Hey everyone! Today I’m joining the US masses to help promote Love at First Stitch: Demystifying Dressmaking
Most of y’all probably alreaddddyyyy know all about this, but in case you haven’t – Tilly is a fabulous blogger whose clear instructions and gorgeous patterns are perfect for beginner sewers who feel overwhelmed by mysterious sewing jargon and confusing instructions. She’s done so well, in fact, that now she’s got a whole book deal out of it! Which is pretty awesome! I was contacted by Roost Books to see if I’d like to help promote the US launch of the book – it’s been out for a few months now, but we’re just now getting it here! As I’ve mentioned before, I’m kind of over book reviews – but I want to support my friends in their business endeavors, so today you get a non-review-review 😉
For my non-review-review, I decided to try out one of the patterns in the book – the Margot Pajamas! For someone who loves pajamas as much as I do, it’s kind of surprising to know that I’ve never actually sewn a pair of pj pants (those Lakeside Pajamas don’t count :P). I think pajamas are kind of a rite of passage for most first-time sewers, but not me, I guess! So it’s a first for me as well 🙂
Anyway, before we go too much into the pattern, I did want to talk a little bit about the book.
MOSTLY THAT IT’S FREAKING ADORABLE!
Everything is laid out with bright and clear photos (LOTS of photos, I might add – it’s like reading a really good blog tutorial, except in book form), and the book progresses to build the skills you need to get into dressmaking. Starting with threading the machine, to understanding how to cut fabric, to choosing a size – it’s very well thought out, very beginner friendly, and shit, I wish this existed when I was learning how to sew. Probably would have ruined about half as much fabric if that had been the case 🙂
Each included pattern comes with sections to “Make It Your Own,” for customizing and, well, making it your own.
There are also blurbs for making sewing a lifestyle, including this one that is my favorite – How to Behave In A Fabric Store. Haha!
Anyway, the short: it’s adorable, it’s well-written, and it’s great for a beginner. For those of us who are not beginners, the patterns are still pretty cute (you can see all the patterns in the book here). The only drawback is that the patterns are printed double-sided, which means you have to trace them. Boo! I imagine this was done to save $ on printing costs. Also, I just hate tracing. That’s a fact of life.
That being said, I did muster up the tracing stamina to at least make some damn pajama pants. Wanna see?
SUP, MARGOT. How YOU doin’?!
I hope you enjoy this new background that is my living room! To answer your questions: Yes, we love America here. And, yes, that’s a creepy-ass painting behind me, and no, I have no idea who painted it. I found it at Goodwill for $7 and it had to come home with me because reasons. It’s painted on plywood and literally drilled into the wall. My mom hates it.
I cannot believe how long it took me to finally make PJ pants! They are SO easy and satisfying to make – even with my construction modifications (more on that in a sec). I am between sizes in the book’s size chart, so I spliced between the 1 & the 2, and removed about 1/2″ of length from the crotch (just folded it out horizontally across the middle), as well as 1″ from the length. I also narrowed the legs a little – mostly because I was short on fabric (oops).
I admit I didn’t much follow the instructions – mostly because they were way too hand-holdy for my needs. However, pj pants are pretty easy to throw together. To match the plaid, I cut everything on the single layer and used my walking foot to feed things evenly through the machine. All seams are serged to prevent unraveling.
I made a couple modifications to increase the comfort level of these pants. For one, I’m not a fan of drawstring-only pj pants. I prefer a little elastic! To do this, I cut a length of elastic (1.5″ wide, because that’s what I had on hand – and it also is the same width as my ribbon) about 8″ smaller than my waist measurement (enough that it almost came around my hip bones) and sewed ribbon to either end. I threaded it through the drawstring opening as instructed, being careful not to twist the elastic.
Once the elastic was in place – centered and flat – I sewed down the center back seam with a straight stitch. This keeps the elastic in place so it doesn’t shift (and I don’t accidentally pull the elastic/ribbon out!). Since the ribbon I used is polyester, I burned the edges to prevent them from fraying.
The finished waistband is much more comfortable, and – bonus! I can actually pull these off without untying the ribbon. Haha!
Also, ribbon bonus: Pretty sure that stuff came from the bouquet I took home from my BFF’s sister’s wedding last year. How’s THAT for recycling? 😉 Even better – now every time I’m lounging on the couch in my comfy pjs, Landon will be reminded that I CAUGHT THE BOUQUET, HELLOOO??
