Saturday 28 June 2014

White Coco

After falling in love with all the "Coco's" popping up on so many sewing blogs, I finally weakened and bought the pattern. Here is my test version:

Coco by Tilly and the Buttons

I just love the whole flattering shape of the Coco and the funnel neck is such a fun retro detail. I used some sort of cotton sweater knit that I purchased on sale from Bargain Box Fabrics for $3.00 per metre. This fabric had only a small amount of stretch and almost zero recovery so I had to make allowances for this.

Front View

Based on my bust measurement I made a size 5 with no alterations. I was very pleased with the fit and I wouldn't change anything for my next one, except for the length. I think it is a little too short for me, but would be fine on you younger girls (I am 5 foot 7 inches tall).

Back view

This fabric had a nice amount of drape and hangs quite nicely. To avoid stretching out too much I added some clear elastic to the neckline and the sleeve hems which has given them some much needed stretch recovery. I used some purchased cotton bias tape at the hemline for two reasons: 1. so I didn't have to lose too much length when turning up the hem and 2. to add stability to the hem and avoid stretching out when sewing the hem. This worked really well. 

Sleeve hem

All the hems were stitched using a twin needle, although this detail is difficult to see on this fabric.

Funnel neck detail

 The funnel neck was such a cute feature and so easy to do. Due to fabric constraints I had to cut my funnel neck in two pieces. I measured the length of the front and back necklines on the stitching line and then added seam allowances and cut my funnel neck as two pieces, one front and one back, so that the seam lines matched the shoulder seams.








I will have to wait for the weather to warm up before I get any wear out of this dress, but I have a few ideas for a warmer version, now I know it fits.


Happy Sewing

29 comments:

  1. This looks great Jean, I love it! I like the length: you are tall and have great legs, you might as well show them off.

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  2. Very nice! It really looks good on you.

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  3. Beautiful fabric and a perfect fit, Jean! You look lovely in white :)

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    1. Thanks Sarah. It's always a lovely surprise to achieve a perfect fit without making any pattern alterations.

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  4. This is so lovely! And the length is just perfect on you. You have fabulous legs. I strongly disagree with making it longer ;-). It looks comfy and cosy. I love the shape and of course I love white! Fantastic make.

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    1. Thanks so much Debbie. I guess I might get used to the length seeing as I have received so many favourable comments about it.

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  5. Ditto Meigan! The length looks great on you.

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  6. I made this look the first time around! ;-) so probably just need to look through my old patterns to find one just like this one. I think you look great in it!

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    1. The retro vibe of this pattern was really appealing to me. Such a classic style. Thanks Linda.

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  7. Very cute and you have the legs to pull it off.

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  8. Love this dress. The neckline is so Jacquie Kennedy. Lovely.

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    1. Thanks BeaJay. I really love the neckline too.

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  9. This is the best version of this dress that I have seen. Love it in white and you are easily young enough for this length!

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    1. Such flattery Megan. Thank you so much. You have just given my confidence a massive boost.

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  10. It looks great on you! Very mod.

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    1. Thanks Masha. I think you might be seeing more Coco's appearing on my blog in the future. Great pattern.

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  11. I've seen one other white version of the Coco and I'm loving them both! Looks super cute on you! And I like the length. You can totally rock it!

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    1. Thanks Shannon. This was just some really cheap cotton knit that I used to try out the pattern. I wasn't expecting it to turn out quite so well, so it's been a nice surprise.

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  12. I really like the neckline on this pattern and your white version is the nicest I have seen.

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment Sharon. The neckline was what attracted me to this pattern too.

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  13. You look gorgeous in this dress; looks really fab in the winter white and the funnel neck is lovely, a little bit "mod". I love it!

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    1. Thanks for the great comment Carolyn. I have a warmer version planned. Just waiting for the fabric to arrive from Knitwit, over in your neck of the woods.

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  14. Thanks Nakisha. It did turn out quite well for just a test garment.

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  15. I meant to comment the last time I read this post. I adore white and am a big fan of the Coco so this is a great combo. The fabric is lovely and it will make a perfect spring dress.

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment Sue. Bring on Spring!

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