This post is a bit shorter than usual – I’ve made this Tilly and the Buttons pattern so many times already that I’ll just keep to what’s different about this one!
I discovered a distinct lack of tops in my handmade wardrobe when participating in Me Made May earlier this year and have been trying to concentrate on sewing more of them. One of the first ones I made to rectify the top-skirt ratio imbalance was a red ponte Coco with a wide collar (I’ve found the pattern piece makes a collar that is very narrow for doubling over). I wore it a lot throughout spring and I’ve really wanted to make another one, so when I spotted some lovely turquoise ponte in The Cloth Shop (Dublin), I bought just enough to squeeze out a three-quarter sleeve Coco with collar.
I wanted this top to be slightly more fitted around the waist than the red ponte one had been, so I brought in the cutting line a bit instead of flaring it out so much. It’s a lovely cosy top and I managed to get one or two wears in before leaving for Shanghai. (Unfortunately in these photos I’m wearing a more-than-usually-padded bra so the fitting looks bit tighter around the bust than usual.)
I bought several McCalls, New Look and Simplicity patterns in online sales before leaving Ireland and now have a few new knit patterns to try out before revisiting Coco for an eighth time, but I don’t see myself going through winter without making one or two more!
Which patterns have become your go-to classics for wardrobe staples? I’m always on the lookout for well-loved patterns I haven’t tried yet!
Lady Stitcher 
Lovely blue colour. It looks good on you. Unfortunately I haven’t yet figured out a ‘go to’ staple, am still new and exploring sewing and discovering what works for me etc. But so far I have liked Colette Moneta – I wear mine a lot and plan on making more. But I think you already have Moneta.
Yes, I do have it and I love it too! I definitely get good wear of the two I’ve made with it and would like to make a few more. I think I need to substitute out the clear elastic gathering method though because it almost breaks me every time and kind of puts me off starting another Moneta! Your black and white version is fab.
Agree on the clear elastic front. Cant tell you how much clear elastic I had to throw out after many failed attempts -_-. For my next one am going to use braided elastic instead, at least it doesn’t ‘break’.
Oooof… so frustrating!
Lovely! I have a Coco dress in the identical colour! Such a great colour and a beautiful ponti.
It’s a lovely colour alright, would be great in a dress version! Brighter colours always cheer me up 🙂
Coco is definitely a staple for me. I’ve made 4 so far and have the fabric to possibly make another. McCalls 33421 A-line skirt and the Sorbetto are also good staples although i had to lengthen the sorbetto pieces as i find the published pattern comes up a little short. Im also really into sewing Flora skirts (By Hand London) these days!
You’ve got some really fab Floras! I keep forgetting about Sorbetto for some reason. I’ve only made one and I’d need to lengthen it a bit too next time, but I really must revisit it soon. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
Lovely colour! If a pattern ain’t broke then why fix it? I’m a serial re-user of my patterns, helps to perfect your craft 😉
That’s certainly a good policy and it definitely helps build skills!
Fabulous colour, so cheery. I don’t have “a go” to yet, ffun looking for one though!
Thanks Louise! And I’m enjoying following your journey of looking for your ‘go to’ patterns 🙂
I love the collar. I need to try making a Coco with collar. The colour is fantastic.
The collar makes it nice and cosy alright, perfect for this time of the year!