I ~made these my own~ by adding a pocket to the back – using my phone as a guide for the size (the pockets on most of my pj pants are too shallow, which I hate!). I cut the pocket on the bias for a little interest, and used my existing pj pants to determine the placement.
The legs have a nice deep hem – partially because I love the way it looks, and also in case these shrink up more when they’re washed. The extra hem means I can let the length down if need be.
Speaking of which, isn’t that fabric glorious? It’s from Pink Chalk Fabrics, a lovely cotton flannel from Robert Kaufman (which appears to now be sold out – here are their other available flannels). When I say this stuff is lovely, I mean it’s AMAZING. It is SO SOFT AND SNUGGLY. I was seriously bummed when I finished these, because I wanted to put them on immediately but I knew I needed to wait to take photos (and have since not taken them off. They are the best!). Between this fabric & the polka dot chambray I used, Robert Kaufman is about to be my favorite fabric source, possibly. I kind of wish I’d bought more, especially now that I see they are sold out 😦
Anyway, I wanted to do something fun with these photos, but unlike Tilly – I don’t have a cool ~retro~ phone to pose with.
WHAT I DO HAVE, THOUGH, IS A COMMODORE 64.
“Aw hell yeah, mom, this is the best Christmas present ever!”
Don’t mind us, we are just having a moment here.
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
Anyway, if you read this far- congratulations! Let’s have a giveaway! Roost Books sent me two copies, which means I have one to mail to someone! If you’d like to enter the giveaway to win your very own copy of Love At First Stitch, leave a comment on this post and tell me which pattern you’re dying to make (again, you can see all the patterns here). That’s it! Because we are celebrating the US release of this book, this giveaway is open to US READERS ONLY (sorry, my international friends! I still love you! I’ll see some of y’all in London next month!). The entries will close one week from today, Friday, November 7, 2014 at 7:00 AM CST.
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
If you’d like to go ahead and get a copy of the book anyway, you can either buy it on Amazon
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
Disclaimer: I was given Love At First Stitch for free from Roost Books, in exchange for a review. All opinions in this post are my own.
From Love at First Stitch by Tilly Walnes, © 2014 by Tilly Walnes. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications Inc., Boston, MA.
LLADYBIRD 
Hmm, either Lilou or Margot. I love making boxer shorts for summer lounging – not sure why I have never made pajama bottoms.
These are great pj pants! Lovely colour – I like your adjustments – good ideas.
Oh, the Mimi blouse!
I’m super excited to see that these patterns fit up to a size 47″ hip, since I am one of those ridiculous people who decided to have much larger hips than my natural waist and hence grading is always insanely necessary. I’ve always loved Tilly’s patterns but had heard some other curvy-hipped ladies say that unless you were making a knit skirt, it could be really hard to fit them right for our body type.
Pears for the win? 🙂
Definitely the Mimi blouse! It has a great retro feel and I love that blouses use only a small amount of fabric, so I can splurge and buy something like Liberty.
I love the Delphine skirt! I love retro clothes, and I am excited about all the patterns in this book. Amazon recommended this book to me last week. I was wanting to look into it before I bought it, but my local library doesn’t have a copy. Needless to say I was stoked to see your post this morning!
I really, really want to make the Megan dress. I checked Love At First Stitch out from my local library as soon as it came out, (okay, I requested it before it was even available and did a happy dance when it finally came!) I read through the entire book and I want to try my hand at making all of the outfits in there, with a few adjustments of my own, but I definitely want to make the Megan dress first!
I love the Lilou Dress and the Mimi Blouse!!!
Those pyjamas look so comfy so I would have to say that I would make the Margot’s first! Who doesn’t want to live in lounge pants?
I love the Mimi bluse. I started sewing to make my clothes fit better (sway back, narrow shoulders, etc)…..and tend to dive deep into projects that are a bit beyond me, which can be discouraging. Some of my best (used loosely), have been becuase I was following a sew-along on-line. The description you used that this was like one, but in book form, made me very excited, as it is kind of a pain to move a laptop around when I am trying to cut or sew something in the corner that is my space…
Definitely the Mimi blouse!!! I’ve always been a bit nervous when it comes to sewing buttons, so I’ve never tried a button down shirt. I think the hand-holding instructions would be perfect for my first foray into shirt-making!
Also, the commodore is perfect.
