Are you swooning over Seren and ready to make your own? This flirty button-down dress will keep you feeling cool during picnics in the park all summer long and is just perfect for a party. If you’re looking for a little style inspo we have a round-up of ideas to get you started.
It’s Louise here, and I have been pinning plenty of suggestions to make your own creation. Seren has some really pretty options to choose from, whether you opt for the flounce neckline or tie-front bodice, you will find yourself cinched in with a flattering waistband aaand the straps are wide enough to cover bra straps (yay!). I predict this will become your favourite summer dress : )
 | ||
| Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 |
You can never go wrong with stripes in our book and Seren + stripes make my heart flutter. Tilly’s ultimate Seren is a simple blue and white stripe version in shirting cotton…she is just waiting for someone to make it!
How about having a little fun with your stripes and using this project to try out directional stripes? Top tip: shop for horizontal stripes, cutting the bodice and waistband on the length-wise grain (as shown in the cutting layout) this allows a a little give in the fabric where you need it and then cut your skirt with your stripes going vertically. This will create a lengthening effect and reduces the need for stripe matching (double yay!) I really want to try this out myself.
 |
| Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 |
Yellow is having a moment in the world of fashion, and believe me, there is a shade for every skin tone. Try out mustard, buttercup, or sunshine yellow (I am a buttercup girl myself), and if you find the block colour a little too much you opt for a print like this sunflower.
You may have noticed that our Seren sample (modelled by the lovely Zeena Shah) was a gorgeous lemon yellow viscose that we picked up from Adam Ross fabrics, the drape of this fabric worked sooo well with the flounce.
 |
| Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 |
There is nothing better than a crisp linen in the summer and the high street seems to be full of dreamy options. As dressmakers, we can make a garment to our exacting requirements, choose your fave shade linen (I am partial to lilac myself), or pick a print, before moving onto choosing buttons!
 |
| Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 |
You can have fun with prints, like these gingham numbers and of course the lemons – somebody just has to make this!
 |
| Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 |
One thing a sewer loves is putting a fun spin on a make with details. I am lusting after the idea of Seren separates, ugh someone needs to make this happen. A cute little twist is to turn the straps into tie-shoulders by slightly lengthening your pattern pieces and sewing up the ends or try out this dreamy scallop detail down the center of your dress.
I bet you are writing a fabric shopping list in your head, aren’t you? Well watch this space, as I have pulled together a roundup of the most gorgeous fabrics to pair with Seren coming up!
Share your makes with us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtag #SewingSeren
