Tamiko, Romy & the Tessuti Robe

Here’s an outfit that quickly evolved from one piece into three pieces and for that, I’ll blame the fabric. Last month we received a new delivery of our Newford Washed Linens. This collection has incredible colour depth, variation and interest – all thanks to the yarn-dyed aspect.

Much as I love all the Newford colours, I fell hardest for Aubergine and decided to make our Tamiko Pants. Released in 2017, they’re our super popular barrel leg style that came well before barrel legs were even a thing. As the Tamiko Pants aren’t an overly exaggerated shape, it’s an excellent pattern to try if you want to dip your toes (actually, legs) into this style.

I was after a little more volume so to subtly accentuate the lantern shape, I graded out at the hips from a size 10 to a size 14. I also widened the waist band so I could include belt loops. I do love the option for belt-wearing, should a belt be required. Case in point…

Using our pocket tutorial and this pocket pattern piece, I changed the stitched down pockets to in-seam side pockets – hands down my favourite pocket style and method.

So when the pants were made, I loved them and the colour SO much I decided to make a top, and our Romy Top was the pattern I chose. I’ve made a few Romy tops and dresses now and always finds it hits that sewing sweet spot for simplicity, wearability and comfort. Also, easy to hack.

For this one, I lowered the front neckline by 5cm and widened the straps to a finished width of 4cm. I had originally intended on making this top a more tunic-mid-thigh-ish length but that proportion didn’t end up working for me, so I settled at a 55cm length from front neckline to hemline.

And after two makes was I done with this fabric? Turns out no because I then decided a jacket could and would make this perfect set even better. With a few simple modifications, the Tessuti Robe ended up being the perfect pattern for that, and here are the mods I made:

• cropped 43cm off the length
• left off pockets
• shortened sleeves by 14cm
• reduced depth of sleeve band to a finished width of 4cm
• raised belt loops to sit 5cm beneath underarm seam
• Shortened and widened the belt to a finished measurement of 170cm length x 5cm width

I’ve been playing around with all three pieces and have found that they’re working so well with so many other garments in my wardrobe. Extra bonus: this colour works MAGNIFICENTLY with many other colours too. Try pairing it with navy, khaki, brown, blue, white, black and pink and you’ll see exactly what I mean.