Margot, for sure. But I think if I win the book I would give it to my friend Karlene to give to her grand-daughter Zoe, who is a budding fashionista and is just developing her own style at 7.
I want to try making the lilou dress! So cute! Love the Jammies!!!
Hahaha can’t believe you got a C64 in this book review, amazing! I need to sneak some retro consoles in my blog posts from now on.
I would definitely try my hand at the Mimi blouse. Love it!
Oh my heck – the way you did the draw-ribbon is GENIUS. I am yoinking that for future use. Super cute pants.
OMG! I NEED that Megan dress pattern in my life! ::swoon::
I really want to make the Mimi blouse, which seems ambitious, since my sewing machine is still in its box.
i want to make the Mimi blouse so bad! It looks adorable!
I would love to make the Delphine skirt and Margo pants!
All of those patterns are great! I think I would have to make the Lilou dress for sure. It wants to live in my closet.
I would definitely make the pajama bottoms, but I think this book would be perfect for my mom, who just started sewing.
I’d love to make the Mimi blouse. It’s so retro and cute!
Great non-review-review. Thank you for offering this giveaway.
The Mimi blouse would be the first item made, it has a nice retro feel and perfect for wearing by itself or with a cardigan. After making the blouse, I’d have to make everything else, of course.
Cheers,
Marie
I’d like to make the Clemence skirt.
Love the Pajama bottoms!! I think that would be my first thing.
FYI: We have 2 Commodore 64’s in our house too … and lots of disks that go with it.
Thanks for the chance to win!!
So cute! I’d like to make the Lilou dress, for sure (as well as pick up all of those little expert tips!).
Ooh, Yay a give away! I want to make the Margot PJ too, along with the Megan dress & the Mimi blouse. I want to copy how you constructed the elastic/ribbon waistband. Many of my sewing students make pajamas as one of their sewing projects so it will be fun to show them this alternative to the traditional elastic only waistband.Thanks for this opportunity. And I love that you love America!
I Would make the pajamas. I love making pajamas as Christmas gifts.
Too cute!!!! I love PJ bottoms, it gives me an excuse to buy kiddie fabric. And that creepy-ass painting ROCKS. I would love to make the Mimi blouse. I have this cute skull print that would be perfect for it.
I would seriously love to make the Clemence skirt. I have a silky chambray fabric begging to be transformed into a chic skirt. I would also make a matching Mimi Blouse.
I love that you’re posing with the typewriter. heh
Pockets! Yes!! Too many of my garments don’t have pockets that I never know where to stuff my phone when my hands are full carrying tea and fabric. 😀
The Delphine skirt in a wool plaid!
I’ve never made PJ pants for myself as a new seamstress. I have made them for kids for Christmas last year. It’s sparked a new tradition! But I really should make some for myself.
Definitely the Clemence skirt. I’ve been looking for a gathered skirt pattern that I could make into a maxi skirt.
This book is one of the reasons I keep buying books! I’ve got my eye on the Liliou Dress and the Mimi Blouse. OK who wakes up on their day off thinking “I think today I’ll work on perfecting buttonholes?” Seriously? I think the Mimi would look sweet in a soft rayon and then tucked into some jeans. Alright, throw my name into that whirling bin of names for the giveaway! 🙂
I could definitely use some pajama pants, too!
I want to make Delphine and Mimi, to wear together of course.
Lilou is my fave. That elastic is genius! Love the funny Commodore photos!
I love the Mimi blouse! But I think I would first make the Margot pj pants because I have some perfect flannel at home (and my name is Margo, ha ha). 🙂
The two dresses on the book are super adorable, they are the ones I’m dying to make!
Good Morning! (I live in California),
The pattern I would first like to create is the “Delphine Skirt”.
As a budding sewist/sewer…I enjoy your posts and thank you for your great tips – cutting the plaid fabric in a single lawyer, adding the ribbon to the elastic and the patch pocket.
You rock!
o x o x,
Elizabeth
I’ve been dying to get my pinpricked hands on a copy of this book since Tilly revealed it. I’m looking forward to making a Megan dress (or three) because it resembles a dress I own and love the fit of, but it can be made out of better-quality and more interesting fabrics than my original. Thanks for the chance to win–if the RNG has my number, the book should arrive just in time for my birthday!
Mimi blouse! I need all sorts of tops to go with the skirts I’ve been whipping up lately.
