The sunshine keeps peeking through the clouds every so often and delivering a hot day, making us think of our summer outfits already. If you haven't planned what you're making, you will after seeing Carrie's make for May!

Diary of a DIY Dressmaker: May 2019

It's May and the weather is warming up, I have a big family holiday this month and we are going to Florida for 2 weeks - I can't wait! My trip will be action packed so I need to be comfy whilst I’m out there. I don’t think I can do me-made every day whilst I am there, but this make will be packed in my case.

I wanted to make a simple sew this month. Something I can just throw on with flip flops and feel good in.

I decided to go for the Tilly and the Buttons Stevie dress. This can be made as a top or a tunic style dress. I opted for the dress version with ties at the back and a pocket on the front.

The fabric that I picked from My Sewing Box was a lovely navy spotty linen; it looked casual and would be a great everyday essential. I wanted to shake it up a bit and showcase the stitching in a neon orange thread. I think the contrast works well and it makes me smile!

My sewing method was

• Pre-wash fabric at on a 30 wash
• Dry it naturally
• Pressed on a cotton setting with steam
• I cut out the Tilly size 6 (uk16) I p normally cut a 14 but I wanted extra ease.
• Cut the fabric using a rotary blade and mat whilst using pattern weights
• I used my over locker to finish the seams
• I used pins when cutting the fabric out.
• I added a motif using HTV (hot transfer vinyl) as an extra outside of this kit as I wanted to make a feature of the pocket. You don’t have to do this, but a pocket is a great opportunity to be creative. You don’t have to use HTV you could use an iron on patch or fabric paints or applique.
• Note this fabric does fray so try to handle it as little as possible and finish the seams as you go along. Where I could I overlocked the edges before I put the garment together.

I love the finished look and can’t wait to wear it round the pool or walking around Magic Kingdom. If you haven’t done much dressmaking this is a simple pattern to follow with great instructions. If you’re a seasoned sewer than this will be a satisfying quick sew.

Until next month...

Follow more of my sewing journey on Instagram  @carrie_can_make_it

(I was provided with this kit in exchange for an honest review in my own words) 

Get the kit to make your own >>