Today's I've got my tester version of the new Tilly and the Buttons Zadie dress for you!
There were a few minor changes made to the pattern since testing (namely fixing a slight grading error in the short sleeve that is causing the wrinkling in the photo below), but I think my test version is still a pretty good representation of the final pattern! You can see more versions in Tilly's launch post.
Here is the description of the Zadie dress as provided by Tilly and her team:
"The dress has striking diagonal seams, concealing lovely (and practical!) in-seam pockets. The fitted bodice has a flattering empire waistline and round neckline finished with a neckband. It flares out into a feminine, knee-length semi-pleated skirt that’s great for swishing. Choose from cap, three-quarter or full length raglan sleeves."
Zadie's angled seams at the sleeves and sides are perfect for colorblocking, which is what I went for (looks like Tilly has some really fun colorblocked Zadie dress kits in her shop, too!). My fabric is some ponte de roma from my stash, a teal blue for the main bodice and skirt, and black for the side panels, sleeves and neckbands.
I obviously opted for the cap sleeve version here, because Bangkok, but I think the Zadie would be perfect for cooler weather with the 3/4 or full length sleeves.
As far as construction goes, the point where the pocket, side panel, bodice and skirt all meet is a little bit tricksy, but Tilly's instructions are very thorough, as usual, and guide you through it easily (plus there is a sewalong for the Zadie pattern coming soon!). The rest of the dress is quite simple and straightforward to sew.
The pockets are delightfully deep! It's hard to keep your hands out of them!
I've worn this dress around town several times since testing and can attest to how incredibly comfortable it is.
For reference: this is a size 7. Bust is probably the most important measurement for this dress since the skirt is full.
As an aside, I just want to say that I am glad that Tilly is using both thin and curvier models for her latest patterns... it helps to visualize what the pattern would look like on me!
I'm pretty delighted with my Zadie dress! Comfortable, cute, giant pockets... check, check and check!
I like it a lot. TATB patterns are for the most part very far removed from my personal style but I dig this one. Looks great on you meg.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah!! I've had good luck with Tilly's patterns, but I agree, the styling can be quite outside my comfort zone.
DeleteSo glad you've made this Meg, I love your version and now can't wait to make my own! You look fab in this, I really like the colour blocking. I'm actually pleased there's a little bit of thinking required when you get to the pockets, somehow makes me feel I've achieved more!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheona! This pattern will look fabulous on you!
DeleteOh this is really cute. I love the empire waist and the colour blocking. I might have to try this pattern.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jean! The color blocking is quite fun...
Deleteloks great on you Meg .. how are the pockets holding with wear?
ReplyDeleteThanks! So far so good on pocket durability! The edge of the pocket is reinforced with clear elastic (you could probably use a selvage edge or something, too), so they're not stretching out.
DeleteThis is cute on you: any modifications made?
ReplyDeleteThanks! No mods. I was testing, so I made it as is.
DeleteI saw this on Twitter yesterday and loved the detail, but seeing it on you has made me pull the trigger!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's nice they used a bigger woman for one of the sample dresses, but a bummer they put a solid colored version of the dress on her. It's just another plain dress for a big girl :-p on the plus side, now we know how *not* to make the Zadie - and in your version, how to rock it!
Thanks, Ebi! It's a cute dress. I definitely prefer the color blocked version. I am happy Tilly is showing a curvy model, though!
DeleteThis looks fab on you - really flattering. I've not bought a Tilly pattern before (not me), but this one is tempting me now....
ReplyDeleteThanks!! It's a cute style, without being cutesy, if you know what I mean.
DeleteIt looks great on you! I love the cap we've version, hadn't seen that one yet. Your color choices are perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Masha! I tried to de-twee it a bit with the darker colors.
DeleteThis is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
DeleteLove the dress! Such a great style for you. I think this is the first Tilly pattern that I really have wanted. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andie! This dress would look adorable on you!
DeleteI was sooo sceptical - till now 😍
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bettina!
DeleteI love this! I am so behind on new pattern releases. Did not even know this was a thing. I'm on a little bit of a pattern buying freeze, but I'm going to consider this when I unfreeze myself!
ReplyDeleteThanks!! Ha, I feel you on pattern freezes... I should really be doing one myself!
DeleteI love you version!! Like Andie, this is one of the first Tilly patterns that have really tempted me. Maybe it's the pockets!! You look great!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margo! The pockets are pretty awesome!
DeleteLove this on you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erika!
DeleteI haven't felt these patterns were for me but this one could be, as others have said. Though not in the plain plus sized version on the advert; the colour blocking raises this dress a level.
ReplyDeleteThe colorblocking really shows off the interesting design lines; without it they get a bit lost!
DeleteI've been thinking about buying this pattern, after reading your review I will! Love your version, great colours. xox Allison
ReplyDeleteThanks, Allison! Can't wait to see yours!
DeleteSuits you!
ReplyDeleteMary in Thailand
Thanks, Mary!
DeletePerfect choice with the colour blocking Meg. It looks really great on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!!
DeleteLovely color. I think the pockets appeal to me the most in this pattern.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Annie! The pockets are great- nice and deep!
DeleteI might have to give this one a go. My hip measurements usually size me out of Tilly's patterns but my bust measurement puts me in the size 8 so will hopefully be okay :)
ReplyDeleteI bet you'd be ok, Nyssa- the skirt is quite full!
DeleteI like your colour blocking, it's very flattering. Do you think that you will make it again?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ann! I think I would make it again; perhaps the 3/4 sleeve length. It's incredibly comfortable!
DeleteThis looks so lovely on you. I've been considering this pattern and I wonder if it would be possible to take out some out the fullness in the pleated section CF & CB without effecting the waist/side seam too much?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteHmm, I bet you could easily a bit of fullness out at the center without changing the a-line shape.
I forgot to say I would be making the size 7.
ReplyDelete