Sewalong, Tilly and The Buttons Billie Sweaterdress.

Hi Everyone,
I hope you enjoyed this sewalong.
I made the size 3 Billie.
I have made the Ninalee Southbank and for reference I made a size 10 bust and waist and graded to a 12 at the hips. This helped me choose the correct size in th eBillie.My advice would be to go down a size from your normal Tilly size.
Alterations I made
I am 5ft (my measurements are listed below) so I folded up an inch at the waist shortening line. I also shortened the hem by 1.5inches.
I shortened the sleeve by an inch.
I cut the Botton band an inch wider on the fold, just as personal taste.
I cut the neckband 1 inch wider (2inches overall) on the fold.
If you would like to follow me on instagram
/ beyond.thepinkdoor
Here is the Facebook page
/ beyondthepinkdoor
Here is the link to the facebook PinkDoorMakers Group.
/ 2766657376996101
If you would like to buy me a virtual coffee, this is my ko-fi account☕️ Thank you
ko-fi.com/beyo...
This is the Printing Company I recommended for well priced printing and very speedy service.
www.planprinting24.co.uk
My shop is www.beyondthep...
My Measurements are
Bust 36
Waist 31
Hips 39
I am 5ft tall

[@sharonjennings4417]

Thanks so much for a lovely and informative sew-a-long. I have learnt a lot. Haven’t sewn for nearly 40 years and need help! Only thing I have managed properly yet is create quite a bit of a fabric stash!!!!!!😂

[@nancynewman6592]

Thank you for providing your personal size info. It is a huge help when trying to figure out how a pattern might work on one's own body type. This looks great on you :)

[@letitiathomson914]

Hi Andrea, your dress is great and a terrific fit. Your old Pfaff machine reminded me of one I had for many years. I bought it in December 1997 and upgraded in 1998 to an electronic Pfaff. Ive occasionally wished I’d kept the old one as a standby buy honestly have never needed it, so gave it to charity. The one I have now is still going strong, so I will keep it going for as long as possible. Thanks for all your sew alongs and I enjoy your chats on a Sunday, your time, I watch them on a Monday.

[@SewingBunny]

Lovely sew along and nice to see the little changes you made as well. Always enjoyable watching you sew 😊

[@suebryant4237]

Hi Andrea, I love how you present your makes, you explain so well how you do things and why you do it, and the main thing is you get to the point, I look forward to ever vlog you do, thank you for taking time to do these, much appreciated

[@jackymcqueen4202]

Currently working this today, your voice is so soothing it's preventing me from throwing it across the room 😂 but that's balloon sleeves for ya. Thankyou for your time making these sewalongs great tips

[@sandie4yeshua]

Lovely tutorial and make. I love, love, live the fabric xx

[@magpie64]

A gorgeous make 👍 and a brilliant and very informative tutorial, especially regarding the neck band issue 👌Thank you Andrea 🥳

[@beajannis2968]

Love your tutorials. ❤ from Antwerp.

[@marybethpazdernik9783]

Andrea, what a great tutorial! During this crazy covid period I have enjoyed your vlogs (esp at Christmas) and your live Sunday night chats, but I've been sewing over 50 years and sewn costumes in regional theatres and university theaters, so I don't watch a lot of tutorials expect for more complicated makes when I watch Lifting Pins and Needles or Sew Custom ( another lovely Irish sewist.) But I had hand sewing to do and wanted a slightly longer vlog, so I chose this one. You were so well prepared and organized and presented in a very calm, unflustered way. As someone who taught students to sew in the costume shop, though not for grades, I can easily recognize a skilled instructor. I hope you enjoy a great week and I look forward to your next installment.

[@paulamattsson8583]

Great sewalong Andrea, love the fabric and dress looks very lovely and comfy on you, well done Andrea 👍👍❤❤

[@elizabethevans5931]

Thank you so much for this sew along. I followed your directions that included increasing the neckline and it came out really well.

