Many weeks ago, Griet (Emma & Mona) made a beautiful top, based on the Tinny pattern. Eye catchers were the beautiful and unique flutter sleeves.
Griet proposed that we would turn this into a free add-on pattern for the Tinny dress together, and that is not the kind of proposal I say no to. Our good friend (and blog queen) Annick (My Minnie Me) also joined in, and 3,753 Messenger messages, a sewing date, a few test versions, and a fun photo shoot later, we’re finally launching the Viola Volant.
The pattern is free, and comes in 12 sizes (1-12y) which fit the Tinny dress perfectly. If you scroll down, you’ll find the tutorial and links to the free pattern.
But first, let’s talk a bit about the fabrics. We used Cotton Couture Solids from Michael Miller – my favorite line of solid fabrics. As usual, we found them at Petite Couture. Shop owner Wendy has a beautiful selection of these wonderful solids; check them out here.
For the dresses we made, you’ll need these colors (from left to right): Creamsicle, Watermelon, Geranium, and Apricot.
Our girls got along so well, despite the vast age differences.
Griet took beautiful pictures of them.
Okay, on to the tutorial!
Free pattern & tutorial: The Viola volant
Klik hier voor de Nederlandse versie!
So the Viola is a flutter sleeve which you can add to the Tinny pattern. You will have to adapt the main bodice (front and back) a bit, but we made a template for you which makes this very easy. The template is included in the free pattern. The bodice lining and skirt do not need to be adapted.
Materials:
– everything you need for a regular Tinny dress
– extra fabric for the flutter. The thinner the fabric, the prettier the result.
– the free pattern. You can download it here (1-5y) or here (6-12y).
Steps:
1. First, we’ll adapt the bodice patterns of the Tinny pattern. Take the template for the front bodice, and align it with the edge of the armhole. Trace the shape with a pencil, and cut the pattern open on this line.
2. You now have two pattern pieces. Cut these from your fabric, but add 0,7 cm (1/4″) of seam allowance at the curved edge you cut in step 1. (Do not add seam allowance elsewhere).
3. Use the bodice back pattern and template in the same way. Also cut the Flora flutter from your fabric four times (seam allowance is included). You’ll end up with these pieces:
4. Pin each pair of flutter sleeves with right sides together, and stitch the outer curve with a 0.7 cm (1/4″) seam allowance.
5. Reduce the seam allowance to about half its current width, turn right side out, and press.
6. Stitch front and back bodice together at the shoulders with right sides together. Press the shoulder seams open.
7. Pin the flutter sleeves on the arm hole with right sides together. Start in the middle, aligning the marking with the shoulder seam, and work towards the ends. Stitch with a 0.7 cm (1/4″) seam allowance.
Depending on the type of fabric you use, you may of some flutter left at the ends. You can cut this extra off.
8. Stitch the shoulder seams of each pair of the pieces you are left with. Press seams open.
9. Pin these pieces on top of the flutter sleeve, with the right side down. Make sure that the shoulder seams are matching up. Stitch with a 0,7 cm (1/4″) seam allowance.
You can now finish your Tinny dress as per the instructions of the pattern. When you close the side seam, make sure the ends of the flutter sleeves are directed downwards, and are matching up nicely:
And that’s it!
A big thank you to Wendy, Griet, and Annick for the fun collaboration!