This is the last piece of the lovely batch of fabrics I purchased a while back from Guthrie and Ghani’s online shop. It’s a beautiful, mid-weight, sweatshirt fabric featuring small, black dots on an off-white/grey background (though this time thankfully the right shade of off-white). I’d always planned for this to be a Coco top (Tilly and the Buttons) but I almost changed my mind to make another Astoria (Colette Seamworks) as I’ve been wearing my other two versions so much. But when I got it out I actually had more than I thought and plenty to make a dress version of the Coco, which I hadn’t tried before (one of the few advantages of being short and not needing much fabric).
I was a little nervous of whether this dress shape would suit me or not. I’ve seen some lovely versions online, but generally on bloggers with a more petite, skinnier frame than mine. I’m short, but go in and out a fair bit and generally need a little more structure around the middle. But I think it worked and it’s super comfy. It’s also pretty warm, so perfect for the much colder mornings we’re experiencing now. I love it from the front, but seeing these photos, I’m not completely convinced it’s that flattering from the back… However I have a snugly, waterfall-style cardigan that would go really well with it once it turns colder again, and that would also over up my bum 😉 And I never generally never see that side of me anyway, so really, no huge problem.
It was really easy to make up since my overlocker and I are now BFFs again! I vaguely followed the instructions, but I’ve made this a few times now, so it was all pretty straightforward. My only slight concern is the bottom ‘corners’ of the dress, which are a little ‘flappy’ in this lighter-weight, sweat shirting. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t try it on before I hemmed, as I could have easily taken them in a bit. But now it’s hemmed? I really can’t see myself bothering to unpick, it’s not that noticeable.
I’m gutted my stock of lovely fabrics has been depleted now, these were so much nicer to sew with and I know that I’m far more likely to wear them regularly. It also forces me to slow down and sew more carefully because I’m scared of wasting it. I’m now three weeks into my RTW fast without a hiccup (being busy helps), so I’m looking forward to treating myself to some more nicer fabrics as a reward 🙂
navybluethreads 
I love this, it really suits you and what a fantastic fabric! It is almost making want to re-try and make another Coco but the pattern as much as I love it doesn’t really fit my body shape, I now use my Cocos as loungewear which makes me sad because I spent quite a bit on the fabric for the first one.
I also have the same problem at the back. I am not sure if you read Ela’s blog but she made one and added darts at the back to avoid this issue: http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you, and I was dubious… What a shame about yours, though they do make v comfy loungewear 🙂 Will definitely take a look at the link about darts, thanks for the tip. Have you tried her Megan Dress? I found that really flattering, because of the empire waist, but still works well in a knit 🙂
Funny you should mention the Megan dress, it is on my to do list. I have pieced and graded the pattern pieces together and have my fabric ready but not yet cut. Empire waist can be a bit funny on me, sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t, I think that’s why I have not cut my fabric yet, slight apprehension.
🙂 Are you going for a knit or a woven?
This is super cute. One always needs a good dress😀….
Especially a warm one! Thank you 🙂
That looks lovely! Looks great on you and I don’t think the kick out on the hem is noticeable. I know what you mean about more expensive fabrics. I’m learning that you really get what you pay for, more expensive fabrics last longer and are (often!) easier to sew with.
Thanks Louise, I seem to remember you making a really nice version of this 🙂 Glad the ‘kick out’ at the bottom isn’t too noticeable, do think we over analyse these things, but I really should have checked before I hemmed, doh!
Cute, cute dress (DOTS!) – it must be so cozy and warm. It seems to be producing a nice happy smile in its maker/wearer and that is such a good thing!
It did indeed, seriously cold here today! Thank you 🙂
I bought some of this fabric a while back – it’s lovely isn’t it? I’ve thought about making a Coco for a while but never been sure that it would suit my figure shape. Maybe I should give it a try…I’ve just made a Tilly and the Buttons Mathilde and I found it really easy to put together.
Thank you, and what good taste you have 😉 I’ve made a couple of Coco tops before and think they’d suit all shapes and sizes because of the split hem detail. I wasn’t convinced about the dress shape either, but now glad I tried it, though did make me a little conscious of my rear view when I’ve worn it today, will be digging out my longer cardigans soon…
You’ve been doing a great job with your RTW fast ! You deserve a reward. I would need something with a little form to it I think. But it looks good on you!
Thanks Linda, I’m looking forward to a fabric splurge 🙂
Glad this fabric worked out so well for you! The hem doesn’t bother me in the least, but if the back bothers you, you might put in a couple of darts… wouldn’t take too long. 😉
thanks Del, Nathalie kindly sent me a link to a Coco with darts in it, not sure if I’ll add them in now, but if I make another I think that’s the way to go 🙂
Oh my gosh I love this so much! And don’t be ridiculous, it looks incredible on you!
Very kind, thank you! I’m glad I went with my first choice and didn’t change my mind 🙂
I must be the only person on the planet who doesn’t own this pattern but I really like the simple lines of the coco dress. One day I may get it but I have a rather large sewing to-do list! The dress looks great by the way 😉
One of the rare few indeed 🙂 It’s a good one for weekend wear, thank you!
Looks very comfy and absolutely suits you 🙂
Thank you! It is highly comfy, very pleased with it and perfect weight and warmth for Autumn. Although if I do make up another, I think a slightly darker fabric would be more flattering from behind…
🙂
Oh this is really nice, you should definitely make more coco dresses! When you can buy more nice fabric!
Thanks Beth. I’m glad I didn’t change my mind and go for another top. It’s been a while since I made a dress, and even longer since I made a skirt 😉
It’s always good to have cosy dresses as it gets colder – this looks lovely on you! Are you going to Sewbrum – perfect opportunity to stock up on more lovely fabric?
Thank you! Hadn’t considered it, but might look into how far away it is and how to get there. Is there a particular blogger who’s posted details of it?
There are details on English Girl at Home’s blog – I went last year on the train from Liverpool and really enjoyed it (and plenty of different shopping opportunities!)
Will take a look, thank you!
Glad you’ve made up with your overlocker too – mine is behaving again so all is well in the studio. This looks extremely comfortable and I bet it fast becomes a favourite:)
Thank you! Really pleased I attempted this one rather than just a top, it shows the material off far better 🙂
Lovely – a really practical dress for work. Coco is yet another pattern I have bought and not yet got round to making. Hope the start of term is not too exhausting.
Oh, I have a fair few of those too. I’m determined to make up a Myrtle before the Autumn’s out, I’ve seen so many lovely versions of it. It’s been a while since I made a dress, and I really enjoyed making this one: a very easy, straightforward make 🙂
This turned out so well! That fabric is really fun– I love the dots. It looks like the perfect weight fabric for this style of dress. It’s got some body and isn’t too clingy. I think it’s a great style for you!
Thanks! I’m really pleased with it and yes, it’s the perfect weight for this time of year 🙂
Pingback: Another Astoria | navybluethreads
Pingback: RTW Fast Two Month Treats | navybluethreads