They are all basic, cute, good to have patterns, but I think I would make the Megan dress first. It looks like it would be appropriate to wear anywhere.
The two that jump right out are the mimi blouse and the Clemence skirt but I sure I would probably end up making everything in it….Thanks for the give away!
So glad to learn about this book!
I love the Lilou Dress! So cute!
I like the Megan dress!
I really want to make the Mimi blouse!
For me it’s a tossup between the Delphine skirt and the Megan dress. This book looks amazing!
The PJ pants and the Mimi Blouse are first ones up but i really like the whole book 🙂 thank you!
Delphine! But definitely some PJ’s too!
The Megan Dress is my top pick!
I like your choice of the wider elastic in place of the drawstring. Drawstrings always seem to work their way out of the clothing item.
The Megan dress is my choice . Pick me please
I definitely want to make some PJ pants. I am new to sewing and figure I could mess up a bit and they’d still be functional.
I need pj pants too! But that A-line skirt on the front is calling my name. 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!
Love the Margot PJ pants! I have some flannel I’ve been meaning to making into pj’s for ages, and just never got around to getting a pattern. And the Megan dress for work. Definitely.
Oooh, I like the Clemence Skirt! I would maxi-ize it though.
I’d like to make them all! Well, if I had to pick, the Megan Dress. And the Mimi Blouse. And the Margot Pants… Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
I would love to make the Lilou dress! So cute! Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway! Your PJ pants are totes adorbs, too!
I’d make Mimi Blouse, but I’d for sure make the Margot PJ’s first. I tried 2 years ago using a Pinterest method. FAIL. I love the ‘make it your own’ sections. BRILLIANT!
Ermahgerd, I’ve been wanting to make the Mimi blouse in my Liberty Fitzgerald lawn! And who can resist that Megan dress! Super cute.
Haaa, the Commodore 64 photos made my afternoon. Thanks for the elastic tip, that’s really neato! Hopefully see you in London and/or Paris!
I am torn between the Delphine and the Mimi! Both are so amazing and totally my style. I think the Mimi would be a great learning experience for me as I have been avoiding buttonholes like the plague.
Also, I have been sewing off and on since high school but only in the last 2 years with regularity but I too somehow missed the beginners pajamas so I totally want to make those too eventually. I think yours turned out great and I think I would make almost all of the same revisions but I especially love the elastic ribbon combo.
I’m dying to make, like, 20 Mimi blouses in various prints.
I would really like to make the Delphine skirt!!!
First of all, you are fucking hilarious, the commodore photos are amazing! I’ve also never made pajama pants and think that’d be just great! But also I am loving that top, the Mimi blouse, and am in desparate need of some tops!
Those pyjamas really look nice! Even though I’m a beginner, I have yet to make pyjamas! So I’d definitely make those. And to be honest, all of the patterns look amazing, so I would make them all! Even if I don’t win, I might just buy the book!
im gonna make the pajamas..because duh! i’d actually wouldve loved it if she had drafted a full set a la zoey deschannel in new girl…because i wear those shit just to spite my boyfriend who loves to say ‘who even wears these things’
ps- those pajamas pants would’ve been even m0ar better if they were made in american flag fleece/flannel… imagine that
Love all your posts…..I really like the Megan dress in the book. Can’t wait to make it 🙂
The mimi shirt! Do I have to pick just one. Because these are all seriously so cute! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
I have so many pajamas on my to-sew list and then they just keep getting bumped down for cooler projects. I’ll admit – I had to look up what a Commodore 64 is! You have really awesome interior dec. style, by the way! Maybe the plywood painting was from a scenic painting class? That’s what we did all our projects on, since that’s what you’d be painting on in theatre. I kept two of mine – a portrait of Bucky Katt and my sample of Brick With Window lol.
I love the look of this book! I think the first thing I would make would be the Margot pants because you can never have too many pajama pants. And the Megan dress is super cute! Thanks for the giveaway!
I want to make all of them, but the Lilou dress is probably my favorite. I could totally see me rocking that as a summer dress and as a transitional spring / fall piece with tights and a sweater. Or even as a jumper in the winter!
I am dying to make the Delphine skirt and the Lilou dress! But I would start with the Margo PJs first to build my skills and confidence. Thank you so much for giving away this book!
I would definitely make the Mimi blouse. I purchased some vintage fabric that I think would be amazing to use for this pattern.
