I bought the Tilly & the Buttons Stevie pattern quite a while ago, and it's been floating around on my sewing list ever since. I finally got around to making it, and decided to embellish the simple top with some pretty embroidered flowers.
The Stevie is a boxy fit top or tunic dress with a round neckline and grown-on sleeves. It closes at the back neckline with ties or a button and loop, and there are options to use patch pockets or sleeve cuffs (I didn't use either of them this time). There's also an add-on pack that you can buy to give you the possibility to add longer sleeves or turn the top into a dress with a gathered skirt.
The pattern covers hip sizes from 33" to 61".
Stevie is simple to sew - it would be a good pattern for beginners, or it's a nice relaxing project if you've got more experience. The instructions are detailed and very easy to follow, helped by the fact that they're illustrated with clear, bright photos.
I enjoyed sewing my Stevie top, and didn't have any problems at all as I was making it. I like the way the neckline facings are topstitched down - I think it gives a nice neat finish. Everything came together easily and it was a relatively quick project.
In terms of sizing, I made a size 6. My bust and waist measurements are currently between a 5 and a 6 in Tilly & the Buttons sizing, and my hips are bang on the measurement for the size 6. I looked at the finished garment measurements and decided that the 6 would probably be the best bet. I'm happy with how it turned out.
After making a toile, I decided to lengthen the top but my finished top then felt a bit long so I actually ended up taking my top back to the original length from the pattern.
The fabric that I used is a white and grey-blue striped cotton (or at least I think it's cotton!) that I found in a charity shop. I bought it thinking that it would be a good base for embroidery, and the simple shape of the Stevie top seemed like it would be a good canvas for some embroidery too.
I decided to design the embroidery myself and sketched out a couple of ideas before eventually deciding to use this idea of flowers trailing from one shoulder. My flowers have satin stich petals with accents added in straight stitch and French knots in the centres. The leaves are done in fishbone stitch, and for the stems I (appropriately!) used stem stich. It turned out just how I was hoping it would!
I enjoyed both sewing and embroidering my Stevie, and I really like the finished top. It's nice and easy to wear, but the embroidered flowers make it feel a bit more special to me. The pattern would be great for showing off a fun print so I suspect I may make more in future!
