Having decided that I wasn’t going to make Tilly and the Buttons’ Francoise in time for the #SewingFrancoise contest, I cracked at the last minute and whipped this up over Saturday night and Sunday morning; just in time to wear to my brother’s engagement party on Sunday afternoon. I snuck out of the party for a few minutes to take these photos in my mom and dad’s garden.

The dress is made in a purple-pink wool I bought while in Paris.The gold leather I used for the collar and tab was also from Paris – a pressie from Ma Petite Mercerie that was provided in our goodie bags. I thought the gold would be suitably festive:) The buttons are vintage, from a charity shop. The only downside of this wool is how much it creases – the dress was nicely pressed before I left home, but you can see it was creased by the time I reached my parent’s house!

I cut a straight size two and took it in slightly at the upper back. I actually fall between sizes, but I find Tilly’s patterns tend to have a bit of ease so I went with the smaller size and it’s a good fit. I cut the leather sections on a single layer as I didn’t think they would turn and press well if I doubled them up.

It was nice to enjoy a spot of selfish sewing this weekend; now to get back to making Christmas presents before I run out of time.