I made a Coco. I made it a few months ago and figured it was about time I got around to taking a pic of it for you guys.

I was in the mood for polka dots and something easy to wear with a little flair. I landed on Coco by Tilly & the Buttons. This dress pattern is versatile, comfy and quick to sew. This one is my wearable muslin. It's not perfect but I'm ok with that. It sort of matches these pics. This is what my children have done to me this week and it was only Monday when these were taken. Bad sleep, bickering sisters, teachers still on strike, my need for a shower (thus the bad hair day)...the list goes on, but then, I'm sure all you mommas can relate. I know I'm not the only one counting down the hours till they go to bed and I can finally take a breath. Bless their hearts I love them but sometimes they drive me nuts..lol.

This left me with pics of me looking bootylicious (I'm not) while staring wistfully at a painting in our dining area or a chair like a weirdo, like what the heck am I doing in these shots? Ones I had to crop my face out of because I looked slightly crazed (remember...don't judge me..lol). Then there is me laughing hysterically as my kiddos make faces at me because they think I'm nuts when I do photoshoots with the remote, which I totally agree with, I do look nuts when I do them. I need to practice more. It's dang hard to take a photoshoot of yourself peeps. The pics below prove it. Especially when you're not photographic and don't photograph well. Plus a girl wants the camera to help you lose 10lbs not gain them. Just keeping it real here folks. So pardon me if I show some pics of my new boots below. Aren't they cute? Some of my favorite boots are from Old Navy so I was happy to give these ones a new home on the weekend. They look a heckuva lot better than I do today.




I feel like when I made this muslin I had one of those situations where I kept making silly mistakes - too much coffee and not enough sleep. That's the excuse I'm running with.

Or I could use that it was one of the first few things I made on my new serger (which it was) and I'm still learning how to use the darn thing so this ended up being half sewn on my Pfaff Ambition and half sewn on my Babylock Imagine. Heck the excuse doesn't matter. It's got some issues but it's all good. The hem is a tad wonky but not too noticeable. The side seams ended up pulling a bit and the bust....well I think I need to make some alterations on the armhole and shoulder. It's hard to see in the pics but the armhole's underarm area is about 2" over too far. I don't want to make a smaller size though as the bust coverage doesn't pull and I like the fit. So my good ol' sloped shoulders and small back are going to cause me to do a bit of tweaking. I need to lift up the armhole a bit and take the end of the top of the shoulder in about 1/2" or so give or take.

I love all the variations you can make with this dress too! But the collar? That was what sold me. I heart that collar. It's so flattering and just adds a certain bit of interest to a simple dress. I didn't put pockets on this one but next time I will for sure. I miss them. I can't seem to make anything without pockets lately or I feel nude and silly always wondering where the heck to put my hands.

I definitely think this is a curve flattering dress. If you get the right size for your shape and do a few alterations I think it could be a go for most bodies. 

I feel pretty good in it even though it hangs quite close to my problem area which is my tummy. The skirt seems to kick out a good spot which doesn't show it too bad from the side view but also doesn't add width either so overall I like that. It's a nice slimming a-line. My next one will be a tad longer too. I didn't have enough fabric and just barely made it for this length. So it's a "must wear leggings under" sort of dress. Mine ended up more tunic than dress though I did make it with the intention of wearing it with tights and cute flat shoes. Next time at least 1" will be added for my frame.

I can't wait to wear this for the fall and winter! It looks great with knee high boots and this polka dot print from Girl Charlee is warm and cozy. Just perfect for the climate I live in here on Vancouver Island. Once the rain starts that's all we get for months. So boots, sweaters, warm fabrics and cuddly cowls are a must at all times.

Have you made a Coco yet? Did you sew up a top or a dress style? What variation did you choose? I'd love to see and hear about it ladies! Show some pics! 


PATTERN || Coco by Tilly and the Buttons
FABRIC || Similar to this Light Gray Dot on Black Ponte de Roma via Girl Charlee
SIZE MADE || Size 7 (which is for Size 42" bust, I'm a 41" bust)
MODIFICATIONS || None, but had made an error sewing hip and hem. Need to do adjustments on  armhole and shoulder for next one.
BOOTS || Old Navy