Yeah for Buttons!

Fabric: Cotton with printed buttons on it. I would say the fabric and pattern match very well, as this pattern was designed by Tilly and the Buttons.

Pattern: Megan Dress by Tilly and the Buttons featured in Tillys book Love at First Stitch. This pattern tempted me because it has gathered sleeves. It meant I wouldn't need to do any sleeve alterations because there is space for my shoulders. I also love the fit under the bust.

Size: I'm a size 2 for the bust, a size 3 for the waist and between sizes 3 and 4 for the hips. Thus when tracing the pattern I graded between the sizes.

Fitting: Before cutting into the fabric, I did my usual tissue paper adjustment - a forward shoulder adjustment of 5/8" - and then "tried the tissue paper on". As the tissue seemed to fit, I went ahead and cut the fabric. Something I usually wouldn't do. I'm known for being patient and making many muslins. But this time all I wanted to do was sew! Do you know that feeling?

Construction: As I was sewing with cotton the sewing itself was no problem and Tilly's instructions are also very clear. But because I was fitting the dress when sewing, it took me about one weekend to make it. I made a couple of more changes: sway back adjustment of 5/8" on back bodice and skirt; shaved off the curves for the hips on both back and front skirt.

I lined the bodice with some polyester lining to prevent it clinging to my underwear. I didn't line the skirt as I've made a half slip recently which I can wear underneath - theoretically. I shortened it and it is still too long and peeks out when I sit down.

I really like the dress, however, sadly there are a couple of problems. Firstly, it is too short which becomes apparent when I sit down. This is the reason why I can't wear the dress in public or only to parties where you don't sit down, haha. Secondly, the back is a bit too tight and I have problems moving the arms forward. So for my next version, I will do a broad upper back adjustment. Moreover, the bust dart is (as always) sitting too high, so it will be moved down by half an inch.

Do I like it? I really like the style of the dress and think it suits my shape well. It means there will be further Megan Dresses in the near future, yeah.