A stash-busting Bibi Skirt from the new Tilly book

I was beyond excited to finally receive my copy of 'Stretch' by Tilly and the Buttons last week. I preordered it months ago, and my excitement kept building each time I saw a post on social media about someone else receiving their copy!  It didn't disappoint - the format is the same as 'Love at First Stitch', which is basically my sewing bible. The photos are beautiful and the patterns are all really wearable. I thought I knew a lot about sewing with knits, but I've already learned more from this book (and I've only skim read so far).  As you can imagine, I was itching to get going with one of the projects ASAP. That meant finding something I could make from my stash. 

I landed on the Bibi Skirt - a pencil skirt with panels made in ponte de roma. I decided to use two fabrics to highlight the panelling. For the centre panels, I used a monochrome geometric print from Girl Charlee (I actually have another project coming up using this, but the skirt uses such a small amount, I knew I could squeeze both from my fabric). I managed to squeeze the side panels and waistband from some black ponte that I bought from the bargain section at Abakhan to make a Bettine dress last year. 

This skirt is supposed to be really tight, but I prefer things to be figure-skimming rather than figure-hugging, especially around the tummy!  So I actually made this up in a size larger than I would usually use for Tilly patterns (I'm normally a 3, but made this in a 4). This means it is still fitted enough, but it isn't too tight and also means I can wear for work with a blouse tucked in. 

The construction was really simple - this is the skirt pattern I didn't realise I have always wanted! My only challenge is that my overlocker is playing up and I don't trust it on the seams, so I sewed as I would do with wovens (on the sewing machine for seams and overlocker for finishing). This means that it took twice as long as it should have done!  Even so, it was a one evening project. I'm on the lookout for some brightly to coloured fabric for my next one - this can easily be dressed up or down and it is super comfortable to wear. 

A couple of Strathcona Henleys as belated presents

I was so behind with sewing in the run up to Christmas that I didn't even stop to photograph one project before starting on the next. I vowed to learn my lesson and start a lot earlier with any future homemade presents. Then I totally ignored this when it came to Valentine's Day and left making something so late that I didn't even get finished on time. Oh well, maybe I really will stop being such a 'time optimist' in future and plan my makes properly!

I finally finished Gareth's Valentine's Day present at the weekend, which was a Strathcona Henley by Thread Theory, the same as I made him for Christmas. The pattern includes a traditional version with button placket and a t-shirt version. I ended up making a mash-up of the two, with long sleeves but a t-shirt neckline, as I couldn't picture Gareth wearing the button placket version. This is a really simple sew, but added features like cuff and hem bands make it more than a standard long-sleeved t-shirt. 

For his Christmas present, I used a digital camo print by Girl Charlee, which I bought at GBSB Live with Gareth in mind. The Valentine's version was in a blue star print also from Girl Charlee, bought online in the sale. The only slight issue I had with this project was finishing the neckline. I really do need to get to grips with my cover stitch machine, as this would have finished it more professionally. Other than that, it is a quick afternoon project and I'm told, very comfortable to wear.