Tilly Walnes’s new pattern, Coco, came out just as I was wondering how best to tackle sewing with knit fabrics. I’ve sewn a wool skirt, but have stayed away from any kind of wool or cotton blend that involved a bit of stretch because I wasn’t really sure how to approach it. When I saw Coco’s release this week, I knew I’d found a good place to start.
At first look, the pattern appeared both approachable and simple (there are only three main pattern pieces to the top or dress: sleeve, front bodice and back bodice). Plus, the core versions outlined by Tilly are all lovely simple silhouettes and really wearable. Having used the pattern, I can now confirm that it is a simple one and a brilliant introduction to sewing knits.
I already had ball-point needles to hand, but had no knit fabrics in my stash, so I scoured the main fabric shops in Dublin city centre to see what my options were. The most suitable fabrics I found were in the lovely The Cloth Shop, but the only colour options were cream/beige, deep brown and steel grey. Nude and brown shades aren’t really my thing, so I took a chance on the grey, although I suspect it’s a tad heavier and stretchier than the pattern calls for. It is, though, fantastically soft to touch – if I could afford to go back and buy the rest of the roll, I would!
Coco and casual-photo-bombing cat
Initially, I had my eye on making up the shorter version with cuffed sleeves and roll neck (it’s so fantastically 60s!), but, on consideration, thought that this fabric would be more suited to the dress. I’ve omitted the pockets though because they just didn’t look quite right on me, but I would love to have a go at putting a strongly contrasting colour like a golden yellow or neon pink against this grey. There’s not much chance of finding either of those colours in the shops here though so I think I’ll be ordering some fabric samples from the suggested stockists on Tilly’s site for my future Cocos.
I bought the pdf version of the pattern and the instructions are very simple, methodical and clear (Tilly is planning to post detailed instructions soon on her site to coincide with a forthcoming Coco sew-along). I did also use Sewaholic’s Renfrew tutorial for more detail on stabilising the shoulder seams and found that really helpful.
I’m really pleased with how easy it was to make this dress, and it’s lovely and cosy to wear. I don’t have a serger, so made it all on my regular Janome sewing machine. Once I’ve sourced some other lovely knits, I’ll get stuck into making a few of the top versions, with and without the funnel roll neck!
(Speaking of the roll neck, here’s how it looks standing up before it’s rolled down over the neck seamline:)
Lady Stitcher 
Those neon pockets sound so good with this fabric. I think you really got the fabric right with this pattern, it makes the collar and the a-line skirt sit really well. Nice job!
Thanks Amy! Yes, this fabric is great for the collar. I actually really like the collar standing up too, it looks really modern.
Lovely! I am in love with that funnel neck. I am also new to sewing knits, just waiting for my Coco pattern to arrive so I can have a play!
There’s something so cosy and chic about that funnel neck! Enjoy your Coco making Julia! Are you thinking top or dress?
I’m going to go for the dress, with funnel neck of course. Probably some pockets too as I need pockets! On the hunt for fabric now 🙂
Brilliant, sounds like a great dress!
I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to make the Coco dress but your blog post has shown me how lovely it is. Jean
Thanks Jean! I love the top options but was guided by the fabric really. Would love some stripey versions too now!
This is gorgeous! Totally inspiring me to buy some knit fabric and get stuck into the Coco now.
Thanks Elle! Hope you enjoy Coco too! 🙂
That is so classy!
Thanks Karen!
That looks lovely, really comfy but stylish. The collar is fab. Well done you.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Louise!
Beautifully made up and looks very nice on!
Thank you! The fabric and pattern were great to work with.
This is a fantastic version of the coco! I love how you used the grey and the funnel neck, it’s so futuristic looking. And, you did a completely professional job of sewing with knits on your sewing machine. It looks perfect! I’m sure you will get lots of wear out of it.
Thank you 🙂 I think it’s the first time I sewed something and immediately put it on! It’s really cosy but I still feel ‘dressed’ in it, which is a definite win-win. (Also, I think I have enough fabric left to make your kitty tie!)
Oh YESSSSSS!! “Do it!” says Kitty.
🙂
I love how this turned out – just terrific! If it weren’t for my pattern and fabric diet, I would be running to get a copy of the pattern for myself.
Thanks Andrea 🙂 Yeah, I have to get back on the no-pattern-buying wagon again now…(for a while anyway!)
I’m with Karen! as very classy Coco! I like the way the A line of the dress is accentuated, my fabric wasn’t quite robust enough to get that proper A line shape. You look fab! x
Thanks Jane! I’ve been ordering fabric samples as research for putting a few stripey versions together now, love how yours turned out.
Gorgeous! I think your version has convinced me to buy this pattern, such a classic and versatile dress.
Yes, the simplicity of the lines really give it a classic feel.
Also, please could you drop me an email so I can contact you about the owls knitalong? I can’t seem to find an email address on your blog. Thank you!
Sure, it’s ladystitchersue@gmail.com, I’ll drop you a mail with it too. Can’t wait for the knitalong! 🙂
Love it! Did you buy the Grey Fabric online or from the actual shop? As I can’t find it online. I have finally found my perfect stripe material from Joel & Son Fabrics, for my first Cocoa, but really love yours too!
Oooh, I’d love to make a nice stripey one! I bought the grey fabric in store, they still had some left on the roll when I was there a few days ago. Possibly they could mail samples to you if you phoned/emailed? From their site: +353 1 6337900 or office@theclothshop.ie
Looking forward to seeing your striped Coco! 🙂 Are you making a top or dress?
I love your version of Coco. Ive been looking for a knit dress inspiration and I think you’ve given me the answer here.