Simple Safiya

So how’s your lockdown week been? Ours has been quite emotional as things have started to hit a little too close to home. I viewed last night’s news of lockdown potentially starting to ease on Monday with some trepidation; it will be interesting to see what that easing actually looks like.

I’ve continued to try to sew this week but have to admit that it hasn’t been easy to find focus. I did have a monster cutting out session last weekend, so have been starting to make my way through that little pile which largely contains items for the children, but which also included this make from Tilly and the Buttons’ new book, Make It Simple.

I’m guessing that it’s not going to surprise anyone that I love the dungarees on the front cover. They just look so cool and comfy! When I was looking at the fabric stash for something appropriate, this leopard print chambray I picked up at The Stitch Festival leapt out at me. Originally bought for a sleeveless version of Vogue 9075, it seemed like this more casual style might get more wears, so I went for it.

The pattern is really simple (it’s all in the name of the book, right?) but does require you to trace it out from the pattern pieces included in the book as several go over multiple pages on the pattern sheets. Each piece is colour coded though so that’s not too onerous. I chose to make the dungaree hack of Safiya, including the pockets (obvs) and the waist tie. This didn’t leave me a lot of change from my 2.5m of fabric.

I graded between a size 4 on the bust to a size 5 on the waist and hips. If you need to grade between sizes on this one, approach with caution: there are no fastenings on this pattern so if there’s a big differential between bust and hip, you might want to either add a fastening or accept a little looseness around the top: I can pull this up over my bum but let’s say it’s snug!

I also added my usual 1.5cm to the centre back seam, which is standard for me now.

It’s no surprise that this came together pretty easily. I would say it took a little longer than the indicated 2.5 hours, but I think that’s partly lockdown brain (definitely a thing!) and partly the fights I’m currently having with my overlocker slowing me down.

Once finished, this is a really comfy garment (shock horror) but I think I would make a couple of changes. One would be to add a little length to the bodice, which is almost unheard of for me, but it feels like the waist is a little high up and the straps are definitely tight against my shoulders. I did try it all on before sewing up the straps permanently, as suggested, but didn’t think it would be noticeable once finished. I was wrong.

Adding length to the bodice isn’t something I would usually do, so maybe worth toiling this one in some cheap and cheerful fabric if you think you might be similar in proportion to me (I’m 5’7″ if that helps).

However, that aside, I’ve worn this all day today and I love it. It’s so comfy and works perfectly for working from home: I feel a little more put together than in jeans and a top and I’m not having to handle the slight expansion in waistline (yes I am fuelled almost entirely by chocolate digestives at this point, what of it?)

So I would recommend this pattern as well as last time’s pj’s. Yet another book of Tilly’s which is proving to be well worth the money!

Becca x

P.S. I’ve just realised this is the 4th Tilly pattern in a row I’ve blogged! I promise I do use other patterns as well…

Pattern Safiya dungaree hack from  Make It Simple

Fabric pink leopard print chambray from Fabric Godmother

My measurements

Bust: 36″

Waist: 32″

Hips: 42″

Size cut 4 bust, grading to 5 from the waist down

Adjustments made followed the hack instructions to make trousers into dungarees and add inseam pockets: added 1.5cm to back rise

Future adjustments? Add maybe 1cm in length to the bodice and 1cm to the straps.

Make again? Maybe, although I have just succumbed to her new jumpsuit pattern and there may be a limit to how many pairs of dungarees and jumpsuits I can wear?