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Always delighted to be of help ❤️

[@majsheikh1025]

Very nice n clean sewalong, thanks ❤

[@sandrabrown7466]

Loved the sew along. Think even I could have a go. You made it look so easy, and I really love the fabric. Xx

[@lmlh7967]

Thank you for this. I'm struggling with a similar neckline. I appreciate your advice. All the best

[@sewsweetsamuel4865]

Hello I’m so glad I have found your channel, I was looking for a tutorial on the Billie sweater and I came across your video which I watched and now I’m hooked I shall try and catch up on as many of your videos as I can. X

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Hello , thank you for watching . Glad to hear you’re enjoying my channel . I hope you have fun making your Billie

[@bridgetrsews]

Thank you Andrea, this was very helpful. I have never seen pockets put it in like that, it’s much easier than attaching one bag to the front and one to the back then sewing around and trying to turn at the right spot 🙄😀. Your dress looks beautiful, those colours really compliment you ! Bridget R

[@wendygoldmith2813]

What a wonderful make Andrea I like it very much

[@michelleaugustin7739]

You did a fabulous sew along. It would present perfectly with a smile :). I can’t wait to cut my pieces out tonight !

[@sandraokeeffe5826]

Lovely video Andrea, your dress turned out FAB. 😃

[@sewagnes6706]

Such gorgeous material Andrea. Thanks so much for another fabulous sewalong. You present so well and are a joy to watch 😻👌

[@rhonddalesley]

Love it! I've just made a long sleeved sweater dress with only 1 metre of fabric just to see if I could and other than having to cut the cuffs in 2 pieces it worked out perfectly with VERY LITTLE to spare! I've bought a few other fabrics in 1 metre lengths now to make some more!

[@sweetcharlotte2286]

Very nice. Love it.

[@margaretgorman1907]

Great tutorial Andrea. . Very clear and concise. Your alterations were very helpful. You make a great teacher. Thankyou!

[@brenholmes4894]

It's a good idea to compare with the Southbank. I love my Southbanks, although I'd like a change from the mock neck. I am worried about the neckline on the Billie.

[@sallystapleton4237]

Oh gosh Andrea that looks gorgeous…xx

[@joyllewellyn-beardsley7232]

Thanks so much for all your hard work in making this video! It was so helpful for me as I made my first sweater dress - wouldn’t have understood all the ribbing instructions without it. Lovely to listen to you as I sewed as well.

[@rosemariecrowley9242]

Brilliant tutorial

[@Mhe25]

So glad I watched this video! I’ll be watching all your videos from now on.

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Thank you very much for watching 🧵

[@cynthialindsley5117]

When you sewed the side seams it looked like the pockets were sewn shut. Adorable!

[@rebawasswass3716]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing. I'm confused. Maybe she picked them open later?

[@sharoncrawford6450]

Lovely dress,you look so cute 👗 Nice sew along easy to follow!🥰

[@MsSparkleyspice]

Hi what an excellent tutorial. Very precise instructions and clear viewing. I have subscribed and will definitely be watching other tutorials.

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Thank you , I’m so happy to know you found it helpful 💛

[@GingerheadCo]

Always love seeing you sew Andrea 😀 Great sewalong - and I really like your 'old' machine (the foot looks sturdy and it sounds so nice 😀) x

[@seasidestitches615]

I just love your tutorials Andrea. Am now inspired to make a dress with pockets. Thank you. Your Nina Lee also looks great on you!

[@leslies4104]

Your sew along came at a perfect time as I am getting ready to make the Billy Sweatshirt! Thanks for all your insights and adjustment recommendations. The dress looks great on you!

[@marygreen7225]

Great sew a long Andrea as usual. I just have to buy that fabric, i already have the Billie pattern. Thank you.

[@susanjackson1616]

Lovely sew along x

[@PeteJustPete]

Thank you so much for this! I greatly appreciate all your notes since we are same height, etc. I am very much looking forward to your sew along for the gathered sleeves. I’m not normally a pink person, but I think the puff sleeves call for it, so I ordered a French terry in pink with mauve ditsy flowers. I can’t wait.

[@EileenR11]

Lovely make. And really interesting, especially seeing how you altered the neck.

[@andreablayney2175]

Such a gorgeous Billie dress. Thank you for sharing your sewalong - love the tips about the neckline. I think I'm going to try a high round back adjustment on the next garment I make. Even the Southbank sweater dress I made for Christmas feels a little uncomfortable on my neck and my posture has definitely worsened since working from home.

[@judithaltoft4690]

Thankyou Andrea for the great sewalong its given me confidence to start my billie dress, i love your sewalongs you explain everything so well, yours look lovely on you, i think i will size down you say it comes out a bit larger, i will do the changes you say that make all the difference, thankyou again you have really helped me x

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

You are most welcome Judith x

[@patriciabennett961]

Such a beautiful make! Absolutely love your fabric! Great tutorial Andrea😊👍❤

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Thank you, Andrea! Brilliant filming - beautiful result! Stay safe!

