Buttons and Bobs

I debated with myself for a long time about whether or not I should splurge money on the Tilly and the Buttons Coco pattern (£12.50 + £1 postage).  Searching on the internet for justification and examples of  other people's makes I found an amazing number of blog reports and youtube mentions. The majority like the pattern they say: the design is retro 60's style but on trend now the pattern is adaptable - i.e. tunic/dress; boat neck/funnel neck; three sleeve lengths; colour blocking possibilities; pocket options the instructions are clear for beginners who have not sewn stretch fabric before it is very quick to make the instructions are in booklet form illustrations are in colour the printed pattern is on sturdy paper rather than tissue the pattern pocket has a gusset therefore it is easier to pack the pattern neatly away. Some say: the pattern is overpriced for such a simple design the arm cycle is misshap ed/too small  the sleeves are too wide ...

I really like the Izzy Top free pattern from Teri on a blog she called "Climbing the Willow" here . I have learned a lot whilst making four of the tunics though it is a very easy pattern. 1 I learned: The importance of accurate printing. When I measured the 1 inch test square I could see that my printout was measuring slightly less but I carried on just adding a little extra to the width and length. The resulting tunic fitted a 6 month old rather than a two year old.  When I printed via Acrobat Reader from my laptop rather than my Tab the printout was exact. 2 I learned: It is best to find out the makeup of the material. I bought the fabric for my Izzy 2 from a remnant stack in Aberkan Mill, Flintshire. I thought it was cotton. I pre-washed  and dried but then parts of it hardened and shrank when I added iron on Vilene to the bodice. Adding rick rack trimming can cause problems - I practised again and again making button holes and there was no problem. ...