WANT. WANTWANTWANTWANTWANT. I love Delphine, but I’ve seen SO many adorable Mimi’s that I would probably go for that first!
I’m dying to make the LiLou dress. It’s adorable. However I already have a ton of plaid/tartan fabric sitting waiting to be made into something awesome and the Margot pj’s look simple quick so I’d probably make them first. Love the book and I’m a big fan of Tillys.
I’d make the Clemence skirt!
Thanks for the ingenious elasticized-ribbon tip! I can see myself using variations of it in several types of garments. The Megan dress pattern has such an interesting not-quite-sheath silhouette, very nice, would like to try it.
Ooh, I’d love to win this book and make the Clemence skirt.
The Megan dress!
Oh my goodness, the Mimi blouse is adorable and the Lilou dress is darling. I would make the hell out of either of those. I’m just learning how to sew and find patterns very intimidating, a book like this could be very helpful in getting me away from the simple circle skirts.
She Knits in Pearls
Hot Damn! Sewing AND a Commodore 64! You gots the whole package llady!
I would make the Mimi Blouse myself. I’m lacking in the tops department. Although the pj’s look so snuggly!
The Delphine skirt and Mimi blouse would seriously have to fight it out in which gets made first. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’d love to make the Mimi blouse, I just loooooove that collar!!
I’m not entering the giveaway, but just wanted to say that the ribbon elastic thing is genius!!!!!! Prob going to copy that one of these days, so thanks!
This book would be perfect for my new daughter in law!
Gorgeous pj pants, Great choice of color too. I like the mimi blouse, which would be great to try it out!
I’d really love to make the Megan dress (in a dreamy chambray to boot!) and the Clemence skirt because I can’t choose just one.
I’d like to make the Megan dress. Also love your PJs too, so that’s tempting…
I’d love to make the Clemence skirt.
Cute PJ pants!
I’d really like to make either the Delphine skirt or the Clemence skirt. Or both… Thanks for the opportunity!
I’d love to make Lilou and Delphine
I could use some snuggly warm PJ bottoms! And then nice comfy cotton ones for when it warms up–probably by the time I actually get around to sewing anything (my sewing mojo seems to have gone on vacation) it will probably be warm again.
First – LOVE the HAIR!!! Who doesn’t love PJ pants!
The cozy pjs look perfect for a snowy day at the sewing machine!
Mimi and Megan are top contenders for sure. Then again, I could always use another pair of pjs!
Since you and I have used the same patterns (Coco and Mabel) and bought the same fabric at the same time, I’d have to do the pi’s.
Aiiiiieeee!! I want this book just for “How to behave in a fabric store”! I had my eye on some cozy flannel the other day so I’d probably start with the PJ pants, with a pocket of course. And then the Mimi blouse. I have the perfect fabric sitting around. So jealous of your trip to London and Paris. Can’t wait to see all the pictures.
I love the megan dress, and need to make my daughter the mimi blouse
I need the Megan dress! And I really like the Mimi blouse. P.s. Your pj’s are really cute. Thanks for the giveaway.
I think I’d get a lot of wear out of the Mimi Blouse. I have sewn too many cute dresses that I never wear and am now trying to make polished looking pieces that I feel comfortable wearing every day (and will look good with all my handknit cardigans!)
Thanks for hosting a giveaway (and enabling flannel purchases…)
Ahh these are gorgeous! Although I must admit, when you started taking about the painting I got distracted by looking at your decor and forgot to look at the pyjama pants and had to go back and look at all the photos again. Your elastic idea is genius, I will remember that for when I make PJ pants (also never made them). My other half has also just expressed his approval of you due to your ownership of a Commodore 64! Obviously don’t enter me in the giveaway 🙂
The Lilou dress!
I would love to make the Delphine skirt, although the Megan dress is a very close second!
I would probably make the pj pants first cause they look so crazy comfortable! Then the Lilou dress. I’ve been wanting this book so baaad!!
I LOVE all these designs and really like that each pattern is something I would wear. The first pattern I would make would be the Mimi blouse, followed by the pajama pants as it is finally getting cool enough to wear flannel pjs
I have sewn for years and have been trying to get my teenage daughter interested in sewing for over half her life. She FINALLY has expressed an interest and I think this would be a great book for her. I know she’d want to make one of the skirts nut I’d love to see her try the Lilou dress!!