[@kathleenmurphy5225]

Thanks Andrea,brilliant tutorial with great tips. I am going to make the top version first to see what the fit is like and then the dress .

[@julietyson1185]

Brilliant tutorial You are very good at explaining things in way that is easy to understand Thank you

[@cherie_colours]

Enjoyed watching, very helpful. Loved the tips about the neckline. I have some garments that stick out at the back neck even after I've done my forward shoulder adjustment. So to add height to the back neckline is a great tip ill have to try next time. Much appreciated.

[@eileen5464]

Absolutely brilliant! Really enjoyed watching and listen. You have given me the confidence to give this pattern ago as a beginner😍. My fabric for it should arrive on Thursday. I would really like to see you do it with the balloon sleeves too please😍😍

[@newcreations1064]

Excellent tutorial Andria.xxx

[@gorgo1945]

What a cutie! A lovely material and style for you and Im so tempted to do the same:-) What is the type of material please Andrea - to my untrained/newbie sewist eye it is a Ponte? Excellent calm and clear instructions -many thanks. xx

[@lynnhunter5790]

Thanks for that Andrea. I’ve not bought the billie as I already have the southbank but I do like the fit of the billie. It seems to fit looser over the hips which at the mo would be a good thing. It looks lovely on you. ❤️

[@nancyshaner8548]

I am wondering about your neck band. Especially when you said it was not comfortable. To quarter the neck band and the neck edge, mark the band in quarters. Mark the top, center front, center back then match up those two pins of the neck edge. The shoulder seams are not where the other quarter pins should be. The back neck edge is shorter than the front. Match up the center front then center back and the other quarter pins will be where the two side folds are. Unless your band pattern has notches to match the shoulder seams. But I have a better fit if I quarter the band and neck edge rather than rely on notches. Beautiful top. I love that fabric.

[@cassandrasingleton3267]

Fantastic thanks Andrea ❤️

[@elainebyrne3081]

Great sew along Andrea, you make it al look so easy. I ordered a new machine from from John today at sewing machines .ie , a Pfaff passport 30 series, looking forward to using it now

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Oh fab Elaine . I’m excited for you . Please let me know what you think of it . I’m dying to get a pfaff now. I got the Opal back but I’ve completely gone off it after using the pfaff while it was gone .

[@sandraobrien8705]

Thank you 🤗

[@susannemoore3254]

Gorgeous

[@Loucam60]

Hi thank you for a great tutorial. Can I just ask where does the hem sit? Is it slightly above your knee, I can’t quite make it out. X

[@valclements7092]

Great sew along. I really like the pockets on the Billie pattern more than the South Bank. So you convinced me I need to buy it. Do you think a Liverpool fabric would work ok? I have some in my stash. Thank you have a great day. Val ❤️🇨🇦🇬🇧

[@majenamafe5221]

hi - in your intro you are wearing a bright pink cardigan with raglan sleeves. Can you tell me the pattern, please? I really love raglan sleeves and can't find this pattern anywhere, though I have looked and looked ... I really really enjoy your videos ... they are keeping me sane ... with your inspiration and happy smiley voice. thank you.

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Thank you , that’s lovely . The cardigan is the PatternScout Lulu cardigan . It doesn’t have a raglan sleeve though , it has a yoke at the shoulders , maybe that’s why it looks raglan . I will look out for a raglan cardigan pattern for you .

[@vickifenlon2235]

Is there a reason you are not doing all you construction on the overlocker? Is it so that watchers without an overlocker can follow the sewalong as well? Did you sew the pocket closed? Of course you didn't; they are slashed not inseam...😉😉It's gorgeous. I have a kit with that pattern coming from g & g. Thanks for the lesson...

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Yes that’s it. Also I find it strange that Tilly patterns which can be made on an overlocker have a 1.5cm seam allowance which make them awkward to do on an overlocker

[@elizabethevans5931]

Thank you for this great tutorial. Iam just beginning to sew and am petrified of knits. If i choose not to do the pockets, then i just move into the shoulders step, right?

