattern by Tilly and the Buttons.
Do you like the crazy fabric? I loves me an animal print I do. This is some kind of bonkers snakeskin effect double knit from Tissu Fabrics at £6.99 a metre. As soon as I saw it I had to have it, bonkers or no.
Coco is fantastic – a dream of a pattern for a sewing slattern like myself, or indeed a newbie looking for something simple but flattering. Psst – although I actually have an overlocker I have yet to read the instruction manual so I did this on my regular sewing machine using a stretch needle and a zigzag stitch.
I cut a size 3 straight from the pattern. Now I NEVER do that – I pretty much always trace off my size. But armed with the knowledge that a knit can be forgiving and that it was a simple front and back bodice with no closures or darts, I took a deep breath and cut straight in. The fit was dang near perfect thank goodness. All I did was take up the hem by an inch or so more than the recommended 2 cms.
In all, this dress took me about three hours from start to finish. That’s including cutting the pattern and the fabric. What a win! The only tricksy bit was sewing through four layers of knit around the funnel neck. My needle bent, then snapped and whizzed past my eye. Intense sewing, dudes.
I can’t recommend this pattern enough if you’re looking for a tasty nutritious sewing snack. I’ll be making more Cocos soon. Cheers Tilly, for pulling me out of this sewing stupor I’ve been rolling around in!
Tilly’s done a big ol’ sewalong on her site for the Coco so if you’ve not made it yet there’s plenty of information and detail to help you along. Oh and there’s a Coco party happening on Friday 21st March. I may even make another one for that!
Stitch and Witter 
Love it! You look amazing! And I don’t know if that’s a new haircut or not, but it sure looks cute.
Thanks Claire! Not a new haircut but I’ll take that compliment anyways!
Such a flattering dress on you – you SHOULD make more of this pattern!
All the cocos I’ve seen so far are flattering. It’s a great pattern. Thanks toots!
Lovely! That fabric is great for this, what a find! I’m almost finished a Coco top – it’s a brilliant, snappy pattern for a satisfying sew! Glad to hear it’s helped you out of your funk 🙂
Definitely want to do a top too. Love the idea of a polka dot one with a contrasting peter pan collar. Wonder if Tilly will do a little tute on adding one… Hint hint!
Ooh, great idea!
So cute and I love your wild print!
This looks great on you! I absolutely love you fabric, you’ve inspired me to make up a Coco!
Your Coco is so pretty and you look great in it! The part about the needle was scary though. Glad you weren’t hurt.
I know it’s scary isn’t it? I don’t want to lose an eye for the love of craft…
Lovely.
Sassy Sewing Bees https://facebook.com/sassysewingbees ❀
This is adorable and so are you! I LOVE the print! So nice to see your smiling face! 🙂
Not as much as I love yours missus and adore your latest flora. Woweeeee
Awesome! One of the best Cocos I’ve seen so far! I’m normally not into animal prints, but this one is great!
That is so kind thank you very much!
Super super cute on you!
Thanks!
You look great in that print. I was making a Coco yesterday for my daughter – it would have only taken me a couple of hours but I was using my overlocker and, when I changed the thread spools to the right colour, I made a mistake and ended up having to re-thread it all which took me an hour (I haven’t had it long!!). Anyway, I also bought my fabric from Tissu and is has Japanese symbols all over it – as I said, it’s not for me! – and after the first fitting, daughter decided she preferred short sleeves so I chopped those off. I was thinking of a funnel neck one for myself and, now I’ve seen yours, I’m definitely going to go for it – it doesn’t look ‘Star Trekky’ at all.
Hehe it was always a risk but glad to hear I’m not looking like I’m about to jet off! If it helps you to decide, the funnel neck looks great under a cardy too 🙂
So great to see you back round these parts! And this is super fun- that fabric is crazy awesome! 😀
Your Coco is gorgeous! I LOVE that fabric, and the funnel neck. I say crack out that overlocker, and the next will only take an hour and a half!
Ooh I should shouldn’t I? Lordy I’m scared of it though. I have actually bought an overlocker course on craftsy. I really should dig it out…thank you!
Hoorah! Thumbs up for the Coco dress – you look FAB in it Joanne, make six more please! x
I loved yours too Jane especially the buttons. A great way to finish and add something special. Thank you!
So chic! Who knew that looking glamorous could be this comfortable? Really like this version and particularly like the drape of your jersey. I see many more jersey dresses in our futures!
Coco looks great on you! What an amazing fabric find. I hope you enjoy wearing your new dress! x
I absolutely love it. Good job Tilly you’ve designed a total winner xxx
So very cute:) love it
The dress looks great. Like the ‘Tilly pose’ too!
Wooo welcomeback! You look like a very yummy mummy in your coco 🙂
Oooh, in silver leopard print with that funky funnel neckline! It’s so futuristic looking, I love it!
Is it leopard print then? Did I get it wrong thinking it was snake skin?! Hehe
Oh, I see, ok upon a second look, it could definitely be magnified scales of snakeskin! Most snakes scales (which are transparent, but reflect the skin to make the pattern) are much smaller than this.) So, it looked a little more like spots on fur to me. (Oh dear, I’m a scientist…..sorry) 🙂
I like your scientific way of looking at it! Maybe it’s some weird chimera
Love you Coco! I need to make one!
Another Coco Dress!! Love!!!! And how cute the special guest in one of the pictures 😉
Wow – you look amazing, girl!! is it possible you look even more fabulous AFTER having had a baby?? Well I think so 🙂 So glad you’re through your sewing funk – and I love the baby photo bomb you snuck in there – well played 😉
You are so sooooo lovely. Thank you honey xxx
Hey there! You’re looking absolutely wonderful! And what a great dress to send away the sewing funk.