Surviving the cold with Coco!

I think that was my first blog title pun! The first two days of Me Made May have been a success - all thanks to Tilly's Coco pattern. I have used this pattern three times so far: first this dress, and now two super comfy tops. I actually don't think I'll get through the rest of this month without wearing them again (or making more). It has been so cold that snow is predicted for this weekend. Proper snow!

Seriously, it may look like a nice sunny day in this photo but the air was so freezing that I've been wrapped in a blanket ever since!

Check out that awesomely smooth neckline!

The neckline on my Coco dress was a little gapey, despite stabilising it with a woven selvedge strip. This time I used a strip of very thin fusible interfacing and it worked like a charm. The little grey gloves I'm wearing are from my shop. Nice and warm, but not really the best match for this outfit. I'll definitely be making some black ones!

After all these years of pulling on freezing cold jeans in the morning and longing for my pajama pants, I have finally discovered that it's way warmer just wearing a maxi skirt with tights underneath! Completely irrelevant information right now for any northern hemisphere folk. Maybe you'll remember it next Winter and thank me :P

The second top is made from a slightly thicker (and less iron-friendly) knit. The big plaid pocket is some flannelette from my stash, cut on the bias so that it stretches with the knit. I kind of love the combination.

Both tops are made from the thrifted fabric I found the other week. I cut a size 2 this time, to accommodate the extra stretch in the fabric, but I probably could have graded up across the chest as it does pull quite a bit across that area.

Pattern adjustments: Shortening at the waist plus a small sway back adjustment.

When I first started sewing, I just couldn't get excited about the idea of making basics like these. Now that I do, it feels like my sewing has reached a whole new level. Neither of these tops are a completely perfect fit, but they are still ridiculously more flattering than generic store-bought sizes. This has a surprisingly large impact on my self confidence - something I might go into in more depth at a later date.

Fashionably Late to the Coco Party!

For one reason or another, I am always just a little late to parties. It usually works out for the best - everyone is already mingling and I get to skip that awkward first hour or so. You know, the one where people just hover near the food, making small-talk and waiting for something to happen.

This time, though, I so wanted to be on time! But it was not to be. A dark stormy day plus a flat camera battery meant that I spent the evening sitting in my lonely Coco Dress, watching all the other little Cocos making friends at Tilly's party. At least I can now vouch for the extreme comfyness that is the Coco Dress! Seriously, it's like wearing some sort of nightgown (the kind that isn't meant to be seen), only I can talk to the postman, do the shopping, and even go to lectures!

Pattern Details:

I cut a size 3. The amount of ease is perfect! I needed a decent sway back adjustment, but that's fairly standard for my clothing. Next time I'd probably shorten the waistline a little first.

I made the simplest dress version, thinking that any added detail would be too much with the tiny print. Now I'm thinking it might need something after all. White pockets? Maybe a detachable peter pan collar? Maybe just a belt.

Here's a close-up of the print. I just love it. Little colourful roses and worms on a vine :) And of course, a shot with Bean. She loves being a part of the action!

I'm loving all of the colour-blocked versions popping up around the place, especially on Tilly's Pinterest Board. Let's hope it's not too late for my little Coco to join the party!