I’ve known for most of my life that I’ve got the best sister ever (she’s 27 months younger — so it can’t be quite ALL my life….). Never more so than now because she’s “introduced” me to you! I’m primarily a knitter/fiber freak, but you and Tilly are giving me the guts to give sewing a try (again). The Megan Dress looks like a “go” — especially if I can make long (or 3/4) sleeves and tweak the neck a bit opener. Now I’ll have to have a fabric stash to accompany the yarn stash! 🙂 Life is GOOD!
The Lilou dress–I love a square neckline and a twirly skirt but as soon as a saw the bow I was sold!
The Mimi Blouse is very sweet. I definitely want to make that. But I think my favorite is the Lilou Dress. I love it in red and since the holiday party season is nearly upon us, that would be the first one I make. If I don’t win, I definitely will need to buy the book. Thanks for sharing.
The pj pants look cozy!
The first pattern I’d made is the Mimi Blouse…it’s so classic and yet just a perfect “teacher” piece for my wardrobe! I love to sew for me!
Mais bien sur, la Clemence
I have some beautiful retro inspired fabric that needs to be a Mimi blouse! So cute.
Love the poses! Made me laugh out loud!!
I can’t wait to make the Mimi blouse! That collar is SO cute, and. I need more separates as I tend to wear dresses nearly every day. Great non-review review!
just got cold …I need some pj’s too!
Mimi blouse!!
The PJ Pants are awesome. Id definitely love to try the Lilou Dress.
well i’m here in canada so don’t enter me in your draw, but i just love this post — your crazy amazing goodwill painting screwed to the wall and your american flags and the bouquet ribbon in your perfect plaid pyjama pants (come on landon!) and your commodore 64. Who knew that pyjama pants could be so fun.
thank you for making me laugh!
I would love to sew up a Megan dress and I have just the fabric to do it!
I’d like to make a Delphine skirt just like the one in the picture.
Delphine skirt! I need some good fall basics!
Hmm, no chance to win that Commodore 64? Bummer!
I’d really like to make the Lilou dress with the scalloped neckline. I remember falling in love with it when Marie at A Stitching Odyssey made one – so gorgeous!
I’d love to make the Megan dress!
The Mimi blouse appeals most to me because I need some action going on around my neck and bust area.
Really like the Lilou but would start with the Margot with my skill level. I really liked your adjustments to the pjs. Tilly was the first sewing blogger I found when I googled some tutorials and have followed ever since. Will get my hands on this book somehow!
Probably Margot pants and Delphine skirt 🙂
Definitely the pajamas! I’m 5’8″ and you’d think I was 6’5″ because all of my pj’s end up way too short and I look like my mother (who is only 5’2″)! In all of your pics I kept trying to figure out what kind of shoes those were with the holes…until you sat down and then I realized they were socks. Haha!
you must be psychic! How did you know I got as far last night as sewing my Margot pyjamas up but had stopped at inserting the ribbon? Clearly I am a beginner but your approach hadn’t occurred and looks so much better – thank you!! (Also, can’t tell you how much I loved my Commodore 64 🙂 )
Love your pj pants! I’d totally make the lilou dress and them some of the cute skirts…the book looks like great beginners resource.
I am thinking Clemence… sounds like a great resource book to add to the stash…ahem..library (sounds more better 🙂 )
I’m dying to make Margot as well but Delphine is running a close second in my book.
Cute jammies! I should make myself some but the Delphine shirt is calling to me.
Either the Lilou dress or the Margot pj’s. Probably the pj’s to start with my skill level. I like the adjustments you made to them. Tilly was the first blog I stumbled across looking for sewing tutorials and I’ve been a follower ever since. Must get this book one way or another!
Oops, didn’t realize this posted this morning. Technical difficulties…
Dying to make the margot dress! It look so retro chic! Sooo gonna buy this book if I don’t win it. Money’s really tight so I’m holding out to see if I win first, LOL.
I love the mimi blouse, and the pj’s would be awesome for the older kids for Christmas!
I want to make all of the patterns but I like the Lilou dress the best.
Those pjs are definitely on my want-to-make list. I’m envisioning them in something grey and silky-soft. Yes, I want Olivia Pope’s entire loungewear wardrobe, and this would be a great beginning! 🙂
Love the Mimi blouse!
I love Tilly! Bought the Coco pattern a little back and the Lilou and Megan dresses are calling to me.
Oh, lots of good choices. Delphine caught my attention on the first look. Yeah, I think I’d make all of them!
