The Sew and Tell Project

This post contains affiliate links which support this site. I preordered the book myself – all opinions are my own. 

I had a crazy weekend here – it was the good kind of love-filled family crazy surrounding a special occasion. But that is for another post. However, when these visits end, I am always in need of a little alone time at my machine to decompress from all the hostessing (and then sadness) when our guests leave.

This arrived today – and I’ve already picked out my first project! Gorgeous book! @sewcaroline #sewing

A post shared by Eleri (@elerihandmade) on Apr 10, 2017 at 8:41pm PDT

During the weekend, I received my pre-ordered copy of Caroline Hulse’s debut book: Sew Caroline Weekend Style: 15 Easy-Sew Patterns for the Must-Have Weekend Wardrobe. I couldn’t help but flip through the pages several times over the weekend. The Tilly Tee pattern on page 42 immediately caught my eye as a quick and flattering sew.

I printed, taped, and made this Tilly Tee with Katarina Roccella Recollection Knits by Art Gallery Fabrics in just over an hour. Perfection! I just love the microflorals for spring.

I’m sure you’re tired of my refrain: “I’m a thirty-something mom with four kids.” But this does influence my wardrobe choices a lot. I have a larger bustline and waistline than I did before kids. But proportionally my hips and seat will probably always be smaller proportionally. This means that I dislike most of the drapey, relaxed fit tees that are popular in PDF patterns right now. I usually think they end up looking like maternity wear on me – and so they hang in my closet or are trashed.

The Tilly Tee is so different – I often shy away from sharing side views since I’m self-conscious about my tummy lately – but I just had to show off the gentle relaxed fit of this tee. I don’t feel like I’m hiding my figure by drowning it in fabric.  The tee has a lovely fitted shape through my shoulders and bust, and a gentle ease that has the perfect amount of relaxed shape. The only modifications I made to the pattern (which is available on an included CD-Rom) is adding 2″ of length at the lengthen/shorten line since I’m 5’10.”

I have already spent some time picking out my next projects from Sew Caroline Weekend Style. There are a lot of projects to choose from: bags, totes, tops, dresses, skirts, etc. I’ll be sure to share a few more makes from the book as I finish them! Be sure to check it out and make sure you follow me on Instagram!