Crikey, for something that I claimed wasn’t too flattering on this very here blog, I’ve certainly had my wear out of my spotty Coco dress! So much so, that when this material arrived (Guthrie and Ghani) destined for an Agnes top, I just knew that it was going to be another Coco dress instead. What can I say, clearly comfort over style 😉 It’s a lovely, thick, closely knitted almost sweatshirt material.
My only problem was that clearly I’d ordered the wrong length (because it was originally intended for a different pattern) but I stupidly didn’t realise this until after I’d already cut out the back piece. Doh! One day I’ll stop making such daft mistakes….Anyhow I had enough fabric to cut out two separate pieces for the front, but just not on the fold. Clearly I didn’t want a join on the front though, so this is a bit of a back-to-front dress, which I think you’d only ever really spot if you were looking very closely indeed or you knew the design (which luckily none of my real life friends do). I lowered the front neckline a little to compensate and it’s actually lovely and cosy this way.
I did have a play around with inserting darts at the bust, but it seemed to ruin the stripe-alignment so I left them out. Instead (and because of the lovely, dense ‘pull-me-in’ fabric) I sewed the side seams up to be very fitting at the bodice and then slightly looser over the hips downwards. I also made sure the sleeves were comfortably loose, Tilly’s patterns have a habit of making me feel like the hulk around the arms otherwise, she must be very petite! Possibly also because of having to join two pieces at the back, this version is much more fitted and thankfully more flattering than the previous one.
The instructions were a doodle, as I’ve made this pattern many times now and my overlocker behaved perfectly. I was unsure about adding a pocket, but did in the end just as an excuse to use this lovely button, which both of my children commented on rather than the actual dress when I tried it on for them. Looking at the below photos, I’m slightly annoyed I didn’t get it more central, but it’s also reassuringly got that homemade look!
Anyone else find themselves repeating a pattern, even though they’re not entirely sure it’s that flattering on them?
navybluethreads 
I really like that neckline!
Thank you! I think I just about got away with it being back-to-front 😉
Lovely! Interesting adding the button as a detail, it looks great:)
Thanks Abigail, I’ve been wanting to use that button for a while 🙂
There’s no way I’d have noticed the back seam with that fab pattern matching! Looks super duper and so flattering, definitely better for being fitted on top 🙂
Phew! Daft though all the same, you’d think we’d learn wouldn’t you? MUST concentrate harder whilst cutting out and not just rush to get to the sewing bit… 😉
Couldn’t agree more – the dress looks yummy!
Oops! That comment’s supposed to be underneath Ali’s. 😳 (a very red face)
Got it! Thank you.
Thank you! This one’s even com fire than my first version, and a lot more flattering with the darker background 🙂
Well, this pattern seems absolutely made for you. No matter you assemble it, it works perfectly! Love the stripes, and that button is a great detail. Beautiful work and fit.
Very kind thank you! It’s also the most comfy dress I own, what could be better? 😉
Best Coco yet, looks great on you. Super job on the back.
Thank you! The fabric appears to be almost corset-like in terms of ‘pulling you in’, would definetly purchase again 🙂
Corset-like fabric sounds great, going to check it out if they still have it in stock. Also just subscribed to seam work after all your lovely Astoria posts. You are a very bad influence! Ha! Ha!
Whoops! Seamworks is great though in my defence… I just wish I could keep up with them 🙂
I think you look great in this – not a hint of “not that flattering”. But yeah, I certainly have experience of sewing stuff that doesnÄt really work for me. For me it’s colour and patterns: I just love them, the more the better. But when I wear this kind of stuff I never feel quite like myself. Well…
It’s always less appealing sewing neutrals isn’t it? But they sure get a lot of wear. I think this is a nice inbetween-er.
Yes, I think a nice nautical stripe is never a bad thing!
You did well here to save your creation so beautifully
Phew! I seriously couldn’t believe I’d been so daft cutting it out, oh well… Good job knits are so forgiving!
Not flattering? How good do you want to look?!! Had to laugh about the mistake though, I’ve had similar mishaps and had to find a way to rectify them. All is well in this case though. You wouldn’t even know if you hadn’t ‘fessed up:)
Thank you, this version’s much better from the front and with the darker background, but still not convinced about the rear view… It more than makes up for it in comfort though 🙂
Your Coco makes me want to revisit the pattern. It looks so flattering and chic. Is it ponte Roma?
Not sure to be honest, it’s a pretty thick, supportive knit and I’d highly recommend it though. May have to see if it comes in another colour way… 🙂
I agree with all the others. Not a hint of ‘not flattering’. I think it takes time to get used to a new silhouette. Love it. Very ‘Boden’.
Thanks for returning the compliment Lucie! 😉 Think it’s just the right mixture of smart but casual, and no doubt it will get lots of wear.
Fantastic! The back seam makes sense, a lot of dresses have it, so it doesn’t look odd. Great pattern matching as well and that little pocket makes all the difference. It’s great when you find a pattern that you really love and looks so flattering on you. I always cut the fabric without thinking and half way through I realise, I need to improvise because it isn’t enough, haha!
I’m so glad I’m not the only one! I actually try to cut out the day before a big sewing day if I can, so then I can just get straight on… I was so relieved that back seam worked out ok though. Would have been such a shame to ruin such lovely fabric.
What a beautiful dress – no wonder you’ve revisited the pattern! 🙂
Thank you! Knits generally are super comfy to wear, but this ticks all my boxes: just as good for the sofa as for work 🙂
Great pattern matching and neckline and well done for making it work out. It looks amazing on you!
🙂 Thank you! I’m delighted with it, despite the daft cutting out issue…
I’m definitely sure it’s flattering! Looks great to me. And well done for overcoming your lack of fabric challenge 🙂
Thank you! Couldn’t help but change my plans when the fabric arrived. Never ordered yarn online, do you encounter similar problems re: colour and texture?
I think it looks great! Looks like you matched the stripes perfectly! Well done!
Thank you! The side seams went well, but I gave up on the sleeves, think I got away with it…
Some places it’s easier than others. Some places it’s not worth the effort because they are hardly seen. Lovely job!
Thanks Linda 🙂
It looks great! I love that pop of red from your special button!
Thanks Teri, I really fancy a grey or navy version too…