Bettine #2

Hello all! I'm back with my Bettine #2! 

I started this almost as soon as my last version was completed, and managed to get this finished just before setting off for our lovely vacation to Hong Kong and Bali! It was the perfect holiday, and this was the perfect holiday dress, if I may say so myself ;) 

Some action shots for you today:

The tide was coming in!

 Dramatic rock formations at the Blue Point beach

I hunted down a dreamy piece of Ships Nautique Chambray from Backstitch (still available here in case you were interested) for this dress, which had more structure than the soft and drapey viscose I used for the last version.  

I opted for the sleeve tabs this time, and finished them off with a pair of antique-look anchor buttons to complete that nautical look. 

I have to say, this project turned out exactly how I envisaged it, and I think I may prefer it to my last version! It is a hard choice, but I'm basing it on the level of warm & fuzzy feeling that I get from wiggling into them. That said, my viscose version enjoyed plenty of wear on this vacation, and I very much appreciated how comfortable, cool, and pretty it was.  

That's all I've got to say about my Bettine #2. Before I go, let me leave you with one of my favourite snaps from the beautiful island of Bali, and I hope it brings you as much calmness and zen as it does to me.  

My first Bettine!

Who's loving the heat wave this week? The weather has been so lovely in the last few days, so much so that I felt inspired to make a summer dress! 

I wanted something comfortable and cool to wear, that could be thrown on without much fuss.You may also have noticed that I have not posted a sewing project for a while (since I've been busy doing up the house again!), so I wanted something straightforward to ease me back into sewing.  

Can you believe that this is my first Tilly pattern? And I have to say, I was impressed! 

I love the simple design of the Bettine. It is beautifully casual, and extremely easy to put together. 

I had a lovely piece of viscose in my stash, which was picked up in my Garment District trip over 2 years ago. The busy pattern of red and white striped, scattered by blue grey flowers was the perfect match for this relaxed little number.  

I made a few minor tweaks to the pattern/construction:

1. I shortened both the bodice and the skirt slightly;
2. I did not topstitch the facing as it was pretty flat, and I prefer it without the visible line of stitching;
3. I did not bother with the cuff, and did a little hem on the sleeves instead. 

I'm really pleased with how quick it was to thrown together (it only took a weekday evening!), and how it turned out. I'm already sewing my next version, so watch this space! 

In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine this bank holiday weekend!