Tilly and the Buttons Coco – Dress and Top
In November 2014 I made a Coco dress for the White Tree Fabrics blogging network. Before I cut into the fabric they sent me, I made a test version with some other fabric I picked up at Leicester market. The fabric was black, and I think the best way to describe it is as a heavy, textured double-knit jersey. The texture is like a raised fish-net pattern, but it’s all solid black. I wanted 2m, but the seller only had 1.75m. Anyway, I went ahead as I felt sure I could make it work.
I did manage to squeeze the dress out of the 1.75m, but I broke all the rules of fabric cutting! The front is cut on the grain as it should be, but the back is cut cross grain. And I can’t even remember how I squeezed the sleeves out of it, but they had to be cut shorter than prescribed. I did have enough odds and ends of fabric leftover to make the funnel-neck collar, which I was quite pleased about!
Anyway, I sewed it up and when I tried it on, I fell a little bit in-love! I so rarely make garments in a solid colour, and especially not black, but this dress just felt effortlessly chic and flattering.
The Coco funnel-neck black dress
This dress is one of my most serviceable makes as it probably gets worn weekly. It feels like an easy option to wear because it’s comfy and practical, but with the added bonus that it makes me feel good when I wear it.
Making the purple Coco dress for White Tree Fabrics only increased my love for this pattern. Yes, it’s simple, but I just love the fit, and it’s so easy to make!
I decided to try out the top version with some leftover double-knit jersey. I’ve been wearing jeans a lot more recently, but I always feel as though I am very much lacking in tops, especially tops I actually want to wear! My leftover jersey was just plain brown, but I thought I might as well sew it up into a Coco top rather than leave it languishing in my fabric stash.
The Coco top
I love it! I know it isn’t wildly exciting to anyone else, but it is to me because I really, really like the shape and fit of this top.
It feels odd to dedicate an entire blog post to these two garments, but I’m just revelling in the joy of making of some absolutely basic garments – life isn’t all lace dresses, after all!
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It’s lovely to see patterns made up as day to day wearable. They look smart and practical K xXx
Thanks Karen.
I love the Coco pattern too – I’ve made so many because it fits so well and is super easy to sew! Yours look great 🙂
Yes, very easy to sew, and it looks good and is comfy. What’s not to love?!
I like reading about the ‘basics’ as much as the more fancy makes, after all these are the ones we probably all wear to death 🙂 Love both of these on you, my fingers are itching to make another Coco…
It’s my favourite at the moment!
I love them both! They look so cosy. Love the boots in the first pic.
Thanks, they (unintentionally) match my hair!
I wear one of my cocos at least twice a week, and even the simple ones always get compliments. You just cant have enough! Love your dress one- best. I’ve yet to make a ‘no hack’ coco dress but will do soon.
My favourite neckline is the boat neck, both to wear and to make. 😀
I think you’re right, I need more! One in every colour! Dresses! Tops! 🙂