Can I start this post with a word of thanks? I know, I know. I’m relaunching a pattern, not accepting an Oscar or a Pulitzer Prize. But after a few months of working on this relaunch under far from ideal circumstances, I really would like to thank you for all the support and patience. All those kind words of encouragement and impatience (;-)) I received via the blog, IG, FB, Messenger, and email, have made me realize once again how many incredibly sweet people are part of the sewing blogosphere. So, a heartfelt thank you!
So, let’s recap some of the characteristics of the new Tinny.
Options, options, options
Originally launched in 2013, the Tinny was a vintage style dress with multiple skirt, sleeve and collar options. It was named after the Belgian children’s book series Tiny, known for its illustrations of beautiful retro dresses. Today, the pattern is relaunched in more sizes (1-12y), and with many more options. There are 8 collar options, 2 bow options, 3 skirt options, 3 sleeve options, 2 bodice options, and it can be made with or without faux pocket flaps.
Versatility
Rather than a retro style pattern, it is now an eclectic pattern which can be used for making dresses in an infinite number of styles. Go for a classic dress, a vintage style dress, a Scandinavian version, or a Belgian style version. Go for lemons, or pineapples. Use Japanese double gauze, or French faux-Chanel fabric. Add buttons, ribbons, and piping. If I were some overpaid marketeer, I would probably say “Tinny makes YOU the designer”.
Combining different StraightGrain patterns
Shortly after launching my Hanami dress pattern more than two years ago, I started receiving the question whether the collars of the Tinny also fit the Hanami dress. The answer was no, as I started working with a new basic pattern and sizing chart after the Tinny. But as I received the question so often, it did give me the idea to make my pattern pieces interchangeable from then on. So now, the answer is yes: the Tinny collars fit the Hanami dress, and the long sleeves of the Ishi fit the Tinny dress (to name just two examples). Check out Annick’s beautiful long sleeve Tinny, for instance, here:
Complete patterns and instructions
The new Tinny pattern comes with a really useful feature: the possibility to print only the size you need. This makes it very easy to cut the right lines, and identify the right marks. You’ll also receive an A0 version of the pattern, so that you can have it printed on a big sheet (it includes only the basic parts, as all pattern pieces would not fit one (or even two) A0 sheets). The instructions come with clear illustrations instead of pictures, with a printing table for the eco-conscious seamstress, with a summary of the instructions for the experienced seamstress, with both a sizing table and a table with measurements of the finished dress, with yardage tables and cutting diagrams for different fabric widths, with tips for adapting the size, and with many pointers for achieving a perfect result.
A beautiful finish inside
Instead of having a neckline with facing, the new Tinny has a fully lined bodice. This is not only more practical, but it also makes it possible to achieve a beautiful finish on the inside of the dress (no need to serge the waist seam allowance):
Thoroughly tested
The Tinny pattern was tested by 41 very talented (and patient) seamstresses. I am so grateful for the help and feedback I received from Anke, Ann, Anne, Annick, Ashley, Diorella, Dorothée, Eline, Ellen, Erica, Eva, Freya, Joke, Kathleen, Kathy, Katie, Katrien, Kimberly, Kristien, Kristin, Laïa, Laura, Lisan, Lucinda, Lucy, Maria, Marleen, Mei-Lyn, Mirjam, Natascha, Natalie, Nina, Noemie, Rita, Sofie, Sofie, Summer, Suzanne, Tania, Victoria, and Zara.
A big thank you also to Annick (MyMinnieMie), Kathleen (Bellelien), Lies (Liesellove) and Riet (Mind the Whale), fantastic ladies who were brave enough to use the pretest version of the pattern. And finally, many thanks to Suz (sewpony) who helped me greatly with the illustrations of the options, and who proofread the English instructions.
Discount Code
If you use the code LAUNCH20, you’ll get 20% off. Would you like to buy other StraightGrain patterns too, as you’re in my shop anyway? The code ENJOY10 gives a 10% discount code on all my other patterns.
Workshops
I’m giving a Tinny workshop in Antwerp, on December 10 and 17. Meer details op de website van ‘t Naaiatelier: http://www.hetnaaiatelier.be/?page_id=62
FAQ
I already bought Tinny 1.0. Will I receive the new version for free?
Sort of. You’ll be able to choose:either receive the new pattern for free up to size 6y, or pay $2.90 to receive the new pattern up to size 12y. I will be emailing everyone who bought the pattern before (also if via Etsy or Craftsy) with a personal code. This will be quite a bit of work, but I hope to be able to contact all of you before the end of next week.
Can the pattern pieces of the old Tinny be combined with those of the new?
No, they cannot. The new Tinny was created with a new (and more flattering) basic pattern, so the new pattern pieces will not go together with those of the old one. Burn the old pattern, I’d say!
What’s next?
I have three fun projects for you up my sleeve. Check back tomorrow (on Wednesday) to read more about:
– the Tinny Open Blog Tour, in which anyone who has a blog can participate.
– Tinny’s Sweet Give-Away Week: a special give-away, in which you can win fabrics, but also make other people happy.
– the tINnySPIRATION lookbook, filled with ideas to make your Tinny dress extra special.
Another huge thank you to all of you!