Definitely the Mimi blouse….and the pj bottoms! Thanks for that tip about ribbon & elastic; I will use that over and over!
I was just looking at this last week at Barnes and Noble. I’m drooling over the Mimi blouse. And the Delphine and Clemence skirts. And with your little tip about the ribbon and elastic, I think the PJs with some of the adorable flannel from Joanns is also now a must. Basically all of them. Quick and easy projects. 😀
Would love to try to make these pajama pants. Yours are so cute and cozy!
Your pj pants inspired me…I’m thinking Christmas gifts for the family (not matching of course…I’m not that organized).
I would love to make the delphine skirt, it is so cute!
Definitely the Clemence Skirt! And, while I’m here, I found the flannel you used along with a few others by Robert Kaufman here: http://www.hartsfabric.com/check-gingham-flannel-cotton-sewing-quilting-fabric.html
I would have to start with the Margot PJ pants, because I have a 36″ inseam (yeah, in my bare feet) and I have NEVER been able to find cute PJs that aren’t capris on me. I really really really want a pair in a soft cute flannel (like maybe a Grinch print)
And since we have snow in the forecast for tonight (if folks in the South get more than we do I will be MIGHTY upset) and a nice fire, it is the season to dream of flannel pjs
I would love to make the Lilou Dress!!
The Lilou is like my spirit dress. (is that a thing? Don’t care. It’s now a thing). I would also love Mimi and Delphine, basically anything other than Clemence, but only because it’s not right for my body type.
I think the Mimi blouse would be a great learner’s project. I am actually a brand new sewist so this book would be really useful to me!
I love the Megan dress!
I’d make the Lilou Dress!
Can’t wait to make the Megan dress!
so many great reviews on her book already! Sounds like a great asset.
My mother has been inspired by my sewing projects over the years…at age 75, she wants to learn a new skill, and it is SEWING! Yay! I bought her a machine for Christmas, and I would be stoked to add Tilly’s book to the Box O’ Goodies. **I would buy it, but I blew my wad on the machine! 🙂
The Mimi for sure!
I have never made pajama pants before, so it seems like a good starting place.
Honestly, I want to make them all, lol. But in particular I feel I NEED a Megan dress. I mean, Megan … Megan dress … it just seems right 🙂 Your pj pants are quite lovely, so I know I would make some of them as well given the weather changing. Thanks so much for the awesome giveaway!
I would love to make the Lilou dresss for my wife
cooladam1 at live dot com
Thanks for this opportunity! Also, I love your version of the PJ pants. As for me, I’d love to make the lilou dress!
Thanks for the giveaway! I think the Clemence skirt is too adorbs and must be mine. In the meantime, it might be time to stop thinking about learning to sew, and actually doing it. Your blog has been so inspirational, but I still need to get off my ass and *try* it.
I am loving the Mimi blouse!
That Mimi blouse is pretty damn cute! I’ve never made a blouse, and I am not even sure if the Mimi would look good on *me*, but heck it all down the road if I am not going to make it anyways!
I’m loving the Margot pj pants! ‘Course I live in pj pants practically. I’m also loving Clemence and Delphine. I’m really getting into skirts lately (weird, I’m a huge tomboy), and would love to try my hand at those two.
Just one? Gosh. That’s tough and I just can’t do it. I want a Mimi blouse paired with a Delphine skirt. It’s such a perfect pairing!
I’m a big fan of the Lilou dress! But then again, the Margot PJs look amazingly comfortable.
Oh my, those pants are fabulous!! I would make them as well as the two skirts first.
I would love to make the Lilou dress in a fun retro bright printed linen fabric for a summer dress. I miss summer 😦
Delphine! With a mimi blouse.
I would love to make the Mimi Blouse. Thanks for the giveaway!
That is so smart, sewing the elastic down at the back seam, why didn’t I think of that before??? This is one of the reasons I must read your blog… (and because you are funny, and make awesome things and a few more reasons) good luck to all your US readers 🙂 (sadly I’m not one of them)
I have some Zombie Apocalypse fabric I wanted to make pj pants out of. This looks like a good pattern and tutorial.
The Clement Skirt and Mimi blouse are to die for!
I really like the Lilou Dress! So cute!
I would start with the PJs. I love a pretty, well illustrated book, and this one is definitely both of those!
