Billie Sew-Along

Dates – 14th and 21st November

Time – 2pm – 5pm

Our latest Sew-Along features the Billie dress by Tilly and The Buttons 

Billie is packed with swoonsome details that will make your heart flutter – especially the dreamy balloon sleeve variation. Versatility is at the heart of all Tilly and The Buttons patterns so Billie can be simple and classic, or on-trend with the balloon sleeves, which are sure to get all the compliments. Oh, and did we mention the dress has pockets?

Cool, casual and modern, Billie is an ultra-comfy sweatshirt or sweater dress that you can whip up in an afternoon. It has a relaxed shape, crew neckline and classic trim details. Keep it effortless with cuffed, straight sleeves, or add some drama with on-trend balloon sleeves and deep cuffs.

Is it too early to talk Christmas? Billie is perfect for making a fun Christmas jumper and the dress would make the comfiest Christmas day outfit. You could even make one for a special pal – there is nothing like a handmade gift to bring a smile to someone’s face.

Billie works with a wide variety of snuggly fabrics, such as sweatshirt fleece, French terry, ponte, double knit, interlock or sweater knit with at least 10% stretch. Ribbing can be used for the cuffs, neckband and hem band giving even more opportunity to customise your make!

This sew-along is perfect for beginners who feel nervous about using stretch fabrics. We will guide you through everything from what jersey fabric is, to finishing your cuffs and hems. This time we have also allowed for a session covering choosing your size and cutting out. We will make our top using a regular sewing machine, so don’t worry if haven’t got an overlocker. Unlike pre recorded classes you can ask questions as you go along, and we will also send you a link to the recording afterwards so you can replay any bits you want to.

We will be sewing together the Billie dress or top… you choose

The class runs over a series of 4 weeks with one 2hr class every week allowing you enough time to digest each stage in between classes and maybe make another one alongside.

The class will take place in a ‘virtual classroom’ using the video meeting software Zoom. You will need to have Zoom installed on the device you intend to use for the class, it’s free and easy to use. If you haven’t used Zoom before we suggest you have a practice before the class. Please download the free version via this link https://zoom.us/meetings

• We also suggest choosing a quiet area to set up your machine next to your device. To achieve the best internet connection please reduce as many items as you can that are connected to your router.
• You will receive a message via WhatsApp with a link that will take you directly to the class. All you need to do is click on the link just before we are due to start. We suggest signing in 10 mins before the start time, you will be held in a virtual waiting room.
• We encourage you to turn on your own video and audio so we can interact, and you can ask us questions – the idea is that it’s as much like an in-person class as possible!

• Measuring and deciding on your size taking into account negative ease
• Exploring economical double fold layouts
• Tips on cutting stretch fabric – rotary cutters v scissors
• Tips on pinning and sewing using fabric clips
• Identifying suitable stretch stitches on your sewing machine
• Exploring types of stabilising materials such as seam tape
• How to sew a neckband
• How to sew a pocket
• How to gather stretch fabric
• How to insert a balloon sleeve “on the flat”
• How to sew regular and balloon cuffs ribbing

• 4 x 2 hour tutorials guiding you through each step of your Billie
• Help in-between session if needed via a WhatsApp group
• Membership of our closed Facebook group

• Purchase your pattern, fabric and haberdashery using the links in the Billie Course Kit below.

We have selected a range of fabrics and haberdashery which we would recommend for this course. Please select from the kit options below. If you are a newcomer to using jersey we would suggest you start by selecting a cotton jersey to work with.You will find a Build Your Own kit with all the items you need to make the dress in our Build Your Own Kit section.

Please find below a list of all the items you need with the relevant links if you would like to buy them individually.

Custom make your kit by only selecting what you need using the list below. Just click on each item and you will be taken to the relevant section for you to select from.

Essential items for your Billie:

• Tilly and the Button Billie Pattern
• 1.5m – 2.8m Cotton Jersey. Choose from: cotton jersey,  french terry, twill jersey
• 1x 1oom  Gutermann rPET sew all thread in a matching colour (the matching thread colour can be found in the fabric full description details)
• 1 x pack Prym needles ( for cotton jersey use stretch needles or for french terry use jersey needles)

Optional items for your Agnes:

• 1m ribbing for cuffs and hem
• 1x pack of Prym cotton black or white tape
• Rotary Cutter 
• Love fabric clips 
• Stretch twin needles 
• Hand guage (for measuring percentage stretch)
• Patterntrace (we advise tracing off your pattern size in case you need to make any alterations to the pattern for future makes)
• Project Planner (Make notes on your sizing, alternations and fabric requirements so you have these notes with your pattern  for future makes)
• Gift Box – Studio at Number 30 Gift Box 
• Select a Gift Box and we will pack your kit in a box all ready for collection and delivery. We will even add a little surprise inside!

• Sewing machine fitted with a jersey   jersey needle and threaded with your choice of Gutermann Sew–All thread colour.
• Access to an iron and ironing board for pressing your fabric.
• Your usual sewing haberdashery including all the basics (see Dressmaking Kit)

All of these items in italics including sewing machine needles can be purchased from our website in advance of the workshop.

We have handpicked a collection of premium Germany haberdashery from the Prym range and Gutermann thread. If you need any haberdashery to complete your garment, it is available to purchase either via the website or click and collect from The Studio.