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

You’re welcome , yes ,skip to the shoulders . I have lots of sewalongs for knits on my channel . Have fun

[@cathyb7667]

Good morning Andrea - really enjoying your sew along your a wonderful tutor 👏. A quick question - the navy Southbank you’re wearing - what type and weight of fabric did you use for it ? Many thanks Cathy xx

[@aleciacope3503]

Thank you, Andrea. This will be so helpful when I get to making my Billie. Also, you look so pretty in your navy Southbank! Any chance you'll be getting more of that fabric in your shop?

[@SummerRoomSewing]

I'm just about to start a Billy. i found the Tabitha t shirt had the same issue on the neckline. So to recap you raised the back and added 2" to the length. Otherwise nothing different.

[@deebuettner8017]

Do you ever use clips instead of pins?

[@ilariagarbati9412]

Hallo Andrea, thank you for your videos! Did you also shorten and raised the waist in the Southbank dress? I had to sew a 12 and 14 on the hips but it was pretty easy.

[@sewlittletime]

Fab sew along Andrea. Now you've made both the Billie and the Southbank, do you have a favourite and which one fits the nicest? I've made the Southbank twice and have done exactly the same size and grading as you and I'd probably cut the 3 for the Billie too, but was just interested in your thoughts. I'll make the adjustment for the neckband too on the Billie. It looks fab on you and the fabric is lovely - is it sweatshirting, I can't remember what you said xx

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Hi Karen , I’m definitely Team Southbank . It fit pretty much out of the packet and feels so comfy . I enjoy wearing mine . Even though I did the Neck adjustment on the Billie I still pull at the neckband when I’m sitting down . It keeps pulling towards the back . It is so uncomfortable. I love the fabric so much , it’s a french Terry but I really don’t enjoy wearing it . Even the pockets annoy me now, it could be the french Terry but the just keep needing adjusting . I’m going to top stitch the top 3 inches shut and see how that might improve them . If it doesn’t I’m going to top stitch them closed and cut the pockets out . The adjustment I made on the back neck of Cerys’s top is a good success , I tried it on even though it’s far too small for me and the neck was much much better . Xx

[@tracyfrost]

How many centimeters did you take out of your waist? I have changed the neck into more of a high collar. Any other ideas would be most welcome.

[@Mhe25]

I’m a new sewer and I’m going to make this for my daughter. If I make it a size, probably too big, and then take in the seam allowance, will that mess up the pocket? I’m afraid to cut into the fabric.🤦‍♀️

[@squeezylemon1]

Thanks for great tutorial Andrea.... I am such a fan of my Southbank sweater dresses that I dont think I'll buy the Billie, but will use your tips for other versions! Did you ever think of using Seraflock (stretch thread) when sewing knits? I find it works well in both my computerised Pfaff and also my 30+ year old New Home Combi machine! And I don't even use a zigzag stitch as the seams don't "pop" using Seraflock..... I don't know why more people dont use it when sewing with knit fabric!!

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

I'm definitely Team Southbank now Julia. I've had to do a lot of faffing with the Billie and it is still not as comfy as the Southbank but I had to make one, I was curious! Seraflock is a new one to me, I'll look where I can get some, thank you , that's a super tip. My husqvarna is such a diva , she will probably hate it but the good old pfaff just gets on with it. Thank you

[@squeezylemon1]

@@Beyondthepinkdoor I get my Seraflock from Minerva, good luck with trying it! I dont think you'll be disappointed!!

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Thank you Julua , I’ve just ordered white and black from Amazon . Can’t wait to try it

[@maryb.c.507]

@@Beyondthepinkdoor I love my older Pfaff as well. You mentioned that it sewed so quickly, most have a switch on the foot pedal for slower or faster sewing speed (not sure if you liked it going fast or not). One idea for the Billie neckline might be to redraft using the Southbank i.e. just cut the neckline and neckband from Southbank pattern.

[@deebuettner8017]

I do neckbands right after shoulders too. I can't figure out why anyone does it the other way.

[@shaidabegum.]

👌👍👏❤️ As always.

[@anatapia4878]

Hello there...i cant decide which pattern to make/buy next..which one do you recomend,,,the Billy or the one Andrea is wearing in this video?? Which one do you like the best Andrea?

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Ana I like the one I’m wearing in the video . The Southbank , I’m wearing one of my 3 today !

[@anatapia4878]

@@Beyondthepinkdoor thank you for replying

[@ruthirwin8222]

Just found u... where is ur shop x

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

Hi Ruth , my shop is in Ireland . It is online only www.beyondthepinkdoor.com but we ship worldwide x

[@Bernietheoc]

👏

[@anessaharris9947]

😀