Your pajama pants are cute! I would love to make the Mimi Blouse so pick me, please! 🙂
I would love to make the Mimi blouse. I’d wear it during a living history event!
Thanks for the review and for identifying the fabric you used. I’m a beginner so I would start with the pj lounge pants. Love your version!
Love your informative blog. If you have any spare time in London you must visit Walthalmstow High Street towards the end of the week. (Fridays and Saturdays are particularly good). 20 to 30 shops selling end of line fabric at silly prices ie £1 and £2 per metre.I did find some at 50pence!
Hope that helps Alison.
First up would be Margot, since I desperately need new pjs, followed closely by Mimi.
wowie, I was thinking I wanted to buy this book for a friend that has a voracious appetite for “weight fluctuation pants”! haha she would make the margots with elastic at the bottom to “class them up”
then a giveaway appears, my day has instantly improved like a magic card trick! 🙂
I would love to make the Lilou dress first. Your pj pants look fab, I’m with you on elastic and ribbon in the waistband!
Great post, as always and thanks for the giveaway.
Gotta go with the Margot p.j. Pants if only to try your elastic+ribbon method–so simple, but a brilliant solution for people like me who always lose one end of that ornery drawstring and walk around the house with a cat hanging from the remaining long end. Your orange plain ones look fabulous! Then the Mimi blouse as I’ve already found the perfect fabric in my stash.
Mimi Blouse for sure!
I love the Megan dress and the Mimi blouse. Im torn between which one I would make first, but they both need to be in my wardrobe.
I love the Mimi blouse and I am a fool for pajamas – I would make those like crazy.
The Clemence skirt looks awesome. Thanks for the giveaway!
The Mimi blouse is really cute. And of course the PJs.
I’d make the Mimi shirt or Megan dress. 🙂
Commodore 64! YES!! I miss playing Moon Patrol. Oh, and cute PJs!
I love the Lilou dress!
The Mimi blouse is so adorable, I’d have to make that one right away!
I, too, would make the pajama pants first. I can’t find a pattern that I like and yours are so cute!! Janelle
I would love to make the Mimi blouse!
Mimi blouse please and thank you.
I love the neckline on the Mimi blouse, so I would give that one a try first.
ooh, Lilou dress for sure! because of course I don’t have enough dress patterns.. 😀
I also need a go-to blouse pattern, and the Mimi is looking pretty fab!
Great pjs. Neat trick with the ribbon/elastic.
I’d love to make the PJ pants! I am about to draft my own pattern but it would be so much nicer if I could use Tilly’s brilliant pattern.
Mimi top. Love the vintage look of it. Or maybe the lounge pants. Love them!
What I really really really need are some new jammies so I will use the PJ’s pattern before I sew anything else. I just love how you did your combo elastic and ribbon for the tie. No sagging butt to be had 😜
I want to make the Clemence skirt and the Mimi top.
Lauren,
Yay! Mimi blouse.
Thank you thank you!
Love these jammie bottoms! For southwest Florida I would definitely have to make them in a light cotton and not that heavier weight fabric. PS: absolutely love all the skullies around your place!
Ooh, Mimi blouse is so cute, but Megan comes in a close second for me! Also, I fucking love your poses with the old commodore, hilarious!
I really want to make the Clemence skirt. It looks like my favorite skirt that is really worn out, and it would be so nice to have a pattern with beautiful step by step Tilly instructions.
I would probably have to make the Lilou dress first, but the Mimi shirt is a very close second. All the patterns are great!
The Megan dress!
That Megan dress is adorable! Your commodore is hilarious- thanks for the chuckles.
Fun! I would LOVE to make the Mimi blouse 🙂
I really like the Mimi blouse (and blouses are the thing I should be sewing right now).
PJs would most likely be first, but the blouse is also pretty cute!
I almost bought that fabric to make my Dahlia dress! They had a big bolt of it at Harts Fabric in Santa Cruz on Friday when I was there. http://www.hartsfabric.com/robert-kaufman-mammoth-plaid-flannel-orange-spice-77810.html
Can I just say – we have not only the old-timey phone (but in black), but we also have enough old computer to open our own MUSEUM. Don’t get me started about my hubby’s pet obsession with a certain type of IBM keyboard that makes a very distinctive clickety-clackety noise… We have at least 15 of them as backups.
Soooo… does this mean I get to come to your house and play with your computers? Because. I am so so so jealous right now. Ha!