This is my first go at the Indigo Dress from Tilly and the Buttons, and I’m sharing my full pattern review, along with details about this gorgeous Lady McElroy crepe fabric in my latest post for the Minerva Maker Team!
Have you ever experienced sewing FOMO? After seeing Indigo after Indigo flood my IG feed, I knew I had to give in and sew one of these gorgeously flowy dresses up for myself! Once I got my hands on this swishy Lady McElroy crepe fabric with a vintage-inspired floral pattern, I knew the two were a match made in Heaven.
This is my very first go at the Indigo, and Tilly’s detailed instructions came through for me again! I’ve never tried sewing anything remotely close to a ruffle, so it was nice to see that it actually wasn’t as complicated as I thought it would be. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’ve even worn anything with a frill since I was about 5 years old, so this is definitely a refreshing change of pace for my low-key wardrobe.
I was gifted this lovely fabric from Minerva in exchange for a blog post all about this make. You can read it here for more info about the making of this dress, how I enjoyed working with the fabric, as well as all the materials I used to sew up this beauty. (For sizing info and other quick and dirty details, see below!)
So sad story that ended up being a funny story: IMMEDIATELY after completing the flounce on my second sleeve, I was ready to power through a long day in the craft room and finish up the last few steps for this dress (inserting sleeves and hemming all the edges), when my iron decided to be a huge jerk and BURN A HOLE right into the flounce! I have no idea how it happened because I was using the exact same heat settings that I’d been using to press this fabric the whole time. I tested it on a scrap piece of fabric before using it on the flounce, so my question is HOW?!? AND WHY?!? Has this ever happened to you? I was so upset at the moment I just had to walk away. Luckily it was only on the flounce part and not the whole sleeve, so I was able to transplant a new flounce on and complete my dress the next day. But yeesh- at the time I was so done! haha!
Another reason I love this dress because it’s my first garment that I’ve made with a fun label inside! My clothes are legit, y’all! I was lucky to snag this limited edition Sweary Sewist label pack from Kylie and the Machine from this Etsy shop. There are so many good options to choose from, but I had to go with this “Hand-Fucking-Made” label for my first make of the year!
Also, how fun and mod does this dress look with these white booties?!? I scored these previously loved boots on Poshmark for a steal and I am so so thrilled to add them into the spring rotation! Any guesses as to what song I’m dancing to in these photos? (Yes, this is how I dance. I am not taking any further questions at this time 😂 )
I know that once the weather begins to thaw out a bit more, this dress is going to become an instant go-to piece for me. It’s one of those elevated everyday styles that still feels relaxed for days spent at home with my kid while looking stylish enough that I feel more put-together in my at-home wardrobe. Have you tried the Indigo pattern yet? As for me, I already have plans for the maxi version worked out in my head!
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Happy Making!
-XO-
C
QUICK + DIRTY DETAILS:
PATTERN: Indigo Smock & Top by Tilly and the Buttons
FABRIC: Lady McElroy Lena Crepe in Navy from Minerva (gifted)
SIZE: Straight size 5 based on my measurements (below). I made the dress version with frill seams and flounce sleeves.
- B: 38”
- W: 31″
- H: 40″
- Height: 5’4″
KNOWLEDGE OBTAINED: Sewing frills! So much gathering, but so worth the end result- I’m really happy with it!
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